Columbia Distributing Leaders On Building a Next Gen Pipeline of Beer Leaders

Columbia Distributing leaders believe they’ve tapped into a pipeline for the next generation of beer industry workers.  

 

On the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast, Columbia president and CEO Chris Steffanci, VP of sales, Portland Chris Watzig and former intern Rebecca Logan share the ins and outs of the Pacific Northwest distributor’s Beer Careers Program.

 

Watzig and Logan offer decades-apart experience of the 10-week paid internship program, which introduces participating students to all elements of Columbia’s business and operations. Watzig entered the program in 2015 and has worked his way up the ladder over the last decade. Logan recently graduated from Oregon State University and was in the program’s 2025 cohort.  

 

The discussion covers how candidates are selected, why the company believes it's important to invest in career development programs and what employers can learn from the emerging Gen Z workforce.

 

Before the conversation, Justin, Jess and Zoe share their Labor Day weekend adventures, including an unexpected encounter with a sandwich-hungry seagull. The trio also cover the latest news, including Sierra Nevada’s 2026 plans and Constellation Brands’ negatively revised guidance.