Diane & Aiden after the unexpected loss of Brian
Donation protected
It is with tremendous sadness that I must inform you that Brian Rodgers passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Brian was a close friend and valued business associate. He joined the Alabama ABC in 2015 as the Product Management Director where he touch so many of our lives. About a year ago Brian accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham based Dread River Distillery. Under his direction, Dread River was recognized as one of the Top 20 best new distilleries in America. Brian was about to embark on a joint venture with John Rich and Wes Henderson at the time of his passing.
Brian had a tremendous bourbon pallet and this allowed Alabamian’s all over the state to enjoy the fruits of his barrel selection trips to Kentucky. He found multiple “Honey Barrels” and loved to share them. His greatest talent, though, was networking. You were hard pressed to discuss a topic with Brian where he did not personally know someone at the center of its activities. He had an unbelievable memory and was always our source when we needed a name or date of something from years past.
Brian was generous to a fault with his time and could tell a great story. If you ever went into his office at the ABC, you know what I am talking about. You were always at home there. You always felt welcome. Brian was just as comfortable talking to Senators and business leaders as he was discussing merchandising with a brand new supplier rep.
If you needed something, Brian wanted to help. If he could not do it himself, he “knew a guy”. And because I knew Brian, I too “knew a guy”!
Brian is survived by his wife Diana and his son Aiden. I know for a fact that he loved them dearly and all of his decisions were made to improve their lives.
Brian was young but lived an amazing life. He was a veteran, a chef, a police officer, a business man, an entrepreneur and above all a good friend.
Brian, you will be missed.
Please help us return Brian's generosity by denoting for any unexpected expenses.
Brian was a close friend and valued business associate. He joined the Alabama ABC in 2015 as the Product Management Director where he touch so many of our lives. About a year ago Brian accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham based Dread River Distillery. Under his direction, Dread River was recognized as one of the Top 20 best new distilleries in America. Brian was about to embark on a joint venture with John Rich and Wes Henderson at the time of his passing.
Brian had a tremendous bourbon pallet and this allowed Alabamian’s all over the state to enjoy the fruits of his barrel selection trips to Kentucky. He found multiple “Honey Barrels” and loved to share them. His greatest talent, though, was networking. You were hard pressed to discuss a topic with Brian where he did not personally know someone at the center of its activities. He had an unbelievable memory and was always our source when we needed a name or date of something from years past.
Brian was generous to a fault with his time and could tell a great story. If you ever went into his office at the ABC, you know what I am talking about. You were always at home there. You always felt welcome. Brian was just as comfortable talking to Senators and business leaders as he was discussing merchandising with a brand new supplier rep.
If you needed something, Brian wanted to help. If he could not do it himself, he “knew a guy”. And because I knew Brian, I too “knew a guy”!
Brian is survived by his wife Diana and his son Aiden. I know for a fact that he loved them dearly and all of his decisions were made to improve their lives.
Brian was young but lived an amazing life. He was a veteran, a chef, a police officer, a business man, an entrepreneur and above all a good friend.
Brian, you will be missed.
Please help us return Brian's generosity by denoting for any unexpected expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
JIll Calhoun
Organizer
Meadowbrook, AL
Diane Rodgers
Beneficiary