Talking Shop with Mark Kohlfeld

Mark Kohlfeld always knew he would follow his father and brother into the family business. Over the years as tastes have changed, Kohlfeld Companies has kept up. While it started as strictly a Stag distributorship, today Kohlfeld represents 90 alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Question: Tell us about the history of your family business, Kohlfeld Companies.

A: My father purchased Stag Distributing in Cape Girardeau in 1968, incorporating as Kohlfeld Distributing. Since that time, we have purchased five additional wholesalerships. In 1984, we established Kohlfeld Beverage, our nonalcoholic division. My brother Mike, entered the business upon graduation from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973. I began my career in 1985, after graduating from Southeast. My nephew, Courtland, joined us in 2008 upon graduation from the University of Missouri.

Q: What areas do you serve now and what products do you work with today?

A: We serve all or parts of 20 counties in Southeast Missouri with distribution centers in Jackson and Poplar Bluff. We represent 25 suppliers and handle 75 brands of beer as well as 15 brands of nonalcoholic beverages.

Q: How has the beverage business changed over the years?

A: As consumers tastes and expectations have changed, beverage wholesalers have had to adapt to remain viable. In rural markets such as ours, the need to expand brand portfolios and manage them properly has become key to profitable growth. Another major change to our industry has been the merger and joint ventures of many of our suppliers as they look to global marketing to insure their survival.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about your business?

A: Most people think of us as only a beer distributor. Not only do we sell beer, we have a wide variety of nonalcohol drinks as well. Something for all ages. In order to have a successful business, you need to have quality people that have different job functions. We have an employee that keeps our warehouse so clean, you could eat off the floor. This employee also keeps our lawn mowed. Who is this employee? My mother. Mom just turned 83 and is in better shape than most 20-year-olds. We tell her she doesn't have to do this, but her response is, "I'm doing it for my boys."

Q: What are some of the factors that have lead to your company's longevity?

A: The most important factor is having great people. You always hear that the key to a business's success, is surrounding themselves with good people. We have great people! Secondly, is all about my dad and my brother Mike. I don't think I've ever met a person that worked harder than my dad. He built this business on relationships. Meeting people and telling his story. Working very long hours and trying to sell as many boxes of beer as he could. My brother Mike made a decision long ago to start selling products other than beer. What a great decision he made. This was something totally new for us. We were known as beer people. Today, we have a variety of quality nonalcohol products that continue to grow. Thirdly, is our portfolio of beer brands. We are fortunate to be able to represent a number of excellent suppliers. Working together with these suppliers, putting plans in place and executing those plans to the fullest.

Q: Did you ever consider another career in a different field?

A: Growing up in a family business is something very special. Being able to work with your dad, your brother and now my nephew, is priceless. The beer/beverage business has been my life. From early on, this is what I've done. To me, there is not a better job in the world. So to answer the question, my response would be, no.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?

A: From a very young age, my father instilled upon me a strong work ethic. He taught me that if you want something in life, you must work for it. Nothing comes for free. I've pretty well lived by those words from my father. Besides work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Bobbie, and twin girls, Julia and Taylor. My girls are 12, and my life revolves around them. I do enjoy a round of golf with my buddies and attending various sporting events.

Q: Your company has supported many community causes over the years, why is it so important to you to give back?

A: We at Kohlfeld Companies realized long ago the necessity of becoming involved in the communities in which we live and work. We belong to many organizations and support numerous charities and special events. Our communities have been very good to us. My father always stressed to us the importance of giving back, to say thank you if you will. Supporting our communities is not a choice but an obligation.