About Summit Distributing
Rooted in tradition. Climbing toward the future. Our company’s history has shaped who we are today, and our daily insights into the beer and beverage industry inform where we'll go tomorrow.
Our History
Tradition meets today
Since the repeal of Prohibition, beer distributors have played an important role in the safe, lawful buying and selling of alcoholic beverages—and like all beer distributors, we are proud to trace our company roots back nearly 100 years in the St. Louis area.
​
Since 1994, under the ownership of Tom Stillman, Summit Distributing has delivered decades of growth, from the continuous development of our premium and high-end beer and beverage portfolio, to the geographic expansion of our territory.
​
Over the last thirty years, a series of acquisitions, in conjunction with growth from shifts in consumer preferences, has made Summit Distributing one of the most stable and reliable distributors in St. Louis. Starting with the acquisition of Miller brand rights in 1995, Summit acquired 10+ businesses’ distribution rights over the subsequent years, resulting in a fully-consolidated MolsonCoors footprint, as well as import and craft distribution rights for leading suppliers such as New Belgium, Heineken, Sierra Nevada, Pabst and Schlafly (St. Louis’ #1 local craft brewery).
​
Summit’s growth did not come at the cost of excellent operations. In 2013, the business was awarded with MillerCoors’ first-ever National President’s Award, which recognizes superior performance in the marketplace. Most recently, we won the Heineken Red Star Award for 2022. Summit continues to be recognized by leading suppliers and boasts nearly a 40% market share of territory dollar sales—and an overwhelming market share in the high-end segment led by America’s new #1 beer, Modelo Especial.
Since then, we’ve been nurturing growth, fostering partnerships, and leading the high-end beverage segment for our beer-loving neighbors across St. Louis. And we don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
*Source: Rajesh, Ananya Mariam. “Modelo Especial Tops Bud Light as Most-Sold US Beer for Second Consecutive Month | Reuters.” Reuters, 10 July 2023.
Our Mission
Reaching the summit takes determination, focus, teamwork, and a willingness to pursue the right course. We at Summit Distributing strive to put those same tenets to work every day to achieve our mission of bringing great beers to the great people of our community.
Hard Work
Fueling our commitment to quality with every case delivered.
Efficiency
Streamlining processes to deliver orders swiftly and sustainably.
Innovation
Empowering our customers with vital insights into industry dynamics.
Perseverence
Standing strong in our pursuit of excellent customer service.
Creativity
Curating a diverse portfolio through intentional supplier partnerships.
As a long-time local family-owned business, we at Summit Distributing are proud to be St. Louis’ premier beer distributor, where for nearly 30 years we have brought leading national and local brands to the greater St. Louis metro area.
Our Leadership Team
Tom Stillman
Since 1994, Tom has been the long-time owner, Chairman and CEO of Summit Distributing. As part of his commitment to the community, he further serves on the boards of several local organizations including the St. Louis Blues 14 Fund; Commerce Bank, St. Louis Region; the St. Louis Sports Commission; Logos School and the Nature Conservancy in Missouri.
Chairman and CEO
Kim Barrow
Kim proudly serves as the strategic day-to-day leader of Summit Distributing. Through his more than 20 years with us, he has served on a number of national and regional supplier councils as well as in leadership roles with key wholesaler legislative associations. Before joining us in 2001, he previously served in leadership positions with Coca-Cola Enterprises and Frito Lay.
President and Chief Operating Officer
If I had to sum up Summit in three ideas, they’d be ownership, continuous improvement, and a winning attitude. Our steadfast commitment makes us one of the most innovative and technological distributors in the country. With Summit by their side, our partners succeed.
– Kim Barrow
We treat our partners like family.
Retailer Partnerships
Want to stock your shelves or fill your taps with the leading market brands from our portfolio? Visit our Retailers page to get started.
Supplier Partnerships
Interested in getting your beer and beverages into our market territory? Visit our Suppliers page to explore a distribution partnership with Summit.