Seven retailers from five different operations were also honored as Market Watch Leaders last night. Here’s the full list of the class of 2024:

• Ted and Beau Farrell of Haskell’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has been in operation for 90 years. The original business was purchased by their father, Jack Farrell, in 1970, who became a Market Watch Leader in 1989 and was named Retailer of the Year in 2019. Jack passed away this July, but Ted and Beau continue his legacy of excellence. Haskell’s posted $60 million in revenue last year.
• Barry Broudy of Broudy’s Liquors in St. Augustine, Florida. Barry joined the family business in the 1970s, and assumed its leadership in 2000. His focus is on customer education through in-store events and staff training. The chain has five sleek, modern units in northeast Florida and carries over 2,200 spirits SKUs.

• • Chris Lamb of Carmel, Indiana-based Indiana Liquor Group (ILG). As president and managing partner, Lamb leads one of the country’s fastest growing liquor retailers, which encompasses 59 units and 250 employees. ILG’s rapid growth is credited to its business strategy, which is focused on acquiring smaller chains. The company has revenues in excess of $85 million, with spirits and beer representing the majority of sales.

• Vanessa Patel of A1A Fine Wine & Spirits in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Patel immigrated to the U.S. 33 years ago. She cut her teeth at her brother’s liquor store, but would go on to open a store of her own in 2005. Today that 2,100-square-foot shop has annual revenue of $2 million, due in large part to Patel’s focus on excellent customer service and curated selections.
• Neal Rounseville, VP and co-owner of M&R Liquors in South Windsor, Connecticut. Neal has 45 years of experience in beverage retail, which he taps to create an exceptional customer experience at M&R Liquors. The 6-unit chain has annual revenue of more than $20 million, most of which comes from wine.
• Beau Starkel of Nebraska-based Wine, Beer, and Spirits. Starkel originally got into beverage retail as a way to pay rent on his event space during the Covid-19 pandemic. What started as a side project has since evolved into one of Nebraska’s top retail chains, with 5 stores in the state and annual revenue of $35 million.

The Leaders Alumni were honored in the categories of Best Marketing and Community Service. Marques Warren, of Seattle-based Downtown Spirits, took home the Best Marketing award, while brothers Charles Bailes III and Jess Bailes of ABC Fine Wines & Spirits in Orlando, Florida received Community Service awards.

The supplier tier was also honored last night. Ugo Fiorenzo, managing director for the Americas at Campari Group, was the winner of the Industry Executive of the Year award. Ugo took the U.S. role in 2015 after a decade spent at Campari, where he worked on the Jamaican rum brand Appleton Estate. Since he took the reins, Campari’s U.S. volume has risen from 4.6 million cases to 7 million cases.

Among the brand honorees, Espolòn Tequila was named Spirits Brand of the Year, while Josh Cellars was Wine Brand of the Year. The Best New Spirits Product award went to Flecha Azul Tequila, while Meiomi Bright won the Best New Wine Product honor.—Danny Brandon