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Success of family-run business grounded in relentless focus on customers, community and employees 

YPSILANTI, Michigan – What started as a pub in downtown Ann Arbor in the early 1900s is now a successful family-owned, fifth-generation beer distributor employing over 180 people in southeast Michigan. Celebrating their 90th year in business, O&W Inc. continues to build on its legacy of community involvement and social responsibility, while keeping customers and employees at the forefront of all they do. 

“We’re excited to celebrate our 90th year in business serving seven counties across southeast Michigan as a fifth-generation, family-run business,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “Our family remains committed to delivering the best products and services to our customers while enriching the communities where we live and work for generations to come.” 

The company was born from humble beginnings, first opening in 1917 as the Union Bar in Ann Arbor. The Union Bar (now known as Old Town Tavern) became James O’Kane Distributing — the ‘O’ in O&W — after prohibition ended in 1933. Twenty years later, Hugh Wanty and James O’Kane teamed up to create O&W Inc., and the business steadily flourished. 

Over the years, the company acquired small distributors to gradually expand its service-area footprint to seven counties including Washtenaw, Livingston, Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties. In 2003, the company’s present-day warehouse was built in Ypsilanti as a more central location to its service area, and deliveries increased to a record-breaking 5 million cases in 2019.  

The key to the company’s success has been its focus on employees, customers, the community and environmentally sustainable practices.  

“We are an employee-first company, and we work hard to create a work environment that is both exciting and rewarding,” said Isabel Wanty, vice president of operations at O&W. “That employee-first philosophy extends to the communities we proudly serve, and we’ve made it part of our mission to give back by supporting local businesses and charities.” 

O&W also puts a high priority on environmental business practices. Bio-diesel fuel powers the company’s fleet of 31 semi-trucks, and glass and aluminum cans are collected from retailers and processed for recycling. Large fans in the warehouse circulate air to reduce heating and cooling costs while LED-censored lighting and EcoTek cooler controls maximize electricity usage and efficiency. 

With the fifth generation at the helm of the O&W Inc. leadership team including Kit Wanty-Lambert, president; Jamie Wanty, vice president of marketing; Cooper Wanty, vice president of finance and Isabel Wanty, vice president of operations, this family-run business is poised to serve future generations of small businesses and consumers looking for a variety of beer options to meet every consumer’s needs.

O&W’s current fifth-generation leadership team from left to right: Isabel Wanty, VP of operations; Cooper Wanty, VP of finance; Jamie Wanty, VP of marketing and Kit Wanty-Lambert, president 

O&W’s Ypsilanti-based warehouse

O&W’s fourth generation of ownership, left to right: Jim Wanty, Marilyn Wanty, Hugh Wanty and Doug Wanty

Marilyn and Hugh Wanty (pictured on the front right)

James O’Kane & Hazel (Seagert) O’Kane

William Seagert, who started it all and also owned Old Town, which at the time was named the Union Bar.

Historical photo of the Old Town Tavern

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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.

Left to right: Maggie Happel (Director – Alcohol, East for CVS Health), Rachel Rosbury (Director, Kroger/Meijer for FIFCO USA), Katy McBrady (President of Atwater Brewery), Amber Goodell (Vice President of Sales for Henry A. Fox Sales), and Kit Wanty-Lambert (President of O & W Inc.)

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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Employees at Henry A. Fox Sales recently marked 70 years in business as a statewide, family-owned and operated beer and wine distributor based in western Michigan.  

“Our story started around the turn of the century with ties to food distribution and brewery businesses,” said Brien Fox, President and CEO of Henry A. Fox Sales. “In 1952, Henry A. Fox Sales was born out of those early beginnings, and we’ve built on that initial success to establish a culture rooted in our rich history. We take great pride in our fine wine expertise, craft beer focus, spirits specialists, sophisticated sales platforms, and hardworking employees who help ensure we achieve our goal of being the preeminent wholesale beverage distributor in the Michigan marketplace.” 

Independent family-owned beer and wine distributors employ thousands of Michiganders and pump millions of dollars into local communities each year. Henry A. Fox Sales devotes itself to giving back through community investment, employment, and charitable giving. 

