Brewbound Podcast: 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."

Columbia Distributing runs a 10-week paid Beer Careers Program that introduces students to all elements of the company's business and operations. The program pairs hands-on experience across departments with career development to build a talent pipeline for the beer industry. One alumnus entered the program in 2015 and progressed into leadership roles over a decade. A recent participant graduated from Oregon State University and was part of the 2025 cohort. The program emphasizes candidate selection, employer investment in development, and lessons for engaging the emerging Gen Z workforce. A pre-segment shares a Labor Day seagull anecdote and brief industry news items.

Read at www.brewbound.com