Chris Caffey
CEO
Chris began his career in the beer business in 1975 at the ripe old age of 10. His Saturdays were spent sweeping the warehouse and doing other similar duties. At age 12 he found himself working summers as a delivery helper. After becoming licensed to drive, his summers were spent merchandising and as a delivery helper. Chris began his “full time” career in 1986 and has worked in virtually every area of the business, becoming President & CEO in 1994. He has served on numerous supplier councils, the board of directors of the North Carolina Beer and Wine Wholesaler’s Association, and the National Beer Wholesalers Association where he served as Chairman.
Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Guilford College and a master’s degree from Wake Forest University.
Chris sees his role (CEO) as ensuring the long-term success of the company; and ultimately, responsibility for the 400 families who are a part of our team at CPB and CDC. He thrives on our business success and the pursuit of excellence.
Mark Bowman
President
Mark joined our beer family in 2010 working in the warehouse as an order selector. After his experience in the warehouse, he went on to hold positions in Merchandising and Reset Management. In 2015, Mark joined the Chain Account Management team where he built relationships with our key retail/supplier partners and secured the role of Set Adviser for Lowes Foods. Mark worked with our Brand Management team to develop brands and processes that would optimize our domestic portfolio with MillerCoors, Yuengling, Pabst, Phusion, and Crook & Marker.
In 2015, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Bryan School of Business. Mark completed his master’s degree at Wake Forest University.
He has a passion for our business and its employees which makes Caffey Distributing feel like home.
Dan Benigni
Vice President Finance
Dan has been a cornerstone of our financial leadership team, most recently serving as Controller at Carolina Premium Beverage. He brings deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, strategic budgeting, ERP implementation, and operational improvement capabilities that have consistently strengthened the organization’s financial foundation and driven measurable results.
With more than two decades of experience, Dan has held key leadership roles at respected organizations including Britax Child Safety and Bonsal American. His broad industry knowledge, disciplined financial approach, and collaborative leadership style position him as a trusted strategic partner across the business.
Dan’s appointment as Vice President of Finance reflects our continued commitment to our mission: to be the employer, distributor, and partner of choice for our employees, customers, and suppliers.
Nick Velasquez
Vice President Operations
As Vice President of Operations, Nick oversees our supply chain, warehouse, and delivery operations, ensuring the effective execution of strategies that drive efficiency and support organizational growth. With two decades of leadership experience in operations, Nick specializes in implementing innovative systems that align with company objectives and position the organization for future success. Nick strategically connects supply chain initiatives with commercial goals to create enduring value, playing a critical role in developing scalable and sustainable processes that address our evolving business requirements.
Previously, during his 18-year tenure at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits across multiple states, Nick was instrumental in driving operational transformation by improving supply chain efficiency and executing distribution center strategies aligned with national objectives. His expertise spans in sales and operations planning (S&OP), corporate strategy, formulating operational tactics, and developing leadership capabilities—empowering teams to consistently achieve measurable results. Through close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders, Nick remains dedicated to fostering operational excellence and advancing the organization’s success.
Nick attended Lees-McRae College in North Carolina, where he studied Business and played NCAA Division II Soccer. Originally from Colombia, South America, Nick moved to Florida at the age of 13. Throughout his professional career, he has lived in Florida, Washington, Kentucky, and Texas. In 2024, Nick and his wife decided to move to Charlotte with their three children to call North Carolina their forever home.
Rick Stell
Vice President Revenue Management
Rick originally started in the wine industry with E&J Gallo Winery for 19 years. It is there he first gained vital supplier and wholesaler experience which allowed him to lead the industry in his Chain Manager and Sales Manager roles in the Dallas and Tampa areas.
Since then Rick has been an imperative part of our company for over 20 years and has assumed integral positions as a partner to Diageo, Heineken, and MillerCoors on their Supplier Advisory Boards. Rick is currently using his wealth of knowledge to manage all of our brands.
Rick gained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. That, with his 38 years of industry knowledge, has allowed him to become an integral part of our company and our brands.
