As its market footprint continues to grow, Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskeys announced the hiring of two industry pros to its sales team. Effective immediately, Ryan Hitch joins the brand as director of sales for control states and Guy Hodnette joins as manager of sales for the Southeast. 

Hitch comes to Buzzard’s Roost with 13 years of experience in wholesale distribution, most recently at KEG1 River City Distribution in Louisville, whose portfolio includes Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey.

Hitch says that his experience selling Buzzard’s Roost was part of the appeal of his new role.

“I’ve known Buzzard’s Roost founders Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner since the brand launched nearly four years ago,” he said in a news release. “Buzzard’s Roost injected a lot of excitement and energy into the portfolio. This is a brand that I know I can grow and I’m excited to spread my wings on the control state side of the business.”

Currently, Buzzard’s Roost is distributed in two control states – Ohio and North Carolina – and more are anticipated, including Virginia, Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Hitch will be based in Louisville.

Guy Hodnette comes to Buzzard’s Roost from RNDC in Atlanta, where he sold wines and spirits to chain and liquor stores for more than eight years.

“As a whiskey lover, I was familiar with Buzzard’s Roost co-founder Jason Brauner, and CEO Judy Hollis Jones is one of the leading women in bourbon,” Hodnette said. “I knew the product would be excellent and that the company has strong leadership. I’m excited to energize this brand in the state of Georgia and other Southeast states.” 

Buzzard’s Roost Co-founder and CEO Judy Hollis Jones says both mens’ expertise is a perfect fit. “Their industry knowledge coupled with enthusiasm for our brand and our vision make Ryan and Guy ideal additions to our team,” says Hollis Jones. “We have big momentum going this year with more states wanting to bring Buzzard’s Roost in and I’m glad to have these two leading sales efforts for control states and the growing Southeast region.”

Both are new positions. Hitch reports to Buzzard’s Roost CEO Judy Hollis Jones, and Hodnette reports to Director of Sales Operations Allen Brent.

Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is an independent blender and bottler of whiskies that undergo second barrel maturation including 18-month-seasoned oak barrels with a Char #1 over very specific and intentional levels of toast. Since launching in Kentucky in 2019, Buzzard’s Roost continues expansion across the U.S. and Canada and is currently distributed in 11 states. Select products are also available online and at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience in downtown Louisville.