HEART Forward

Christine Steffen, Vice President of Supply Chain Execution for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares how the HEART value of Agility has guided her through large-scale transformation, helping her teams not just adapt to change but own it. She also reflects on the power of gratitude as a leadership mindset, reminding us how a simple shift in perspective can ground us, strengthen teams,...

Blanca Loya‑Garcia, Director of Human Resources & Talent Management for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, brings courageous, values-based leadership to life through her experience and perspective. Drawing on more than 20 years in the beverage industry, Blanca shares why leading with HEART means building trust through honesty, respect, and transparency—especially during times of change...

John Smith, Sales Consultant for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits - Florida, shares his journey from hospitality to sales, and from the Midwest to Florida, highlights the power of agility, teamwork, and continuous growth. John reflects on a celebratory moment when his team came together to accomplish a shared goal in just five hours - a powerful example of what’s possible when a team unit...

Mindy Sinha, Director of Operational Effectiveness for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Ohio, shares how teamwork and service shape strong, people‑first leadership. Inspired by her upbringing on a farm and her experience as a U.S. Army Captain, Mindy shares why Teamwork is the HEART Value that brings all others to life. She recounts a powerful moment when cross‑functional teams rallied...

Rachel Moorhead, Vice President of Wine & Spirits for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois, shares why leading with HEART begins and ends with investing in people, connection, and growth. She reflects on founding Cheers to Women in Illinois and how a small idea grew into a deeply meaningful community initiative supporting teammates, families, and community. Rachel’s story is a...

Ty Stringer, Customer Service Representative for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, reflects on the power of agility in navigating change. From early life transitions to supporting customer onboarding amid evolving systems and priorities, Ty shares how embracing uncertainty has shaped his resilience and confidence. He reflects on a major overhaul of customer service operations and how stay...

Becca Weaver, Human Resources Director for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits South‑Central Region, shares how Honesty has become the HEART Value that anchors her leadership. Becca reflects on how transparency, empathy, and intentional conversations build trust and create cultures where people can thrive. She shares the vision behind the HEART Values Playbook, a practical toolkit designed to hel...

Cory Williamson, Sales Leader for Coastal-Pacific Wine & Spirits across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, shares his leadership journey from the U.S. Marines to hospitality and sales. Cory reflects on what leading with HEART truly means, how culture and accountability drive sustainable success, and why assuming positive intent has been a defining mindset in his leadership. A powerful reminder that t...

DaLonna Bush, Chain Accounts Specialist for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits in Kentucky, reflects on how leading with kindness, embracing change, and stepping up for others, especially during community moments like Eastern Kentucky flood relief, brings the HEART Values to life. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that when kindness and teamwork come together, even the smallest moments c...

Jose Carrillo, Brand Development Manager for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits in Florida, shares how purpose, discipline, and values guide his leadership. From supporting team members through career transitions to emphasizing mental and physical health, Jose’s message is clear: when leaders invest in people and lead with HEART, everyone grows

Bob McKim, Senior Director of Operations, New York for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares his journey through operations and logistics, shaped by decades of experience in fast‑paced, execution‑driven environments. Through a powerful story of his team rallying around a colleague during a serious illness, Bob brings HEART to life, showing how compassion, teamwork, and genuine care cre...

Rachel Pallais, Chain Account Specialist for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Louisiana, reflects on how Honesty has become the guiding value in her leadership. She explains how transparency in expectations, direct but respectful communication, and owning mistakes help create a culture where trust can thrive. Through a memorable coaching moment with a sales consultant - one that required...

Justin Sankey, General Manager of Southern Glazer’s newest business unit in Massachusetts, shares his experience leading the company’s first major acquisition in nearly two decades—the integration of Horizon Beverage. Through the lens of Southern Glazer’s HEART values, the conversation explores how agility, teamwork, and collaboration come to life during periods of significant change. From alignin...

Brooke Marsh, Senior Director of Logistics for Florida, shares why Teamwork is the HEART value that has shaped her leadership the most. Brooke reflects on one of the defining chapters of her career - navigating unprecedented business growth during COVID while simultaneously rebuilding the Lakeland Distribution Center after an F3 tornado tore a 50,000‑square‑foot hole in the warehouse. Through grit...

Craig Kneifl, Area Manager for the Coastal Pacific Division in Nebraska, shares why Excellence has become the value that guides him most - a mindset of striving to elevate the work he does for customers, his team, and the company. Through a standout story of building a nearly 10‑foot Crown Royal display - with purple paint, teamwork, heavy lifting, and plenty of creativity - he illustrates how exc...

Kim Scarpone, Senior Vice President of Sales Execution in Nevada, shares defining moments that pushed her to lead with courage, adapt in uncertainty, and embrace a cross‑country move that reshaped her life and leadership. Through her candid reflections, Kim explains how leaning into change, forming alliances, and opening up sooner helped her thrive in new environments and build culture alongside a...

Jason Bouchard, Director of Brand Development Managers for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares what “leading with HEART” means to him - equal parts love and accountability. For Jason, HEART is about creating a culture built on trust, transparency, and growth. He reflects on a defining moment for his team: the launch of the Coastal Pacific BDM division and a powerful three‑day kickoff...

Kennedy Granger, On‑Premise Area Manager for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares how embracing a growth mindset has helped her navigate a period of significant organizational change - from new team members to new leaders across the division. Through real examples, she highlights how honesty and respect have been essential to building trust, supporting her team, and creating a foundat...

Steven Rhodehamel, Director of Operations for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Tennessee, shares what “leading with HEART” truly means to him - adopting the values so fully that they become part of who you are. He reflects on moments across his SGWS career that sparked his belief in HEART in action, from the company’s care and commitment during COVID, to everyday gestures of kindness,...

Mariah Suarez, Talent Acquisition Manager for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares how the HEART values serve as the lens through which she approaches every interaction - from leading her recruitment team to partnering with senior leaders and coaching candidates through pivotal career moments. She reflects on a standout example of HEART in action: the “Grow Your Career Day” event, whe...

Eric Einsidler, Vice President of Commercial Strategy East Region for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, brings a grounded perspective on what it truly means to lead with HEART values. Eric shares why Respect has become the most meaningful HEART value to him—one he believes should be given upfront, not earned over time. He reflects on his experiences working alongside his father, a longtim...

Wilson McGrady, Area Manager for the Illinois Transatlantic Division at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares how the HEART values shape the tone of his leadership and the way he supports others. Through real stories, he illustrates how trust, consistency, and purpose‑driven leadership can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. He offers grounded, practical guidance for living...

Chyrail "Chy" Crawford, Senior Director of Commercial Insights at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and servant leadership in action. Through her story, Chy reflects on how the HEART values guide her daily mindset—both as a leader and as a mom of four. She shares the moments that affirmed HEART in action, the importance of genu...

Felix Williams, Vice President of Strategic Accounts & General Sales Manager for the Prestige Division at Southern Glazer's, shares how the HEART values guide his daily mindset, shape his team’s success, and influence the way he mentors others. From navigating high‑stakes customer expectations to inspiring personal growth and record performance, Felix offers insights that are both practic...

Zoe Wilson, a dedicated Sales Consultant at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares why Teamwork is the HEART value that has shaped her career and leadership approach. By launching the Conviviality Committee—a creative project designed to strengthen connection and collaboration among Michigan sales teams—Zoe demonstrates how teamwork drives innovation, inclusion, and success. Her story r...