“While our philosophy is to provide the best service and sell our products, it’s about so much more than that,” said Amber Goodell, Vice President of Sales for Henry A. Fox Sales. “From our employees and suppliers to fellow distributors and every community we service throughout Michigan, we always strive to spread kindness, goodwill, and enthusiasm. We take great pride in our partnerships with local charities by embracing every opportunity to support them, enriching the communities where we live and work in the process.” 

Henry A. Fox Sales has evolved into a state-of-the-art wholesale beverage distributor that represents over 150 suppliers of wine, beer, and spirits and services the entire state of Michigan. They continue to invest in their team of world-class associates and their systems and infrastructure to be the best in all they do. 

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Atlas Sales, launched just after Prohibition, one of first female-led Michigan beer distributors 

BATTLE CREEK, Michigan – Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are creating jobs and helping other small businesses, like craft brewers, local wineries, and local retailers, compete, grow, and thrive on a level playing field. Atlas Sales Inc. is one such distributor, and this year celebrates 90 years of connecting brewers with customers. 

“Atlas Sales Inc. has operated as a family-owned beverage distribution company and has proudly served the Battle Creek community and retailers across Calhoun County since Theron ‘Pick’ Fagan founded it in 1933,” said Greg Dunn, president of Atlas Sales Inc. “We were one of the first companies organized to distribute beer and wine when Prohibition ended in Michigan. Over the last 90 years, Atlas Sales Inc. has been located in five different warehouses and played a key role throughout the history of Michigan’s beer industry. Our passion to serve our community and customers inspires us to work hard to build relationships, help ensure shelves are stocked, collaborate with breweries, make seamless deliveries, and promote responsible consumption.” 

When “Pick” Fagan passed away in 1983, ownership of Atlas Sales passed to his wife, Frankie Fagan. In the mid-2000s, leadership passed to her son, Greg Dunn, who has been recognized throughout southwest Michigan for his numerous civic and charitable contributions. The third generation of the family is now involved, as Bud Dunn is the company’s vice president in charge of sales and operations. 

“Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are family businesses, and I am proud of the accomplishments my grandmother, Frankie Fagan, made as one of the first female owners in the industry,” said Bud Dunn, vice president of Atlas Sales Inc. “She oversaw a period of rapid growth in sales, market share, employees, and business for Atlas. Despite not being from Battle Creek originally, she has played an active role in our community as though she were a native. At 91 years old, she continues to inspire the passion and dedication that has made Atlas Sales what it is today.” 

Atlas Sales Inc. is a beer distributor in Battle Creek, Michigan, serving Calhoun County. They operate as the front-line sales and distribution team for Anheuser-Busch InBev and New Belgium Brewing and Michigan craft breweries such as Territorial, Perrin, Rochester Mills, Right Brain, and Blake’s Hard Cider.

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Court orders involving New Jersey-, Hawaii-based companies latest in effort to halt illegal shipments that threaten small businesses, jobs

LANSING – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association today applauded state Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for two court victories in February against out-of-state companies found to illegally ship wine and spirits into Michigan.

The court orders against New Jersey-based M & M Wines and Hawaii-based Island Distillers Inc. are the latest in Nessel’s and the MLCC’s continued crackdown on illegal, out-of-state shippers of alcohol.

“These enforcement actions are just the latest examples of holding illegal out-of-state companies accountable for breaking our laws and jeopardizing Michigan small businesses, jobs and critical tax revenue in our communities,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. “We applaud Attorney General Nessel and the MLCC for continuing to support Michigan small businesses that follow our laws and contribute to the three-tier system that allows competition to flourish, giving consumers a wide range of choices and options.”

Illegal alcohol shipments are not tracked under Michigan rules and regulations, making it impossible to verify whether the out-of-state products are safe for consumers. The illegal shipments also avoid paying taxes, causing Michiganders to lose out on millions of dollars in tax revenue that fund police, fire services, schools and other vital services in our communities.

The Feb. 3 consent agreement in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan with New Jersey-based M & M Wines Corp. requires the company to pay a $9,500 fine and immediately cease illegally selling and shipping wine in Michigan. As part of the order, M & M Wines will also be required to add a disclaimer on any internet or other advertisement visible to Michigan consumers making clear their products are not available for purchase or shipment in Michigan. According to online records, M & M Wines is based in Clifton, New Jersey, and sells gift baskets that include wine, champagne, fruit, chocolates, truffles and cheese.

