Distribution, Beverage Leadership & Brand Strategy to Help Emerging Brands Thrive

The Backing Behind BrightBev

DIVERSE BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE
ALL IN ONE PLACE

Jeff Agase | Brightbev Founder AND PARTNER ↗

doug veliky | Brightbev PARTNER ↗

BrightBev draws on vast experience in distributor relations, portfolio strategy, P&L ownership, marketing, finance, communications, social media, M&A and corporate and beverage law to provide the insights, connections, and hands-on guidance that beverage founders need to scale with confidence.

Distribution Advantage

BrightBev has first-hand experience building and engaging distributor networks across total beverage, bringing your brand all the knowledge, foresight and connections you need for your route to market. 

Jeff Agase

  • Led the national Distributor Network Development team at Molson Coors for 5+ years 

  • Deep relationships at the owner and operator levels of large distributor ownership groups

  • Oversaw 100+ distributor transactions and new brand rollouts

Doug Veliky

  • Led the global Internal Audit Department at Reyes Holdings

  • Launched 75+ new brands across various styles, formats and target audiences

  • Built and presented Annual Business Plans to distributor networks for 5+ years

Business Leadership

BrightBev can connect with your emerging beverage brand on a knowing, personal level; with extensive small business experience, BrightBev knows your challenges, your triumphs and your opportunities.

Jeff Agase

  • Had full P&L responsibility across five regional craft breweries

  • Set long-term strategy and directed annual business planning  

  • Comfortable with a variety of functions, including sales, marketing, finance, operations and people

Doug Veliky

  • Led the Finance team for Revolution Brewing, the largest independently-owned craft brewery in Illinois, for 4+ years

  • Transitioned from CFO to CMO, leading the brewery’s marketing and collaboration with Sales

  • Ran the creative team, brand development, portfolio management, partnerships, activation, communications and social media

Legal Perspective

BrightBev knows what it’s like to operate in a regulated industry and the unique dynamics of the three-tier system; while BrightBev does not provide legal advice, it can interface with your legal counsel, saving you time and complexity.

Jeff Agase

  • Worked in M&A and corporate law at a top US law firm

  • Lead internal attorney on 5 craft company acquisitions

  • Legal experience across distribution, sales, marketing, IP and government affairs

SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY

BrightBev knows that the next great beverage brands need to tell their stories across multiple channels, including social media; BrightBev’s industry voice ensures that it can seek out the next big trends in beverage through content and dialogue.

Doug Veliky

  • Built followings of over 50K beverage industry members and fans on both Instagram and TikTok

  • Writes an industry Substack called Beer Crunchers with thousands of subscribers

  • Four-time North American Guild of Beer Writers award winner, including 3rd place for best blog/newsletter in 2024

  • I was fortunate to get to work with Jeff Agase on many different initiatives during his years at Molson Coors.  Jeff is a consummate professional with a formidable intellect — those qualities combined with his breadth of experience and creativity helped him create tremendous value for Molson Coors and its distributors during his time there.  I have no doubt that any company lucky enough to work with Jeff through his new platform will realize that benefit at an enhanced level.

    Bo Huggins

    CEO, K1 Management Services

    President and CEO, Houston Distributing Company

    Current Co-Chair, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I have worked with Jeff for several years and can attest to his understanding of what matters most to distributors and suppliers in the industry. Jeff aims for quick resolutions by bringing together diverse, and sometimes opposing, perspectives to solve complex challenges, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. He is a strategic thinker and results-driven leader, and his unique background makes him a well-rounded partner and advocate for potential clients.

    Tom Day

    Industry Leader

    Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Jeff Agase for many years, and I can confidently say he is one of the most insightful and effective professionals I have worked with in the beverage industry. He has a deep understanding of distributors, how they make money, and what they truly prioritize in their portfolios. His specialized expertise has helped guide my thinking about my organization’s strategies and portfolio decisions.

    Something I respect about Jeff is the immense amount of preparation and thoughtfulness he puts into everything he does. Whether it’s a business proposal or a high-level strategic decision recommendation, his work product is always thorough and meticulously crafted.

    Jeff has the rare ability to take complex, sometimes abstract issues and break them down into manageable, solvable components. He is a pragmatic thinker, skilled at creating structures within chaotic conditions, especially when there is a pressing need for it.

    While he is a strong advocate for his own business and clients, he is also flexible and reasonable enough to collaborate effectively and get things done—no matter what the circumstances. Jeff is extremely flexible and approachable and can thrive in a variety of settings and with different teams. His personality and approachability make him a pleasure to work with, and he consistently fosters a positive, productive environment wherever he goes.

    Russ Teplitzky

    EVP/General Manager, DeCrescente Distributing Company

    Former Co-Chair, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I have worked with Jeff Agase and can confidently say he is a highly dedicated, reputable, and talented professional. His expertise makes him an outstanding choice for beverage and distribution consulting needs. His integrity, knowledge, and commitment to excellence will provide tremendous value to your business. I highly recommend Jeff; he is an experienced and seasoned leader you can trust to deliver superior results.

    Joe Salois

    CEO, Atlas Distributing

    Former Co-Chair, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I have known Jeff Agase for approximately 10 years. Jeff is a very capable professional who is always well prepared for the business topic at hand. Jeff is a forthright, visionary guy and is very bright.

    In each situation and opportunity that arose, Jeff was always well prepared and very thoughtful in his analysis of the opportunity and/or the problem. Jeff is distributor focused as he understands the day-to-day hurdles that a beverage distributor faces in accomplishing the mission at hand. Jeff always considers a distributor’s point of view.

    Jeff sees the big picture, doesn’t sweat the little things, but he pays very much attention to the details and building blocks of a relationship and a transaction. Jeff is well trained at building structural solutions to issues and is very good about applying structure and giving advice on structure to distributors and to any company with which he does business.

    Jeff has maintained the same approach to relationships and business opportunities and we have been able to successfully do business together very recently. Jeff continues to provide me and my team with advice providing help in us establishing and growing our skills and depending upon his experiences in the beverage business. Jeff is trustworthy, reliable, smart, and a visionary. Additionally, Jeff is a very pleasant, upbeat, positive person, and his positivity is contagious. I highly recommend any association and any opportunity to build a relationship with Jeff. Not only will it be beneficial to your business, but it will be rewarding personally. 

    Elliot Maisel 

    Chairman & CEO, Gulf Distributing Holdings

    Former Member, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I have worked with Jeff on several occasions during his role at Molson Coors, and extensively during my time on the Molson Coors National Distributor Council.  Jeff is a strong business professional that is very thoughtful in his observations and recommendations.  He has always provided solid advice.

    Phil Meacham

    President and Chief Operating Officer, Glazer’s Beer and Beverage

    Former Co-Chair, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • I have worked with Jeff in several capacities during his tenure at Molson Coors.  His perceptive and straightforward personality along with his ability to handle complex situations always brought people to common ground.  He understands the distributor network and what distributors care about in their businesses.  His extensive background and knowledge set him apart in the beverage industry and would be a benefit to any client looking to navigate their course in this business.

    Luke Dahlheimer

    President, Dahlheimer Beverage

    Former Member, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

  • Over many years working with Jeff in various capacities, I have always found that he can operate effectively in different environments and get outcomes that work for everyone, even across divergent interests and viewpoints.

    Chuck Salzman

    President, Peerless Beverage Company

    Former Member, Molson Coors National Distributor Council

Great brands become legendary when they’re in the right hands.

Let’s put yours where it belongs.