Chairwomen Profile
BW : WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE HEADING INTO CHAIRMANSHIP ? RM : The mission of NBWA is to protect and grow our members ’ investments in the industry . My goal is to simply aid the association and NBWA leadership with the best directions on how to do just that .
I believe that beer wholesalers are uniquely positioned to provide superior value to our suppliers and to our retailers . NBWA plays such a huge part in helping distributors , not only on how to leverage those strengths , but also to safeguard the tried-and-true system of laws and regulations that govern and protect our businesses . So , the goal is to stay on the course and continue to lead NBWA .
BW : ARE THERE ANY LESSONS THAT YOU LEARNED AT GULF DISTRIBUTING THAT YOU PLAN ON BRINGING TO NBWA ? RM : Gulf is where I grew up and learned this business from
the inside out , so my experience in the market and advocating for our family business , working with our regulators and educating about relevant state legislation � all of that will translate over to my role as chair .
I ’ ve also had the advantage of having worked on a range of issues and goals that will serve me well . For example , supplier contract negotiations , overseeing mergers and acquisitions , and trade practices compliance .
BW : WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST STRUGGLES YOU THINK THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY IS CURRENTLY FACING ?
RM : I think the beverage alcohol industry is definitely facing some headwinds . Category health is a top concern for our members . The wholesale beer industry has always had its fair share of threats , such as supplier terminations without cause , threats to the three-tier system , changing consumer preferences and losing occasion to innovations like RTD spirits , but I think we really have an opportunity to change the narrative and educate consumers on beer .
Wholesalers have the opportunity to help win back those occasions to execute in the on-premise and find opportunity for growth . There are plenty of success stories and blockbuster brands , and the beer category and wholesalers play such a big part in building those brands and telling their stories . NBWA exists to provide resources to help advocate , and that ’ s what we ’ ll continue to do .
BW : WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR NBWA AND THE BROADER INDUSTRY ? RM : NBWA will always be driven by the collective strength
of our members . As our businesses continue to evolve into total beverage and we see more portfolio strategies , we will also see new generations of leaders taking the reins .
At the end of the day , we know how blessed we are to be a part of this industry and how important it is to have this great association that ’ s dedicated to protecting our businesses , so NBWA will continue to stay vigilant . We ’ ll continue to educate and advocate on our behalf , and the association is always going to work thoroughly and quickly to address members ’ needs and concerns . • www . beveragewholesaler . com Winter 2024 • Bevearge Wholesaler 11