BERT “TITO” BEVERIDGE NAMED RAY HERRMANN H.E.R.O. AWARD RECIPIENT
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has announced that Bert “Tito” Beveridge, Founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka will receive the 2024 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award at Access LIVE in Vegas January 29-February 1. Tito was chosen by the selection committee for the qualities that make him a H.E.R.O. (Humanitarian, Ethical, Respectful, and One-of-a-kind). “We’re honored to recognize a titan in our industry and a household name as a H.E.R.O.,” said WSWA CEO and President Francis Creighton. “From the beginning, Tito built his brand and company around an ethos of philanthropy that persists to this day. Tito is a larger-than-life inspiration to us all.”
“There are very few industry names in the past 100 years that have become synonymous with a spirits category, and Tito Beveridge is one of them,” said WSWA Chairman Doug Shaw. “This award recognizes a one-of-a-kind, true gentleman for his inspirational entrepreneurial spirit only rivaled by his philanthropic heart and dedication to community,” he added.
Tito Beveridge founded Tito’s Handmade Vodka in the mid-nineties. Inspired to do what he loved, Tito pursued a career in the spirits industry, risking it all until he sold his first case in 1997. “Ray Herrmann was an icon in our industry, and he was always willing to listen, share his insights, and build the sort of relationships that stretched beyond our business,” said Beveridge. “He was someone whose friendship and mentorship I valued immensely, and I took to heart the significance he had on people. I truly appreciate this incredible honor and thank WSWA and Breakthru Beverage for the opportunity to donate the $20,000 award to the Robert Qualls Scholarship Fund, and match it with an additional $20,000 gift.” WSWA Educational Foundation’s Robert Qualls Scholarship Fund is in memory of Robert Qualls, an extraordinary hospitality and spirits industry veteran and a beloved Tito’s and distributor employee. The Robert Qualls Scholarship Fund honors Qualls’ legacy of hard work, generosity, and selflessness by allowing students to follow in his footsteps. For more information about the Robert Qualls Scholarship Fund, visit wswa.org/scholarships.
