Nick Fede, Jr., Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative.

By Nick Fede, Jr., Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative

COVID-19 changed the game with how our industry operates in so many ways. Some for the worse, some for the better, but any way you slice it, things are just plain different now. The advent of digital face-to-face communication made doing business in the pandemic era easier, but another thing it did, sadly, was de-emphasize the importance of in-person interaction. Just because we are communicating digitally doesn’t mean we are getting to know one another as people. In this industry more than others, face-to-face interpersonal relationships are critical.

On June 3, the Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative (RILOC) hosted our second annual Golf Classic at Cranston Country Club. This 120-plus person event was spearheaded by RILOC Board Member Nicole Gasbarro and brought together partners from all three industry tiers, including both on- and off-premise retailers. We are extremely grateful to our wholesale and supplier partners who helped make this event such a success. During the golf outing, of course business was discussed, but after that initial icebreaker, participants dug a little deeper, learned more about each other and dove into their out-of-work interests.

This enhanced level of understanding of one another will inevitably translate into better business relationships; if you know someone beyond the work realm, you may find yourself operating with a higher sense of empathy and understanding in your business dealings. Getting to know your inter-tier counterparts won’t change your positions or make you weaker, it will just make your lines of communication smoother and more easily understood. This form of relationship is unable to be built via a video call—it requires in-person interaction in a relaxed environment.

I recently attended an event at Narragansett Beer’s brewery and taproom that featured a partnership launch with Bulleit Bourbon. I couldn’t help but notice how well-attended this event was and how happy all the attendees were. These are the types of events that need to keep occurring. I know the time is tight for people and labor is very hard to come by, but I must stress: Attend as many of these industry events as you can. Developing relationships with partners across all tiers will, in the long run, make us all better and benefit everyone’s businesses.

One of the most important relationships RILOC has developed over the last three years is our affiliate membership in the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) association. There’s still time to register for ABL’s annual meeting and convention that takes place this July 27-29 in San Antonio, Texas. This event coincides with the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA) convention and trade show. ABL attendees will be invited to all TPSA events that weekend, which include the Cork Pull Wine Tasting featuring more than 350 selections, the trade show featuring over 300 vendors and the After Glow hosted at Devils River Distillery. ABL’s events include an honors luncheon, multiple industry-specific meetings and tutorials, and an additional ABL-specific brand showcase and tasting.

We would love to see you in San Antonio; our friends in Texas can’t wait to host us. Visit ablusa.org under the Events tab to learn more and register. I assure you this is an event you won’t want to miss out on. We have the opportunity to hit a home run on this trip to San Antonio. While you’re there, you’ll not only get to interact with your fellow retailers from Rhode Island, but you’ll have plenty of chances to spend time with retailers from all around the country. The events planned for the ABL and TPSA conventions are meant to increase retailers’ exposure to products, share best practices with one another and improve camaraderie within our ranks.

Whenever I attend ABL events, I return galvanized and excited to improve our state’s beverage alcohol community, not only for retailers but for consumers as well. By raising the bar, people will be more inclined to shop in our stores, not just stop in to simply buy items. When we elevate the consumer experience, everyone wins. This trip to San Antonio is designed to be the ultimate work and play event. Don’t make me have fun all by myself … I will see you all in Texas!

Contact riliquoroperatorscollaborative@gmail.com to get involved.

Nick Fede Jr. serves as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative and is a third-generation liquor retailer.