Aaron Caffey
Executive Vice President
Aaron started working for the family business in 2013 as an order selector for the warehouse. Soon after, Aaron worked as summer help in our Merchandising and Delivery Departments. In 2016, he was a graduate of the company’s Inaugural Beer Scout Program and started working as a Draft Tech in our Fresh Tap Division. In late 2017, he started an internal executive development program, which led to his position of Assistant General Manager in 2019. Shortly after, Aaron gained additional responsibility by becoming the Director of Facilities. Aaron recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors as the NC Representative for the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
Aaron holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (B.B.A.), with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Management from Greensboro College. Aaron is a proud alumnus of Phi Delta Theta, Alabama Alpha Chapter, University of Alabama.
Aaron is certified by The Center of Creative Leadership for completion of their Leadership Development Program, certified by The Predictive Index as a PI Master Practitioner, certified by The Wharton School for completion of Business Analytics, and is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server.
Mickey Williard
Executive Vice President
Mickey joined the Caffey family in 2020 as a Business Analyst. After his first year, he was selected for the Executive Leadership Program, where he cross-trained with our Executive Team and gained hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of our Greensboro and Charlotte locations. Upon completing the program, he was promoted to Vice President of Business Development.
After a few years of deepening his industry knowledge and gaining valuable experience, Mickey was promoted to Executive Vice President where he is responsible for driving strategic growth and ensuring operational excellence. In addition to his work at Caffey Distributing and Carolina Premium Beverage, Mickey has held roles in real estate investment and served as an NCAA Division I baseball coach.
Mickey earned a bachelor’s degree from High Point University and an MBA from Wake Forest University. In 2025, he completed Columbia Business School’s Chief Executive Officer Program and was honored as a Triad Business Journal’s ’40 Under 40′ recipient.
Andrew Gann
Director of Sales Strategy
Andrew began his beverage career 22 years ago when he was offered a job merchandising at Atlantic Beverage out of New Bern, North Carolina. What started out as a part time job during his summer break, quickly turned into a passion.
Andrew graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill in 2005, then moved to the coast and began working in the beverage industry full time. He loved working and living close to the beach, but when he was given the opportunity in 2008 to move to Charlotte and work for Caffey, he quickly took advantage. Caffey soon turned into Carolina Premium Beverage, where Andrew now leads our Brand and Chain teams As Director of Sales Strategy across our footprint.
Over the years, Andrew has merchandised, loaded trucks during the night shift, driven a delivery truck, worked as a salesman, managed brands and managed a team in the grocery department. Andrew is happily married and has 3 rowdy boys.
Scott Schaefer
Sales Execution Advisor
Scott began his career in the beverage industry in 1986, with the E & J Gallo Winery. After completing their prestigious Field Marketing program, he was able to work his way up and was promoted to Sales Manager. This is where he sharpened his sales and management skillset and established himself as a leader. He was elevated to Sales Manager at three different Gallo wholesalers, taking on added responsibility with each position.
The valuable experience Scott gained at the renowned winery provided him the opportunity to join the Caffey family in 2001, where he now holds his position as Sales Manager. He loves working with the Caffey team and their multiple suppliers and wholesalers. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything he does, both professionally and personally. Scott’s passion runs deep, and he strives to build a culture of teamwork, respect, and collaboration. He has been honored to lead a sales team that continues to be recognized year after year as best in class.
Scott earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.
Devin Strong
Director of Sales Execution
Devin began his career in the beer industry 26 years ago with Southern Wholesale, starting as a Delivery Driver. Driven by a strong work ethic and a passion for learning the business from the ground up, he progressed into roles as a Sales Consultant and later as an Area Sales Manager supporting Convenience Store operations.
Following the acquisition of Southern Wholesale, Devin became part of the Caffey family, which ultimately evolved into Carolina Premium Beverage. Throughout this journey, he has continued to expand his leadership impact, most recently serving as Operations Manager, where he developed deep expertise in cross-functional collaboration and frontline performance.
In his current role as Director of Sales Execution, Devin leads the company’s go-to-market strategy and execution across our entire footprint. He is responsible for driving alignment between sales, operations, and supplier priorities, ensuring strategic initiatives are executed effectively at the market level to deliver consistent results and support long-term growth.
Devin’s extensive industry experience, hands-on leadership style, and commitment to operational excellence make him a key contributor to our continued success. Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters.
TJ McQuade
Large Format Divisional Sales Manager
TJ began his career at Caffey Distributing in 1985. He started on the refrigerator draft truck delivering kegs to our on-premise accounts. TJ has held the positions of Sales Consultant, On-Premise Manager, and Grocery Sales Consultant. He is now Sales Manager over our Grocery Division.