The Feb. 7 default judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Island Distillers Inc. requires the Hawaii-based distiller to pay a state fine of $25,000 and halt illegal sales and shipments of their products into the state. The default judgment was issued after the company failed to respond to Nessel’s and the MLCC’s complaint.

Attorney General Nessel’s aggressive approach is leading across the nation, resulting in 19 lawsuits, multiple injunctions, and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Under her leadership, and that of the MLCC, illegal shipments of wine into Michigan have dropped sharply since 2019 when a total 734,365 bottles of alcohol were shipped illegally into Michigan. These numbers dropped to roughly 107,000 bottles of wine illegally shipped into Michigan during the 1st quarter of 2022.

In one prominent case last year, the MLCC in coordination with Attorney General Nessel,  issued a violation order against Wine.com, a large, out-of-state technology company that had illegally shipped wine into Michigan since at least 2015. The violation order required Wine.com to immediately cease all illegal direct shipments of alcohol to Michigan consumers. According to MLCC data, Wine.com was responsible for an estimated one-third of all direct shipping into the state without producing its own wine.

“Thanks to Attorney General Nessel and the MLCC, Michigan continues to prove itself a national leader when it comes to holding those who break our laws accountable,” Nevins said. “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels or let our guard down. We strongly encourage the attorney general and MLCC to remain laser-focused on illegal alcohol shippers that jeopardize our time-proven three-tier system, avoid paying taxes, and rob Michiganders blind of much-needed revenue to fund essential local services.”

The M & M Wines consent agreement can be viewed by clicking here. Attorney General Nessel’s announcement of the Island Distillers default judgment can be viewed by clicking here.

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KALAMAZOO, Michigan – Michigan’s independent, local, and often family-owned beer and wine distributors have time-honored traditions and values rooted in their longstanding history as pillars in their communities. Imperial Beverage Company is one such distributor, and this year celebrates 90 years of helping people succeed.

“Imperial Beverage Company’s story started 90 years ago in 1933 when the Berry family established the business at the end of Prohibition,” said Joe Cekola, president of Imperial Beverage Company. “In the nearly 40 years since the Cekola family bought the company in 1984, we have strived to establish a culture of customer focus, hard work, integrity, and passion. We have grown from a one-county Pabst distributor to a statewide beer, wine, and spirits wholesaler in no small part due to great people with the ideas and drive to make Imperial something special. Every employee, in every position, contributes to our growth and success.”

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are leaders in charitable giving in their communities. Imperial Beverage Company’s involvement is unparalleled, from donations and volunteering to special events and their family’s own Joseph A. Cekola Memorial Fund. Established in memory of their father, “Big Joe,” the mission is to provide financial assistance to families of those with developmental disabilities.

“Our passion for helping people succeed goes far beyond our customer service and commitment to our staff,” said Larry Cekola, key relationship officer of Imperial Beverage Company. “The Joseph A. Cekola Memorial Fund is just one example of how the Imperial team works to support our communities. In addition to sponsoring festivals and events around the state every year, including Royal Oak’s Arts Beats and Eats, the Kalamazoo Marathon, and Marquette’s Harbor Fest, we encourage all our employees to actively volunteer in the communities in which we live and serve.”

Imperial Beverage Company is Michigan’s only statewide beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage distributor. They boast a portfolio of over 6,000 SKUs, offering something for every customer. With 342 total employees, including specialized support and sales staff who live in their markets and four locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Traverse City, and Ishpeming, Imperial covers every county, every week, all year long.

Left to right: Joe Cekola (president), Joey Cekola (chief revenue officer), Ashley Cekola (marketing director), Larry Cekola (key relationship officer)

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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.

From left to right, top row: Joe Koss, George Valleau, Jim Harvey, George Kleinbeck, Frank Morman. From left to right, bottom row: George Harvey, Jack Merchant.

From left to right: Ryan Ribel (vice president), Mark Ribel (president)

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DOWAGIAC, Michigan – Employees at Southwest Michigan-based Bud Distributing are putting in extra hours to help ensure local retailers are well-stocked ahead of the holiday season – the busiest stretch of the year for beer and wine sales.

“We’re proud to partner with suppliers across Michigan and beyond to help ensure consumers have an unmatched selection of beer and wine to enjoy this holiday season,” said Jenna Podjan, Sales Manager at Bud Distributing. “No matter what you choose to celebrate during the holidays, beer and wine have a way of bringing people together. From stouts, IPAs, and classic domestics to reds, whites, and everything in between, Bud Distributing is working hard to ensure shelves are well-stocked and tap handles are flowing.”

