DENVER, CO, 02/03/2025 - In a moment of celebration and reflection at Access LIVE 2025, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) presented its Lifetime Leadership Award to John “Jack” Aaron, Chairman of Athens Distributing Company and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Tennessee. The announcement took place during the opening general session at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, where industry leaders are gathered this week to learn, network and celebrate the wine and spirits industry.
The Lifetime Leadership Award is the highest honor WSWA bestows, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership and integrity throughout their careers. This prestigious award celebrates those who have helped shape the industry, strengthened the three-tier system and paved the way for future generations of wholesalers.
A Legacy of Leadership
Jack Aaron’s impact on the industry has been profound. As Chairman of Athens Distributing Company, he played an integral role in growing the business into West Tennessee’s largest wine and spirits wholesaler. Under his leadership, Athens Distributing has become synonymous with excellence, fostering strong relationships with suppliers, retailers and distributors alike.
But Aaron’s leadership extends far beyond mere business activities. A dedicated advocate for fair regulation and responsible distribution, he has been an active member of WSWA for decades, serving on the Board of Directors for 20 years and as WSWA Chair in 1990. His longstanding commitment to the wholesaler tier and his advocacy for fair competition and sensible regulation have made him a pillar of the association and the industry at large.
A Champion for Community
In addition to his industry achievements, Aaron is known for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy and community service. He has served on the Board of Directors for St. Agnes Academy/St. Dominic School, the Chickasaw Country Club, and has been a key supporter of St. Jude Research Hospital, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Streets Ministries, St. Michael Catholic Church and Catholic Charities.
His dedication to giving back is a testament to his character, making him not only a leader in business but also a champion for positive change in his community.
Industry Leaders Reflect on Aaron’s Impact
As they introduced Aaron prior to bestowing the award, WSWA Chairwoman Dina Opici and WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton shared heartfelt remarks on Aaron’s tremendous influence on the industry.
“The Lifetime Leadership Award … celebrates individuals whose dedication, service, and leadership have helped shape the safest, most successful, and diverse alcohol marketplace in the world,” Creighton said, pointing to Aaron’s “visionary approach to business and his unwavering dedication to the three-tier system.”
Opici echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that this award is about more than just professional success. “WSWA’s Lifetime Leadership Award is about integrity, commitment and the enduring impact one person can make on an entire industry,” she said. “Jack Aaron has been a steadfast advocate for our industry, leading by example for decades.”
Celebrating a Lifetime of Excellence
As Aaron took the stage to accept his award, the audience honored him with a standing ovation, celebrating his integrity, leadership and generosity.
His acceptance speech was full of characteristic humor and modesty. When Aaron was first informed about winning the honor he requested a list of all of the previous winners. “When I got that list, it was guys that I've grown up with in the industry — guys that I consider to be good friends, and I just feel honored to be in the same place as those guys,” he said.
Throughout his remarks, Aaron reflected on his journey, his passion for the industry, and the people who have shaped his career. He expressed gratitude for the relationships he has built over the years and reaffirmed his belief in the strength and future of the wholesaler community. In particular, he thanked his wife and children for their unwavering support. He also recognized John L. Donnelly, Sr., and T. Howard White, Sr., who laid the foundation for the company Aaron now leads. “I thank them for all that they’ve done for me. It’s been a great ride!”
With characteristic humor, he joked about awards and ceremonies and how they often function as barriers to what people really want. “There's always one more speaker and he stands in the way of the five o'clock cocktail. I'm going to make you a promise. I'm not standing in the way of cocktail tonight.”
“I appreciate it very much,” he added. “It’s time for a drink!”
Congratulations to Jack Aaron—a true leader, mentor and visionary!
For more information on WSWA’s Lifetime Leadership Award and Access LIVE, visit https://accesslive.wswa.org/.