‘Women in Beer and Wine’ provides career insights, inspires future women industry leaders

April 25, 2023

Panel led by MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee latest effort to highlight growing role of women in Michigan’s beer and wine industry

LANSING, Michigan – Members of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association Women’s Advocacy Committee (MB&WWA), along with FIFCO USA, recently hosted an event for a group of Michigan State University students at Dan Henry Distributing in Lansing. A panel of committee members and other women who work in the beer and wine industry shared their knowledge, expertise, and career guidance. The event was the MB&WWA committee’s latest effort to inspire the next generation of women leaders in Michigan’s beer and wine industry.


“As Chair of the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee, I was honored to participate as a panelist in this event to highlight women working in the beer and wine distribution industry and to discuss numerous career opportunities — from sales, marketing, and human resources to finance and operations,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, President of O & W Inc. “Breweries, wineries, and retailers across Michigan are owned and operated by women, and women continue climbing the ranks of Michigan’s family-owned, independent beer and wine distributors. I sincerely hope our panel inspired more women to consider careers in this industry that helps create jobs, supports small businesses like local wineries, craft brewers, and local retailers, and provides choices to Michigan’s beer and wine lovers.”


Wanty-Lambert was one of five female panelists who represented the different facets of the beer and wine industry: Amber Goodell, Vice President of Sales for Henry A. Fox Sales, Maggie Happel, Director – Alcohol, East for CVS Health, Rachel Rosbury, Director, Kroger/Meijer for FIFCO USA, and Katy McBrady, President of Atwater Brewery. Tracy McGrew, Chain Account Manager for New York-based brewer FIFCO USA, moderated the panel.

The panel discussed a range of topics, including the changing landscape of the beer and wine industry and how women are stepping into more leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewarding aspects of working in the beer and wine industry as a woman.


“The Women in Beer and Wine event was a unique learning experience that piqued my interest in career opportunities in the beer and wine industry, leaving me excited and eager to learn more,” said Natalie Hohwart, a junior studying marketing at Michigan State University. “Hearing from the panel of accomplished and passionate women was inspiring and made me very hopeful for my future.”


As one of the alcohol beverage industry’s most progressive state trade associations, the MB&WWA represents family-owned and local beer and wine distributors who work hard every day to deliver a wide variety of beverages to licensed retailers throughout Michigan. The Women’s Advocacy Committee is made up of female executives from distributors across the state, as well as the MB&WWA’s Vice President of Operations & Events and one of its lead female lobbyists.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).