Johnson Brothers is proud to announce its recognition by Newsweek as one of the 2025 Most Trustworthy Companies in America—marking an exceptional three consecutive years on this prestigious list.
This recognition, based on a nationwide survey of 25,000 U.S. residents and analysis of over 300,000 online mentions, reflects the confidence our customers, partners, and team members place in us every day. Johnson Brothers was once again the only wine, beer, and spirits distributor recognized among 50 winners in the food and beverage category, standing alongside global household names such as Gallo, PepsiCo, Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, and Boston Beer.
“This continued recognition is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to doing business the right way,” said Mark Hubler, CEO of Johnson Brothers. “Trust has been at the core of our family-owned company since 1953—trust in our people, our partners, and the promise we make every day to deliver exceptional service.”
As a family-led organization operating in 17 states, Johnson Brothers has built a reputation for exceptional execution, long-standing supplier relationships, and a culture of integrity that differentiates it from others in the wholesale distribution space.
View the full list of Newsweek’s 2025 Most Trustworthy Companies in America here.
Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the appointment of Nate Schmitt as Vice President of National Accounts and Category Management.
Schmitt brings over two decades of commercial experience in the beverage alcohol industry, with a strong record of leading national account teams, driving sustainable sales growth, and fostering retail partnerships. He joins Johnson Brothers from the Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing, the world’s largest craft brewer, where he most recently served as Vice President of Sales, National Accounts—On- and Off-Premise. In this role, he led high-performing teams, oversaw multimillion-dollar trade investments, and expanded retail presence across key channels.
Before New Belgium, Schmitt spent more than a decade at Diageo North America in roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as National Accounts Sales Director. His early career in Category Management provided a deep expertise in shopper insights, data analytics, and market strategy—critical skills that have informed his success in aligning supplier objectives with customer growth.
“Nate brings a high level of commercial acumen and national account expertise that will strengthen our customer partnerships and enhance our capabilities,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer at Johnson Brothers. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our category approach and deliver long-term value to our supplier and retail partners.”
Johnson Brothers today announced that it has signed an agreement to expand its North Carolina operations through the acquisition of Albemarle Distributing Company’s wine business in the eastern part of the state.
Albemarle Distributing, a long-standing, family-run beverage distributor based in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, will transition its wine business to Johnson Brothers effective May 5, 2025. This acquisition strengthens Johnson Brothers’ presence in the Outer Banks and surrounding markets, supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region.
Founded in 1960, Albemarle Distributing has provided 65 years of quality service to customers and supplier partners. Johnson Brothers has operated in North Carolina since 1975 and remains committed to delivering exceptional service and strong supplier relationships across the state.
“Our family has proudly served this market for decades,” said Johnnie Rowe, Albemarle Distributing, President. “Johnson Brothers shares our commitment to excellence, making this transition a natural fit. We are confident that our customers and brands will continue to thrive under their leadership.”
“We are excited to welcome Albemarle Distributing’s wine portfolio into our company,” said Scott Cash, Johnson Brothers, President – East Region. “This acquisition expands our reach while reinforcing our focus on quality service and strong partnerships. Albemarle’s market knowledge and deep customer relationships are a great complement to our operations, and we look forward to building on their legacy.”
About Johnson Brothers
Johnson Brothers is a multi-generational family-owned wine, beer, and spirits distributor in the United States. Founded by Lynn Johnson in 1953, the company upholds its founding values of work ethic, passion, innovation, teamwork, excellence, and integrity. Through forging strong partnerships with top-tier suppliers globally, Johnson Brothers offers an exceptional portfolio of world-class brands to customer partners across 17 states. With a dedicated team of 4,000, Johnson Brothers remains committed to delivering excellence and continued growth across its operations. For the second consecutive year, Johnson Brothers has been honored as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America by Newsweek. For more information about Johnson Brothers, please visit Johnsonbrothers.com | LinkedIn | Instagram.
About Albemarle Distributing
Founded in 1960 by Francis Rowe, Albemarle Distributing has grown from a small beer distributor into a leading beverage distributor in eastern North Carolina. With a diverse portfolio that includes wines, soft drinks, and new-age beverages, the family-owned company has built a reputation for quality service and strong customer relationships. Now led by the second and third generations of the Rowe family, Albemarle Distributing continues to evolve while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to the community and the beverage industry. Operating from its headquarters in Elizabeth City, the company serves customers across 15 counties.
Johnson Brothers is proud to announce the appointment of Jack Edwards as its new President. Edwards will lead the continued development of the company’s differentiated commercial approach, emphasizing execution, accountability, and complete transparency with its supplier partners.
Edwards joins Johnson Brothers after serving as President of North America for illycaffè, a super-premium Italian coffee company, where he led the company’s largest focus market. During his tenure at illy, Edwards successfully drove significant growth, strengthened customer relationships, and elevated the company’s position as a leader in the premium coffee industry.
Before joining illycaffè, Edwards spent nearly two decades with Diageo, where he most recently served as the Commercial Leader for The Diageo Beer Company. In that role, he managed a network of approximately 400 distributors, driving the success of iconic brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff Ice. Prior to overseeing Diageo Beer, Edwards was the Senior Vice President and General Manager responsible for one of Diageo’s largest Spirits and Wine Divisions in the US. Jack’s time at Diageo also included key roles in Sales, Trade Marketing, and Finance.
“Jack’s extensive experience with premium brands and his proven industry experience make him uniquely qualified to lead Johnson Brothers into our next phase of growth,” said Mark Hubler, CEO, Johnson Brothers. “His passion for execution and accountability will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional service and results for our supplier partners and customers.”
