NBWA announces winner of ‘Share Your Story’ contest highlighting beer distributor employees

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) announced Bryan Wright of Giglio Distributing in Beaumont, Texas, as the winner of NBWA’s Third Annual Share Your Story Contest. Beer distributor employees who have never attended the NBWA Annual Convention & Trade Show were eligible to submit a written entry explaining why they love working in the beer distribution industry.

“We were overwhelmed with compelling and passionate stories from a wide range of beer distributor employees across the country. Every single entry shared a deep pride working in the beer distribution industry, and it’s the passion of the men and women in beer markets across the country that make this industry what it is today,” said NBWA Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs Rebecca Spicer. “Brian Wright is not only a standout beer distribution employee, but he also served our country honorably overseas with the U.S. Army. He demonstrates every day how military training can serve as a solid foundation for work in the beer distribution industry.”

After returning home from serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom, Wright took an entry-level position at Giglio Distributing as a route salesman. After two years, Wright was promoted to a logistics management role.

“I never thought that I, as a high school graduate without a specialized skill set, would have been able to soar so high … I never expected to have been given the opportunity at success that has been afforded to me, especially while getting to do so in an environment that is closer to being with family rather than co-workers,” wrote Wright in his essay.

Wright compared working at Giglio Distributing to his time of service in the Army. “You are surrounded by the same group of people day in and day out, dealing with the same issues as you, and working towards the same common goal,” Wright wrote. “The camaraderie and sense of brotherhood I get working day in and day out with these people is something I haven’t experienced since my days in the military … The beer business is truly a unique industry that I am proud to be a part of. I could not imagine my life any place else.”

According to a recent NBWA survey, 91 percent of America’s beer distributors employ veterans or current service members.

Wright will be recognized during NBWA’s 78th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Oct. 11 – 14, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.