Tap Into Knowledge: Distribution Agreements - Perspective is Everything

Chad Heath

KegStar USA (Formerly Senior Director of Sales for Stone Distributing)

Chad Heath is VP / GM of Kegstar USA, a keg rental and leasing company.  Kegstar was founded in Australia in 2013 and their proven model of smart keg tracking, exceptional customer service and providing solutions to brewers has been brought to the US market where Chad has been hired to head and kick off. 

Prior to that he was Sr. Director of Stone Distributing, a distribution division of Stone Brewing. After joining the team in 2008, he helped create exponential growth for Stone and more than 30 supplier brands sold throughout Southern California, taking the amount distributed from 350,000 case equivalents to roughly 4+ million in 2016. With the launch of Maui | Stone Craft Beverages in December 2014, Chad played an integral role to make this joint venture with Maui Brewing Co. operational. It now provides 20 craft brands to retailers in Maui. 

In leading the efforts of Stone Distributing, Chad ensures the “go-to market strategy” is focused on delivering right beer to the ideal account; opting out of incentives or pay-to-play; and following all ABC guidelines. Following this philosophy has garnered Stone a reputation as an industry leader and distributorship that is 100 percent driven by craft beer.

Finally, Chad is also an instructor at San Diego State University where he teaches "The Business of Craft Beer".

Marc Martin

Vice President Beer, Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

Marc Martin is the Vice President of Karl Strauss Brewing Co. He is a senior level executive with significant accomplishments in the Beverage and Franchising industries. Marc has an extensive background in Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Logistics, and Technology, representing lifestyle brands distributed through multiple channels in worldwide markets. He has a proven track record of driving unprecedented sales revenue and net income. Marc worked for Gallo, Seagram's, Palomar Spring Water, The UPS Store HQ, Sir Speedy HQ, and Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

Candace Moon, Esq.

Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Candace L. Moon, Esq  discovered the need for specialized craft beer counsel while working as a bartender at Hamilton’s during law school. While she met countless brewers, there were no attorneys catering to the legally complicated industry. Accordingly, Candace opened ‘The Craft Beer Attorney’ serving San Diego’s suds. As of August 2017, Candace has joined Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP as a partner, expanding her specialized craft beer legal services across the country. She has worked with over 350 craft breweries and craft breweries-in-planning nationwide, handling business entity formation, alcoholic beverage law, contract review, trademark law, as well as other legal needs. Candace’s undergraduate degree is from the University of Virginia and her juris doctorate is from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, Calif.

Douglas Constantiner,

CEO, Societe Brewing Company

After college, Doug began his career in investment banking, but after a couple of years decided to pursue his dream of becoming a professional brewer.  Doug moved to San Diego in 2009 and landed his first industry jobs at Pizza Port Carlsbad (bottle shop), Green Flash Brewing (bottling line), and Oggi’s (brewing intern).  He then began a full-time job at The Bruery in Placentia, CA as a cellarman and worked his way up to brewer.  While at The Bruery, Doug became close friends with Travis Smith and they decided to start a brewery together based on shared values, passion, and vision of beer.  Societe Brewing Company opened its doors in May 2012 and Doug is currently the CEO.