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors employ nearly 5,000 people and have deep roots in their communities across the state. Bud Distributing is no exception. Operating as a local, family-owned business for 50 years, Bud Distributing is passionate about promoting continued growth in the area as an employer and member of the community.

“At Bud Distributing, we place a premium on relationships with our suppliers, customers, and employees, focusing on ways to grow together for the future,” Podjan said. “As a family-owned local business, we have dedicated our efforts to the continued growth of Michigan’s Great Southwest. I’m grateful to every member of our team for their commitment to helping us carry out that mission and helping ensure a successful holiday season for consumers, our retailers, and suppliers.”

Founded by John Nate Jr. in 1970, Bud Distributing is proud to represent a strong portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, including several brands that are produced in the local communities it serves. The distributor employs 41 people while serving Southwest Michigan.

NEGAUNEE, Michigan – Employees at Upper Peninsula-based Pike Distributors, Inc. celebrated 85 years in business this year – a true testament to Michigan’s beer and wine distributors’ deep roots in their communities. 

“My brother Jack and I are proud to be third-generation owners after growing up in the business, working side by side with our father, Joe Ketvirtis,” said Sarah Ketvirtis, owner of Pike Distributors, Inc. “Our grandfather, Stan, was running beer out of a pick-up truck back in 1937 when Pike first got started. As a family business, we have a hands-on, open-door approach that emphasizes employee development and teamwork.” 

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors are leaders in charitable giving in their communities and actively partner with local organizations. Pike Distributors is no exception, with the company’s long-term involvement and sponsorship of numerous groups and local events throughout the Upper Peninsula. 

“The communities we live and work in are so important to us,” Ketvirtis said. “We wouldn’t be here without them. Our team goes above and beyond to help ensure local groups have successful events and can carry out their missions. Whether we are helping with set up, making monetary donations, or putting in volunteer hours, we do as much as we can to support the local organizations, projects, and events that improve the places we live.” 

As a local, family-owned business, Pike Distributors is uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of its local communities they serve and stay actively involved in the places they live, work, and service. The company’s community service runs deep, with decades-long involvement in many local non-profits and events that benefit the outdoors, health and wellness, sports, music, culture, and more. “Many of the organizations we support are the same ones our grandfather, Stan, began supporting years ago,” said Jack Ketvirtis, owner of Pike Distributors, Inc. “We are proud to carry on those time-honored traditions, and we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers to a great 2023!” 

Pike employs about 90 people and services seven counties in the Upper Peninsula, with three distribution centers in Newberry, Gladstone, and Marquette, Michigan. Additionally, they have 30 semis running throughout the country. 

From left to right: Joe Ketvirtis and Patti Ketvirtis (owners), Jack Ketvirtis (owner) with Stella Ketvirtis (daughter), Sarah Ketvirtis (owner) with Truman George (son) and Ada George (daughter). 

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BATTLE CREEK, Michigan – Employees at Atlas Sales Inc. are putting in extra hours to help ensure retailers are well-stocked ahead of the holiday season – the busiest stretch of the year for beer sales.

“We’re proud to partner with suppliers across Michigan and beyond to help ensure consumers have an unmatched selection of beer to enjoy this holiday season,” said Bud Dunn, vice president of Atlas Sales Inc. “No matter what you choose to celebrate during the holidays, beer has a way of bringing people together. From stouts and IPAs to classic domestics and everything in between, Atlas Sales is working hard to make sure shelves are well-stocked and tap handles are flowing.”

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors employ nearly 5,000 people and have a community impact of nearly $5 million. Atlas Sales Inc. is no exception with their involvement and sponsorship of numerous organizations and local events.

“At Atlas Sales, we are passionate about what we do for our community and gladly embrace any opportunity to share the wide range of many fine products available in the beer industry,” Dunn said. “Since day one, our mission has always been to be the best vendor for each of our customers. I’m grateful to every member of our team for their commitment to helping us carry out that mission and helping ensure a successful holiday season for our retailers and suppliers.”

Based in Battle Creek, Atlas Sales Inc. has been a family-owned beer distributor since Theron “Pick” Fagan founded it after the repeal of prohibition in 1933. They service retailers throughout Calhoun County.

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