I'm Up, They See Me, I'm Down
Brian Pearson’s expertise encompasses every facet of the beverage industry, built on nearly three decades of direct, hands-on experience. His background includes manufacturing, raw goods sourcing, brand development, product formulation, and creative execution across both graphic and digital design. Equally versed in sales, distribution, and the intricate logistics of importing and exporting beverage alcohol, Pearson has cultivated a rare, end-to-end understanding of how the industry moves. Central to his work is the intelligent use of data — building systems and databases that connect production, marketing, and distribution into a cohesive, measurable framework. This analytical foundation enables more strategic decision-making, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth in an increasingly complex and competitive market.
Brian Pearson began his liquor industry career over 27 years ago after an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. The discipline and problem-solving mindset gained from military service helped him navigate an industry known for its complexity and challenges. At just 23, he took a bold risk launching a niche product, facing manufacturing issues, distribution hurdles, and regulatory obstacles that tested his resolve. Instead of breaking under pressure, Pearson turned each setback into a lesson that shaped his career. Through years of hands-on experience, he mastered anticipating problems, negotiating with partners, and adapting to shifting market demands. Unlike many veterans who become rigid, Pearson remains innovative and flexible, helping entrepreneurs bring new products to market and compete with established brands. His leadership and guidance have lowered barriers to entry across the industry. Today, he continues to serve as a mentor, strategist, and innovator—building on a legacy defined by persistence, adaptability, and empowerment.
Over the last 27 years, Pearson has evolved alongside the tools that shape modern business. What began with Microsoft on a stack of floppy disks and a few contacts in Excel has grown into a fully integrated, AI-supported system connecting over 300,000 contacts across the alcohol beverage industry — from suppliers and distributors to retailers. As technology advanced, so did the process. Zoho's CRM Platform became the central hub for data management and client organization, while RingCentral bridged communication calls directly into Zoho in real time, and features a rapid outbound, one-button auto-dial capability that accelerates outreach and response. ChatGPT now plays a key role in brand development — refining language, crafting presentation verbiage, and generating creative direction — while CapCut and Photoshop help transform those ideas into visual impact. What started as a simple contact list decades ago has become a dynamic, AI-powered network that not only manages relationships but also drives action. The combined strength of these tools enables seamless distribution of brand content and communication across the three-tiered system — from supplier to distributor to retailer — ensuring that every brand message is not only created with precision but pushed into the market with purpose, speed, and consistency.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is a bureau under the Department of the Treasury. We employ staff across the country, including our Headquarters Offices in Washington, D.C., and the National Revenue Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our staff are highly educated and technically trained; more than half are analysts, chemists, investigators and auditors. In addition, a large number of employees serve as financial, legal, information management, and computer specialists. See how we areorganized.TTB.GOV
Founded in 1938, NABCA is the national association representing the Control State Systems - those jurisdictions that directly control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, NABCA serves its members by providing research, analytics and alcohol regulatory information, and acts as liaison to federal, state and local governments, research groups, public health associations, the media and other organizations impacting alcohol policy. Management of NABCA is vested in its Board of Directors with one director from each of the voting member Control Jurisdictions and a Chairman elected by the Board annually. Day-to-day administration is the responsibility of a full-time President & CEO and staff. NABCA.ORG
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has over 350 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wines and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., WSWA provides its members with representation before Congress, executive agencies, regulatory bodies, courts, and other alcohol beverage industry organizations. In addition, WSWA offers a wide range of services in the areas of public affairs, education and social responsibility, as well as valuable cost-saving programs. WSWA.ORG
The Distilled Spirits Council is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. Representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits, the Council: Advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. Promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe. Encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits as part of a healthy adult lifestyle based on evidence-based research and policy. DISTILLEDSPIRITS.ORG