George O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Distributing in Little Rock, AR, grew a small Miller and Coors distributorship into a 26‑county, multi‑generational business through a passion for building relationships and lifelong commitment to learning, including earning an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School in 2002.

NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser said, “George was kind, smart, loyal and fun. A friend to both powerful leaders and humble servants of others, he was relationship-driven, curious and thoughtful.” Read his obituary.

Pete Betka, founder of RMC Distributing in Colorado Springs, CO, began his career in beer as a delivery truck driver before rising to become a Coors executive and ultimately founding his own distributorship. He built an industrywide reputation for hands‑on leadership and a deep commitment to excellence, as well as for being a passionate outdoorsman.

Purser said, “Pete was one of those rare leaders who truly was 360 degrees. Understanding the mission was a touchstone, but he also cared about you personally. He was a true servant leader, and he will be missed.” Read his obituary.