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Our Story
Under the Markovich's stewardship, Roach & Smith began its journey towards growth and expansion, laying the foundation for a legacy that would endure for decades to come.
Roach & Smith was purchased by Joe & Ruth Markovich in 1968.
1968
It began as a modest candy and tobacco wholesale business nestled in Anaconda, Montana, just 17 miles from bustling Butte.
The company catered to three counties with a dedicated team of four employees. Their operations were supported by a 3,000-square-foot warehouse and a fleet consisting of two delivery vans.
1976
By 1976, the company had expanded its operating area to seven counties in southwest Montana. In 1976, Joe & Ruth’s son Dale joined the company in hopes to help grow the family business. Joe realized that if the company was to support the family they had to diversify into other product lines that could be delivered to the same accounts they were currently servicing. After long weeks of consideration it was decided that beer distribution would become the focus. ​ The Coors Brewing Company entered the state of Montana in 1976, and the Markovich family applied for the distribution rights. Unfortunately the family was turned down. ​ In 1976 there were 77 beer distributors in the state of Montana, and in comparison today there are only 24. The Butte area itself supported six stand alone distributors in 1976 which today have consolidated into two beverage distribution companies.
1968
1976
1977
1977
By 1977 an opportunity presented itself to purchase Kenny’s Distributing of Butte, Montana.
In the summer of 1977, amidst the streets of Butte, Montana, Roach & Smith, the revered beer distributor, was prominently featured in the local parade. Their logo adorned a festive float as they greeted the community with smiles and waves. Their participation added a sense of joy and camaraderie to the occasion, reflecting the town's spirit and unity.
Kenny’s Distributing serviced the same seven county area that Roach & Smith serviced with the brands of Rainier, Schmidt, and Heidelberg beer.
This acquisition was Roach & Smith’s entry into the beverage business. This was the opportunity the Markovich family had been searching for to continue to grow the family business.
1979
1979
In July of 1979, the state of Montana went from a closed to an open system of wine distribution. Roach & Smith applied for but did not receive any wine brands until October of 1986.
1989
In 1989, the Markovich family closed their Anaconda operation and consolidated the main office into the Butte operation.
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“The rationale behind the move was in order to grow and pick up more brands we had to be based out of our largest market which was Butte,” says Dale Markovich. “It was hard for the people of Anaconda to understand, having been home to Roach & Smith since the late 1800’s.”
The move turned out to be the correct decision given the future goals of the company.
2000
March of 2000 marked the acquisition of the Miller, Corona, and Gallo brands from Mile High Distributing of Butte. This acquisition allowed Roach & Smith Dist. Inc. to have a balanced portfolio that allowed them to continue in the beverage industry.
2004
The purchase of Earl’s Distributing in April of 2004 made Roach & Smith Dist. Inc. the largest beer and wine distributor in the state of Montana, and demonstrated that they would be a consolidator in the state.
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In December of 2004, it was decided that Roach and Smith would exit the candy and tobacco business and concentrate on the beverage business.
2005
January 2005 created a new beginning when it was decided that operating as Roach & Smith Dist. Inc. in the Butte market and Earl’s Distributing in the Missoula market was confusing customers and suppliers. This is when a new company name and logo was developed. The company changed names from Roach and Smith Distributing to Summit Beverage.​
In September of 2005, Mike Markovich, Dale’s oldest son, joined the company after spending three years with the Miller Brewing Co.
2006
In January of 2006, Greg Markovich, Dale’s youngest son, joined the company after having spent one year in training with Crescent-Crown Distributing of Phoenix, Arizona.
1989
2000
2004
2005
2006
2014
2014
In October of 2014, Rachel Markovich, Dale’s daughter, joined the company after having spent a year working for MillerCoors in Chicago, Illinois and five years working for Gallo Family Vineyards in Orange County, California.
2015
In 2015, Summit Beverage introduced a sleek new logo. Departing from its previous design, the updated emblem embodies the company's commitment to innovation and progress. With bold lines and vibrant colors reminiscent of mountain peaks, the logo signals a bold step forward for the renowned beverage manufacturer.
2021
Summit Beverage, a leading regional distributor, breaks ground on its expansive new headquarters in Missoula, Montana. The state-of-the-art facility spans 110,000 square feet, enhancing the company's capacity to serve over 1000 retailers across western Montana.
2023
In January of 2023, Summit Beverage purchased Fun Beverage in Kalispell, Montana, expanding the service area to include all of Western Montana and service approximately 50% of the population of Montana.
2015
2021
2023
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