We're bringing it closer to home today, talking with Jamie about varietals here in the Pacific Northwest. What do we grow in this region? What does Jamie recommend we try? 

Have a question for Jamie? Send to [email protected]. 

We're kicking off a series of episodes featuring our own Everyday Influencers. They're driven, inspirational, and enthusiastic, and they have helped and continue to help shape our company culture. These are the same people who go out of their way to influence how we all connect to Columbia Distributing. 

Today, we welcome Brian Kampmann to the podcast. Brian is a Springfield-based Business Development Director with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He's here to share his career path, some lessons learned, challenges overcome, and what he tells people who want his job someday.

We continue building our foundational knowledge about wine with all things varietals. And boy, all the things - there's so much to learn! 

What is a varietal? How many are there? What's Jamie's favorite? What should I try if I'm new to wine? How do I promote a higher-end varietal to my customer? We cast a wide net on this episode and will reel it into the PacNW on part 3. 

Have a question for Jamie? Send to [email protected]. 

We're diving deep, deep, DEEP into the wine world with our Business Development Director Jamie Frietas. Jamie's love for wine is infectious, and his knowledge is unmatched. Over the next few months, Jamie will educate us on all the ins and outs of wine - the varietals, regions, food pairings...the works! We will all be experts by the end of this. 

Do you have a question for Jamie? Let's answer it on air. Send it to [email protected]. 

Senior VP of Technology Tracy Fox explains Artificial Intelligence (AI) - what it is, how it works, why we should be careful with it and what's next for Columbia. 

Teammate Jessica Rasmussen-Williams talks about going through the Lean Leader Certification. Hear about her project, what she learned, and advice she has for others thinking about jumping into Columbia's CI efforts. 

Director of Continuous Improvement Michael Colón takes us through the familiar terms, the "why" behind Columbia's CI quest, as well as how CI is already greatly impacting the business.

Want to learn more? Check out the CI SharePoint page where you can also submit your idea for a Kaizen. 

Photo: Michael (right) receiving his LEAN Green Belt Certificate

Columbia Distributing's Business Development Director Jamie Frietas interviews Trinchero Family Estates' Division VP Chris Ray about the company's Heritage Month, celebrated each February and September.

Read more on Columbia's blog here. 

Silver Moon Brewing Co-Founder James Watt's talks about the history and evolution of F*Cancer, including two new products in 2024.

Name collection starts Feb. 1, 2024. The nomination form can be found here.

Episode introduced with Columbia's Mike Blystone, VP of Portfolio Brands, Beer

Training Specialist Lilly Heath talks about why she founded Columbia's first Business Resource Group, Women I.M.P.A.C.T. Columbia. Hear why it's not only for women and how to get involved!

Learn more about the BRG, including how to sign up, here on Columbia's Sharepoint page.