Edwards holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in Chicago as well as an Accounting Degree from Bryant University. He started his career as a licensed CPA, working as an auditor for KPMG.
Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Hodges as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Virginia, effective immediately.
Hodges brings over 12 years of hands-on leadership experience in the beverage alcohol industry, all with Johnson Brothers-Mutual Distributing of North Carolina. Since joining the company in 2012, Hodges has built a reputation for delivering results through strong execution, accountability, and commercial expertise. He has excelled in key roles, including Retail Sales Director and, most recently, Statewide On-Premise Sales Director, where he consistently drove performance, optimized processes, and upheld a high standard of operational excellence.
Hodges’ dedication to execution, accountability, and enhancing commercial capabilities makes him uniquely qualified to lead Johnson Brothers of Virginia into its next chapter of growth and success.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian into this leadership role,” said Scott Cash, President, East Region. “His proven track record of driving growth and his commitment to team success will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations in Virginia.”
Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward “Eddie” Nieves as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Nevada, effective January 7, 2025.
Nieves brings extensive experience to the role, having most recently served as General Manager at Nevada Beverage Company. His leadership background also includes several key roles at Anheuser-Busch, including Nevada Retail Sales Director, Senior Key Account Manager, and Trade Marketing Manager.
In addition to his beverage alcohol expertise, Nieves has a strong foundation in hospitality, with seven years of experience culminating as Assistant Director of Beverage at Wynn Las Vegas.
“Eddie is a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” said AJ Atta, Regional President, West. “His proven ability to drive results, combined with his deep understanding of the Las Vegas market and its unique dynamics, will be instrumental in continuing the growth and success of Johnson Brothers of Nevada. We’re delighted to welcome him aboard.”
Johnson Brothers, a leading distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments in Minnesota, effective January 1, 2025.
John Dempsey has been named General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Minnesota. John brings nearly three decades of industry expertise and a proven track record of success in leadership roles. He joined Johnson Brothers in 2001 and has since served in various capacities across multiple states, including as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Nevada and, most recently, as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Virginia. In his new role, John will report directly to A.J. Atta, who will assume the role of Regional President, West, for Johnson Brothers on January 1, 2025.
Nathan Johnson has been promoted to Vice President of Sales for Minnesota. Since joining Johnson Brothers in 2015, Nathan has held numerous leadership roles within the company over the years. His deep understanding of the Minnesota market and ability to foster key customer and supplier relationships have been instrumental in the success of our customer service and regional chain teams. Nathan will report to John Dempsey in his new role.
Johnson Brothers has proudly served the Minnesota market for the past 72 years, earning a reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment to its customers and suppliers. The company’s recognition as one of Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2023 and 2024 further underscores its dedication to delivering exceptional service and fostering trusted relationships across the industry.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to investing in strong leadership that aligns with our core values and drives success for our supplier partners and customers,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer for Johnson Brothers. “John and Nathan bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision for continuing the growth and leadership we have built in Minnesota for over seven decades.”
Johnson Brothers, a leading distributor of wine, beer, and spirits, announces two leadership promotions effective January 1, 2025. AJ Atta has been named President of the West Region, overseeing operations in Minnesota, Hawaii, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Scott Cash has been appointed President of the East Region, managing operations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia, along with the United Johnson Brothers partnership in Alabama/Mississippi.
Atta, who joined Johnson Brothers in 2016, has been a key driver of growth through strategic partnerships and innovation, previously serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Minnesota. “AJ’s leadership has been essential to our success, and we’re excited for him to take on this expanded role,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue building on the strong foundation we’ve created in the West,” said Atta. “Our teams consistently surpass expectations, and I’m eager to work alongside them as we drive growth and deliver value to our customers and suppliers.”
Cash, who joined during the 2018 acquisition of Mutual Distributing, has led significant growth in North Carolina and previously served as Vice President and General Manager. “Scott’s expertise will be vital as we continue to expand in the East,” said Marsden.
“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements in North Carolina and the strong relationships we’ve built with customers and suppliers,” said Cash. “I look forward to continuing that momentum across the East Region, focusing on delivering excellence and driving innovation.”
Both leaders will focus on driving growth, operational excellence, and strengthening supplier partnerships in their respective regions.
Johnson Brothers, a family-owned and operated distributor since 1953, is excited to announce the expansion of its partnership with Whitehall Lane Winery into the Nebraska market beginning October 1. This move adds to existing collaboration in Hawaii, Indiana, and North Carolina. The luxury division of Johnson Brothers, Oxford Street Merchants, will oversee management of the portfolio.
Whitehall Lane, a family-owned Napa Valley winery, is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and authentic wines, primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. Since acquiring the winery in 1993, the Leonardini family has upheld traditional winemaking values while embracing innovation, sustainable practices, and diversity. Their commitment to modern technology, eco-friendly farming, and creative winemaking ensures a warm, approachable experience for wine lovers, preserving the winery’s legacy for future generations.
“Johnson Brothers shares our family-owned values and commitment to quality, making them the ideal partner to help us extend our reach in Nebraska,” said Tom Leonardini II, Proprietor and Vice President of Whitehall Lane Winery. “We look forward to sharing the distinctive character and tradition of Whitehall Lane wines with even more Nebraskans through this collaboration.”
“We are pleased to further our partnership with Whitehall Lane, a family-owned winery that shares our passion for quality and commitment to excellence,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales for Johnson Brothers, who leads Oxford Street Merchants. “Together, we look forward to driving the business to new heights throughout the Cornhusker state.”
