Beer Store Distribution Centre, Employer of the Year

The Beer Store Distribution Centre is not just a hub for delivering Ontario’s beloved beverages to sales centres; it’s a thriving community where teamwork, innovation and a commitment to excellence drive everything they do. At the heart of this community is a deep-seated value system that sets it apart from others in the industry. With a workforce of nearly 180 employees, The Beer Store Distribution Centre operates like a large family, where everyone plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of beer across the province. 

Rob MacPherson, manager of the Ottawa Distribution Centre, has been a central figure in cultivating this environment. “The word I always use is ‘community,’” MacPherson shares. “Even though we are a large warehouse, with nearly 180 employees if you count all of our full and part time staff, we still consider ourselves a community. We work together to achieve a common goal and we all want everyone to feel like they belong.” 

This sense of belonging isn’t just limited to the employees who work there. It extends to the students from Algonquin College who participate in Co-op programs, from which The Beer Store hires regularly. Since 2011, the Distribution Centre has partnered with Algonquin College to bring on up to three Co-op students every four months, providing real-world experience in supply chain management and logistics. “Our biggest win is when students who took the Co-op program move into full time opportunities,” says MacPherson. “They see how we treat people and respect the community and they want to be a part of it long term.” 

One of the standout success stories from this partnership is Genghou (Kenny) Xie, who joined The Beer Store Distribution Centre as a Co-op student in 2014. Seeing a clear opportunity, Xie took it upon himself to modernize processes using skills he learned during his Algonquin College program, Bachelor of Commerce (e-Supply Chain Management). “I started building solutions using what I learned in school,” Xie explains, “I asked around to find out what resources were available, and slowly, I put them all together.” 

The result was a system that dramatically improved efficiency, including an early version of data integration that mirrored what many now would recognize as features available in Microsoft Power BI. Xie’s work didn’t go unnoticed. He quickly moved up the ranks and is now a part of the Distribution Centre’s management team. “I feel supported here,” Xie says. “I have people who will back me up, and that makes all the difference.” The Beer Store Distribution Centre gave him that opportunity and supported him throughout.

The Centre’s commitment to its employees and students is further reflected in its approach to continuous improvement. Whether refining audit processes to ensure accuracy in deliveries or implementing new technologies to streamline operations, The Beer Store Distribution Centre is always looking for ways to do things better. And it’s this drive for excellence that led to the Centre’s recognition as the Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction Employer of the Year. 

Looking to the future, The Beer Store Distribution Centre is poised for significant growth. With the upcoming expansion of beer distribution modernization across Ontario. “We’re committed to our students and our community,” MacPherson emphasizes. “But we also understand the importance of doing things right. As we grow, we want to make sure we’re providing value to everyone involved, especially the students who are the future of this industry.” 

For MacPherson and his team, it’s not just about getting the job done; instead, it’s about building community, fostering growth and supporting the next generation of leaders in supply chain management. As The Beer Store Distribution Centre continues to expand operations, it’s clear that the values of respect, integrity, and teamwork will remain at the core of everything they do. 

The partnership between the Distribution Centre and Algonquin College is a prime example of the extension of community beyond the workplace. This collaboration not only ensures successful business operations but also creates a bridge between industry and education. Through this partnership, The Beer Store Distribution Centre provides real-world opportunities for students to apply their skills, while the students, in turn, bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that drive the business forward. 

As MacPherson puts it, “The whole basis of this program is about the students. It’s not about us. It’s about giving them the chance to succeed.” This commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the community is what makes the partnership between The Beer Store Distribution Centre and Algonquin College so valuable. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future – one that continues to benefit both the business and the next generation of leaders in the industry.