PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local company and its owner celebrated 50 years in business — marking a major milestone during tough economic times that have made such achievements little more than a dream for many entrepreneurs.
“Aroostook Beverage Company, a member of the Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a company gathering and event to honor owner Peter Briggs for his commitment and dedication to the family-owned business,” said Greg Glynn, account executive, Nancy Marshall Communications, on behalf of the Maine Beer & Wine Distribution Association.
Glynn said Aroostook Beverage is the fifth member of the MBWDA to celebrate 50 or more years of “responsibly delivering quality and choice of beverages to retail locations across Maine.”
“The company is well-known for its commitment to its employees and the local community. Aroostook Beverage Company has 14 full- and part-time employees who have a combined total of 187 years’ experience in the beer business. Using local drivers, the company delivers its beer, wine and other Maine lines, including Getchell Bros. ice from Brewer, to its many customers,” said Glynn.
In addition to being a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, Glynn said the company also “contributes to the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Northern Maine Community College.”
A dinner was held at the Northeastland Hotel on Oct. 22, recognizing employees for their many years of dedicated service. Also recognized at the event was Briggs, who was presented a plaque in honor of his “50 years of leadership.”
Presenting the plaque was Bonnie Cowett, who herself has devoted 26 years to the company.
“Longevity speaks so much for what it’s like working for Peter,” said Cowett, in making the presentation to Briggs.
Briggs said, “I owe my entire career to the people in this room. I have great people running the company.”
At a time when many businesses have closed their doors, Briggs enthusiastically told his employees the company is “open for business.”
“I’m not selling. You all have a job,” and the business “remains competitive,” he said.
ABC’s owner recalled how he first got into the business, selling out of the back of his station wagon.
Over the years, “I’ve merged, bought others along the way. We’re the only malt beverage sales north of Bangor,” said Briggs. “It’s been a long, hard struggle, but we’ve made it.”
Briggs stressed the importance of a business not overextending itself financially.
“Never buy something you can’t afford to pay for,” he told his staff.
“We’ll continue to stay in business here,” using that logic, said Briggs.
“I’ve bought a lot of businesses. It’s been a great trip and we’re still here — think we’ll continue,” said Briggs, laughing as he noted, “When I go, you’ll have to contend with Bette (his wife).”
Briggs said at this point, he has “no plan to leave soon,” except perhaps to “take a trip to Arizona.”
He expressed gratitude for all the employees have done to make the business a success for the past 50 years.
“You people give your all. You made it happen,” said Briggs. “It’s been fun, been great and I can’t complain.”
Following the dinner, Briggs talked about what’s behind his success.
“First, people love beer and wine. I have been able to grow over the years by acquiring other beverage wholesale companies here in the County. We now have a great product line — including Miller/Coors, Sam Adams, Heineken, Corona, Molson, Labatt, Shipyard, Seadog, Gritty’s, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Mondavi, Franzia and Sutter Home wines. Our company is also a distributor of Arctic ice from Getchell Bros. in Bangor,” said Briggs.
Pleasing customers is a big factor in any business’s success, noted Briggs.
“Customer service is very important and our customers are a mix of large grocery stores, convenience stores and all the restaurants and bars here in the County,” he said.
When asked what his secret was for keeping employees happy, Briggs asked Cowett — a 26-year employee and office manager — to reflect on her own experience with the company.
“Employees here are given the tools to do the best job possible. They have a friendly atmosphere to work in; they have important benefits here, such as health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and a 401k plan to help save for retirement; and employees are shown appreciation for the work that they do,” said Cowett.
Briggs said one technique he uses that meets with employee approval is he asks them to work together to solve problems.
“They are expected to sort things out and I do not micro-manage. Their input has led to so many great plans of action over the years. I feel very fortunate to have such determined, positive-minded people working here and they, along with our customers, are definitely the reason I am still in business,” he said.
Briggs had advice for other businesses looking to be successful during tough economic times.
“It’s simple; don’t buy anything you can’t afford and always have the means to pay back borrowed money,” said Briggs.
Being self-employed has been a dream come true.
“I never wanted to work for anybody else. While I started in this kind of business with family members, I couldn’t wait to get out on my own, which I did back in 1961. The beverage business was what I knew and I was able to get brands of my own to distribute and away I went,” said Briggs. “Most every day has new challenges — keeping up with trends, with technology and getting feedback from the folks in the office, the warehouse, sales and the garage keeps me very interested and involved.”
Briggs looks forward to many more years in business, serving County needs and employing County people.
“Aroostook Beverage Company is the last beer and wine distributor based right here in Aroostook County. The others have been acquired — some by me — and others have moved south. It is my hope to have my company stay here and continue to be a good supplier and employer for Aroostook people,” said Briggs. “I want to thank all of my customers for their business for the past 50 years. They are why we do what we do.”
