||| CHAIRMAN PROFILE |||

BY KRYSTINA SKIBO keep WSWA a vibrant and diverse organization during his time on board . We recently interviewed Shaw about his experience and goals for WSWA , and what the future holds for the broader industry .

BW : What are your goals heading into the chairmanship ? Doug Shaw : I am very excited to serve the almost 400 companies — large and small , in all 50 states and the District of Columbia — that make up the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry . During my time as chairman , I will always advocate for wine and spirits wholesalers operating in the U . S . today by tirelessly championing the three-tier system .

With our supplier and retailer partners , our continued collaboration will be the significant driver behind the dynamism seen in the U . S . beverage alcohol marketplace — the most vibrant and diverse system of its kind in the world . From fair competition and product innovation to consumer selection , convenience , and responsibility , no one does it better . And of course , I am very excited to join the industry in Las Vegas for Access LIVE January 29 through February 1 , 2024 .

BW : How are you planning to accomplish those goals ? DS : WSWA has a very talented and dedicated team in Washington , D . C ., that has proven capabilities and trusted relationships to accomplish great things in our nation ’ s capital and in all 50 states . Along with WSWA members nationwide , promoting a system of robust regulation continues to provide important benefits to producers , importers , wholesalers , retailers and ultimately , consumers . When you have a system that is fundamentally sound and championed by professionals who are working side by side with its members , I am confident we will accomplish great things .

BW : What are some lessons you learned at M . S . Walker that you plan on bringing to WSWA ? DS : First and foremost , I want to bring the same energy and engagement with the WSWA team and membership that I try to bring every day to our team members at MSW . Over my 46 active years at MSW , we have been able to attract and retain top talent by providing opportunities for growth and development in a safe and stimulating environment . I have learned that everyone has an important voice and being a good listener and validating new ideas and strategies is of the utmost importance .

Sticking to core principles , yet being open to change is another hallmark at MSW . We are experiencing seismic shifts to how we work , how we face new challenges and how we create the most dynamic go-to-market strategies in an ever-changing environment . We have learned how to be resilient , how to make quicker decisions and how to open our minds to possibilities that were unimaginable a few years ago . This strategic and responsive approach will be at the forefront of WSWA ’ s decision making .

My roadmap to success has always been tied to hard work , passion for what I believe in and doing it with the utmost trust and respect for our employees , customers , suppliers and the community at large . Our WSWA team and the greater membership also deserve similar support on all levels , with the tenacity and integrity that provide measurable results .

Lastly , MSW has always operated with an open-door policy to assure everyone feels comfortable expressing their views and opinions . WSWA ’ s membership and the entire wine and spirits community should feel comfortable connecting and communicating with the WSWA team . This openness will ensure that we identify and work collaboratively on the initiatives that ensure the long-term health and well-being of this great industry .

BW : What are some of the biggest struggles the beverage industry is currently facing ? DS : One of the major issues is the evolution of trade practices . Trade practice regulations have been the cornerstone on which the success of the U . S . alcohol model has been built and we fully support efforts to make these regulations fit the marketplace realities of today . However , in doing so , we have to be mindful not to weaken the protections they have afforded for nearly 90 years . One specific area we are focused on is maintaining the level playing field bolstered by trade practice regulations — whether the marketplace be physical or digital .

Specific to digital considerations , we believe trade practice regulations must clearly address the rapidly changing technology landscape that includes the digital consumer marketplace and unlicensed third parties . The increased prevalence of unlicensed , third-party business-to-consumer platforms and digital marketing techniques have introduced new opportunities for industry innovation . At the same time , these developments have created environments that traditional trade practice regulations never contemplated .

We believe regulations are needed to bring these innovations under the scope of trade practice . As we close out 2023 and take on the new year , we will continue to oppose any threats to free trade

4 Beverage Wholesaler • Fall 2023