Last updated on March 25th, 2021
Antioch, California-based Markstein Sales Co. (MSCo), a woman-owned and operated wholesale beverage distributor marked its 100th anniversary. Markstein, now in its fourth generation, has remained a family-owned beverage distributor servicing more than 1,500 retail accounts in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The company recently kicked off its anniversary in an exclusive invite-only event that included an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales and brought together customers, employees and community leaders.
“We are proud to have served Contra Costa and Alameda counties for the past 100 years in the distribution of world class beers and other beverages,” said Laura Markstein, president of Markstein Sales Co. “My great-grandfather started this company in 1919 with just a horse, a wagon and six cases of beer. Now, a century later, we are distributing over four million cases of beer annually, with a fleet of 35 trucks. While our business has expanded over the past ten decades, our commitment to quality, service and the community remains the same. We were honored to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event last week with our suppliers, elected officials, customers, employees and family and look forward to serving the Bay Area into the next century.”
100 years of family
MSCo was founded by Albert R. Markstein Sr., just prior to prohibition and the business survived by selling apple cider, soft drinks and near beer. Now, 100 years later, the company is one of a small number of family-owned, women-owned businesses with Al’s granddaughter at the helm. The company represents products from more than 30 breweries and 10 non-alcoholic beverage companies, encompassing more than 500 beverage brands.
100 years of teamwork
MSCo has 160 employees and the company says it has been consistently ranked as best in class by retailers for more than 20 years.
“Our employees inspire us with the energy, passion, creativity, dedication and knowledge they bring to the workplace every day,” said Jennifer Grant, GM of Markstein Sales Co. “They continually go above and beyond to provide Markstein Sales Co. customers with exceptional service, quality and commitment which has been essential to the company’s growth over the past 100 years. We are proud to offer the best to them including benefit packages, wellness plans, compensation, incentives and career opportunities.”
100 years of community
MSCo is largely invested in Contra Costa County and Alameda County. The company supports the local community through event sponsorships and donations, scholarships, annual food drives, partnerships with local first responders and community involvement. MSCo’s charitable efforts include:
- Hispanic Community Affairs Council, Albert and Bertha Markstein Scholarship Foundation
- Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation
- Bay Area Crisis Nursery
- New Day for Children
- Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes
- Antioch Police Activities League
- V Foundation
- Folds of Honor
- The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
- Annual 19th Hole Benefit Crab Feed for Antioch High School
- The Alameda County Fair
- Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
- Scottish Highland Games
- Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival
- Clayton Art & Wine Festival
- Bay Area Craft Beer Festival
“Markstein Sales Co. is a shining example that compassion and thoughtfulness are values that still exist in businesses today,” said Tammany Brooks III, chief of police, Antioch Police Dept. “Not only is it an active partner with the City of Antioch working to improve the quality of life for our residents, but it has also been a long time major sponsor of the Antioch Police Activities League, allowing us to build positive relationships and provide safe and enriching activities for the youth in our community.”
“Albert Markstein was a visionary who saw the importance of providing an education for Latino youth, who would in turn, make a big contribution to their community. He and his wife Bertha were co-founders of HCAC’s scholarship program and they left a wonderful legacy that continues through their granddaughter, Laura,” said Bettina Flores, president, Hispanic Community Affairs Council (HCAC).
