Traverse City beer distributor proud to celebrate 90 years in business, fifth-generation ownership

January 24, 2023

TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan – Employees at Traverse City-based H. Cox & Son celebrate 90 years in business this year – a true testament to the Michigan beer distributor’s deep roots in the communities it serves.


“My brother Mark and I are proud to be fifth-generation owners after growing up in the business from our early teenage years,” said Ryan Ribel, vice president of H. Cox & Son. “Our great-great-grandfather, Herman Cox, launched this company on Eighth Street in Traverse City after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, distributing beer to seven counties in Northern Michigan out of a small garage. We take great pride in our modest beginnings and time-honored values of having a superior company culture and investing back into our community.”


As a local, family-owned business, H. Cox & Son is uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of its community with both owners living and working in Traverse City. They actively prioritize partnering with local non-profits and events and helping other small businesses, like craft brewers and retailers, compete, grow, and thrive on a level playing field.



“We are more than just a beer distributorship,” said Mark Ribel, president of H. Cox & Son. “It’s rewarding to be a part of helping to promote growth, choices, and competition by working with small craft brewers to help them succeed today and in the future. It makes us better, too, as we work with and serve the people of Traverse City. Their authenticity fosters a drive within our business to stay connected and make our community a better place.”


H. Cox & Son has worked hard over the years to diversify their inventory in a dynamic tourist area market, with 35% of business done in the summer months. If you buy an Anheuser-Busch product within a 60-mile radius of Traverse City, it comes through H. Cox & Son’s warehouse, along with several non-alcoholic beverages. H. Cox & Son employs 65 people and services seven counties in northwest Michigan.

Detroit News: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.