Breakthru associates and family members were alive with excitement as we came together for the 10th Annual Breakthru Hockey Classic and Family Fun Night. This is a weekend filled with tradition, camaraderie, and friendly competition. From thrilling hockey battles to unforgettable moments of connection, it was a celebration of teamwork, community, generosity, and the incredible spirit of The Breakthru Experience, which brought together over 150 associates, supplier partners, friends, and families from over 13 states and Canada. This year’s Classic not only brought folks together but also helped us reach this year’s charity donation total of $171,657 to the Blackhawks Foundation and Support West. This year, we also added a new element and opportunity to give back by contributing $2,500 to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and $2,500 to the Golden Badge Society. These contributions highlight our shared commitment to supporting community programs, first responders, and veterans alike. What an amazing feat accomplished when we all came together with a common goal to support initiatives that strengthen our communities while honoring and assisting our first responders and veterans, whose service and sacrifice play a vital role in keeping our communities strong and safe.
In 2021, Breakthru Beverage Group committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses. As an MSEP partner, we’re proud to be part of a network of 1,000+ organizations dedicated to advancing military spouse employment. This community represents a shared commitment to the success and career growth of our current, past, and future military spouse employees. We’re honored to be part of this mission and to continue building opportunities for military spouses worldwide.
We’re proud to celebrate Meghan Hamilton, Vice President of Sales, Wine, for being named one of Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 honorees! Meghan is a strategic, collaborative leader known for bringing people together, strengthening customer relationships and mentoring others. Through her people-first leadership style, she continues to strengthen her team and make a positive impact across Breakthru Beverage. As written in her magazine feature, “In every environment, she raises the bar, proving that true leadership elevates the work by elevating others.” Congratulations, Meghan, on this well-deserved recognition!
In honor of Veterans Day, BRAVO, Breakthru’s Veterans Associate Resource Group, partnered with Brown-Forman to provide service members and their families travel home for the holidays. Breakthru is proud to participate in Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home, which supports those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
We’re excited to share that Breakthru’s CEO, Tom Bené, has been selected as a nominee for Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 #WineStarAwards “Person of the Year” This honor recognizes Tom’s visionary leadership and successful career—one that’s been dedicated to making a lasting impact on the food and beverage industry. Congratulations, Tom, on this well-deserved recognition! We’re proud to have you as our leader.
This summer, our Leadership Development Program Associates came together to strengthen connections, share insights, and grow as emerging leaders. Through engaging professional development sessions, impactful conversations with C-Suite and senior leaders, and a review of our market successes, the experience was both energizing and inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to all our team and partners across markets—your lessons, wisdom, and support make a lasting impact. Together, we move forward with shared purpose and a toast to what’s ahead as we shape the next generation of future leaders.
Breakthru has been named a 2025 U.S. Best Managed Company Gold Winner—a prestigious distinction awarded to companies who’ve received this honor for four years in a row. The 2025 recipients of this award are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Recipients drove their businesses forward while remaining dedicated to their people and focusing on their customers. At Breakthru, our people are our greatest strength. Receiving this recognition for four consecutive years is a direct result of the incredible dedication and hard work that our leaders and associates bring to Breakthru every day. It’s our commitment to ‘executing with excellence, while delivering on our mission to be the distributor of choice and easiest distributor to work with that has led to us earning this honor.
That’s a wrap on another action-packed Breakthru Beverage Hockey Invitational! Congratulations to the Star Nosed Moles for bringing home the cup, and great job to all players and coaches. Over 130 associates hit the ice for a weekend of hockey, camaraderie, and fun in Chicago. This year, we raised a record $187K for the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and Support West. Big thank you to our associates, suppliers, and partners for making it all possible. Giving back is at the heart of what makes this event so meaningful, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
We’re excited to announce that Glenn Remoreras has been appointed as Breakthru’s new Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer! His experience in digital transformation will be key in driving innovation and advancing our technology strategy. Visit this link for the full press release!
We are proud to announce Meghan Hamilton has been appointed to the advisory council of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). This appointment recognizes her exceptional leadership and ongoing dedication to advancing women in the beverage alcohol industry. Meghan has been an integral force in championing women’s advancement, most recently serving as co-chair of Women Who Breakthru (2023-2024). In this role, she played a key part in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women across our organization. Now, as a member of WLC’s advisory council, Meghan will continue her mission on an even broader scale, helping shape mentorship programs, industry networking initiatives, and leadership opportunities for women in wholesale. Click the link below to read more about this accolade