Eric Pennington
Small Format Divisional Sales Manager
Eric brings over 10 years of industry experience to the Caffey Distributing team. He began his career in the Fresh Tap department, where he developed a strong foundation in draft operations and customer service. Through consistent performance and dedication, Eric transitioned into managing his own sales route before advancing into leadership roles within the organization.
During his tenure, Eric has served as a Territory Manager and later as a Fresh Tap Market Manager. He currently holds the role of Small Format Divisional Manager, where he oversees operations and supports continued growth across the division.
Eric attended Pfeiffer University, where he earned his degree.
Jeff Snyder
On Premise Market Manager
Jeff’s story at Caffey Distributing is a true example of growth and dedication. He began his career with the company 21 years ago in a Swing position within our On-Premise division. Through hard work, determination, and a strong commitment to excellence, Jeff earned his CDL-A license and advanced into the role of Driver-Sell Representative.
His drive to continuously develop led him to succeed as an On-Premise Pre-Sell Sales Representative and later as an On-Premise Area Sales Manager. Today, we are proud to recognize Jeff’s well-deserved promotion as he steps into the role of leading our entire On-Premise division.
Jeff’s proven leadership, deep industry knowledge, and passion for our business make him exceptionally well suited to guide the On-Premise team forward. His career reflects perseverance, loyalty, and the opportunities that come from dedication. We are confident he will continue to inspire innovation and success in his new role.
Outside of work, Jeff is a proud Buffalo Bills fan and a former University at Buffalo basketball player. A devoted husband and father of four, he brings the same commitment to his family that he demonstrates every day in his professional life.
Darin Whitaker
Operations Manager
Darin began his career in beer as a Caffey Delivery Driver in 1994. Darin took advantage of the generous career training Caffey offers and was able to gain various skills and knowledge as he worked his way up through the company.
He’s held multiple positions throughout his career including: Delivery Driver, Key Account Manager, Division Sales Manager, Craft Brand Manager, and Fresh Tap Manager. Darin has built a key foundation for our prestigious Fresh Tap program throughout the years. In 2021, Darin was promoted again to Operations Manager, while also overseeing our Fresh Tap Program.
Jeremy Fitzgerald
Delivery Manager
Jeremy brings a strong background in sales and operations to the Caffey Distributing team. He began his career in our Sales Department, where he quickly developed a deep understanding of customer relationships and route execution.
Through dedication and consistent performance, Jeremy advanced into Sales Management, serving as a Large Format Territory Manager. After several successful years in management, he transitioned into the Delivery department, where he now oversees Caffey’s entire fleet.
Jeremy’s diverse experience across both sales and delivery operations provides him with a well-rounded perspective that supports efficiency, accountability, and continued operational excellence throughout the company.
Alicia Tatum
Director of Human Resources
Alicia brings over 4+ years of Human Resources experience to the Caffey Team. She previously worked at the Tanger Outlets Corporate Office in Greensboro, where she was the HR Generalist supporting roughly 600 employees. Prior to working with Tanger Outlets, Alicia held three positions at CRG Corporation: Recruiting Administrator, Recruiting Manager, and Payroll Specialist.
Alicia attended High Point University where she obtained a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing in 2016. One year later, she completed her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Sales Leadership from High Point University. Alicia has a passion for people and leaving a positive impact on every person that walks in her office.
Lexi Dotson
Talent Acquisition Manager
Lexi joined the Caffey family in 2021 as a Recruiter. Throughout her time here she has cross trained in every department to gain knowledge on all our positions held here at Caffey Distributing. At the beginning of 2022, Lexi was promoted to our Talent Acquisition Manager. In her role, she oversees both recruiters here at Caffey Distributing as well as Carolina Premium Beverage.
Lexi started her career in beer with us, but before joining our family, she attended Dean College in Massachusetts where she studied Dance. She continued her dance career and danced for the Boston Tap Company before moving down to North Carolina to work for Hilco Transport as a Processor. At Hilco Transport, she was promoted to Recruiting for their mechanics and loaders. Soon after, she decided to start her career in beer and joined our family!
Get in touch
For more information on how to work with us, contact us today.