Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association

11/07/2026

Veterans Working in Michigan's B**r & W**e Distribution Industry Spotlights: Great Lakes W**e and Spirits, continued.

Jason Vecheta (Driver, 21 years): "I love talking with people throughout the day, telling stories, and adding a little humor whenever I can."

Jordan Gavin (Driver, 2 years): "I take pride in completing every delivery, especially when I can exceed customer expectations by arriving earlier than anticipated."

Jahsaan Glover (Warehouse Associate, 8 years): "I enjoy getting out of work a little early when I can. I'm always willing to help others and be a supportive team member. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and the occasional trip to gamble. To me, that's all part of the American dream."

Travis Schade (Delivery Driver, 14 years, Supervisor, 4.5 years): "As a driver, I valued the relationships I built with my customers and the opportunity to travel throughout Northern Michigan in every season. As a supervisor, I appreciated the daily 'chess game' of coordinating driver routes and suppliers, along with the logistical challenges that keep the delivery side of our business running smoothly."

Thank you to Jason, Jordan, Jahsaan, and Travis for their service!

11/06/2026

Today's Veterans in Michigan's B**r & W**e Distribution Industry Spotlights: Great Lakes W**e and Spirits

Triston Albert, Driver (2 years): "I'm a proud Marine Corps veteran who takes pride in hard work, being dependable, and being a team player. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three daughters, hunting, fishing, golfing, and being outdoors. I believe in working hard, supporting the people around me, and always doing my part to help the team succeed. I'm grateful to be part of Great Lakes W**e & Spirits and proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country."

Jesse Spychiger (Warehouse Supervisor, 1 month): "I enjoy getting to know my coworkers and the logistical functions of my position. Our team members are very helpful, and I enjoy meeting and working with them. I think my prior logistical and supply chain management experience will be an asset to GLWAS. I only just moved back from Europe after 20 years living there. I was part of the Swiss Army for five years. I can speak four languages well and various bits and pieces of about a dozen more languages. I have been to all seven continents and around 100 countries. I love traveling and getting to know people from different cultures."

Theodore Lowe (Warehouse Associate, 4 months): "I enjoy working with my co-workers and appreciate the midday shift. Everyone works well as a team, and the management team is supportive and approachable."

Thank you to Triston, Jesse, and Theodore for their service!

11/06/2026

Today's Veterans in B**r & W**e Distribution: Alliance Beverage

Matthew Seay-Pelak: Matthew served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011, stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and completed his service as a Corporal. He served two tours in Afghanistan: the first with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, from May to November 2009. After returning home, he volunteered for a second deployment with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, from August 2010 to March 2011.

For eight years, Matthew has been a dependable and valued member of the Alliance Beverage warehouse team, known for his thorough work, attention to detail, and willingness to support those around him. A dedicated team player, he extends that same commitment to his role as Union Representative, advocating for his fellow coworkers with care and dedication. We are proud to honor Matthew for his service to our country and his contributions to Alliance Beverage.

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

Today's Veterans in Michigan's B**r & W**e Distribution Industry Spotlights: Fabiano Brothers

Jordan Smith: Jordan has been a Delivery Driver at Fabiano Brothers for one month. He served as a Private in the U.S. Army. In his spare time, Jordan likes fishing and hunting.

Matthew Smallwood: Matthew has been a Delivery Driver at Fabiano Brothers for 4 years and served as a Calvary Scout in the U.S. Army. Matthew enjoys traveling in his free time. He loves his job because no two days are the same, and he always meets new people.

David Olshove: David has been a Delivery Driver at Fabiano Brothers for 6 years. He was a Soldier in the U.S. Army. David enjoys lifting weights at the gym every morning before work.

Marcus Wisniewski: Marcus has been a Delivery Driver at Fabiano Brothers in Wisconsin for 6 months and was a 19k M1 Abrams Crewman in the U.S. Army. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his two boys.

Thank you for your service, Jordan, Matthew, David, and Marcus! 🇺🇸

11/04/2026

Today's Veterans in Michigan's B**r & W**e Distribution Industry spotlight is on Caleb Lowrey.

Caleb has worked at Ludington Beverage for 8 years. He served in the USMC for four years at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Caleb enjoys the intersection of sales data and logistics in his job and the ability to streamline them into a predictable flow to get product to their warehouse and then into their customers' hands. He is reliable, a good communicator, and can adapt to plans and changes that benefit the team as a whole.

Thank you for your service, Caleb! 🇺🇸

11/03/2026

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, the MB&WWA is proud to recognize veterans working in Michigan’s b**r and w**e distribution industry. From logistics and operations to warehouse and delivery roles, veterans bring leadership, discipline, and a deep sense of service to their teams.

Meet William Lambert Blackman and Troy Hill from Imperial Beverage:

William served in the U.S. Army and has worked at Imperial Beverage for 6 years and 10 months. He enjoys everything about his job, especially the people who work at Imperial and their customers.

Troy served in the U.S. Army. He has worked at Imperial Beverage for 6 years and 4 months in leadership, working both day and night shifts. He enjoys leading his team and working with all of the company's sites statewide.

Thank you for your service, William and Troy! 🇺🇸

10/31/2026

Michigan's b**r and w**e distributors have been preparing for the busy holiday season, and Halloween weekend is no exception. From receiving product and picking orders to loading trucks, making deliveries, and merchandising stores, there's a lot that goes into getting retailers ready.

So the next time you stop by your local store and find plenty of seasonal favorites, familiar brands, and new options, remember there's a lot of work behind those shelves to make that shopping experience possible! 🍺🍷

Have a safe and happy Halloween! 👻🎃

10/28/2026

As local businesses with strong ties to their communities, b**r and w**e distributors play an important part in Michigan’s economy. They employ more than 5,100 people statewide who help build brands, create competition, and grow the beverage alcohol market.

From warehouse operations and truck drivers to sales teams, reclamation, and so much more, these employees fill essential positions that help bring your favorite beverages to local retailers across the state. 🚛🍺🍷

10/15/2026

POV: Someone asks how they're supposed to choose which drink to order at dinner, and suddenly I'm giving a full press conference. 🎤

Glad you asked! There's a lot happening behind the scenes to bring you all those choices.

Michigan's b**r and w**e distributors are the second tier in the three-tier system, connecting suppliers with licensed retailers. They purchase, warehouse, market, sell, and deliver products, helping thousands of brands reach restaurants, bars, and stores across the state.

The result? More opportunities for brands to grow, more choices for consumers, and support for local businesses — all within a system designed to promote a safe, fair, and competitive marketplace. 🚛🍺🍷