Life at Breakthru

Brown-Forman Announces 2020 Inductees into the 1870 Society

Brown-Forman 1870 Society header

Dec. 10, 2020

Induction into the Brown-Forman 1870 Society is the mark of superior individual performance supporting Brown-Forman’s award-winning range of products, and we at Breakthru are proud of all our associates who have made the club over the years. Now, the 1870 Society Ceremony is in its seventh year, and this year is the first time the festivities were virtual.

The prestigious 1870 Committee has announced the 2020 inductees, which included 22 Breakthru associates. The annual program takes inspiration from the very beginning of Brown-Forman and pays homage to its roots by naming it after the very year George Garvin Brown started the company.

First-time inductees received an 1870 Society custom-made gold ring, while repeat winners will have two diamonds added to their ring. Charles Merinoff, Breakthru Beverage Co-Chairman, was also inducted into the 1870 for his contributions to the Brown-Forman business and the continuous support for the 1870 Society.

Congratulations to the 2020 inductees!

2020 1870 Society Inductees


Junella Springer, BBG AZ
Nick Geluso, BBG AZ
John Dicus, BBG CO
**Erika Losten, BBG DE
***Musa Abu Nassar, BBG FL
Samantha Rockwell, BBG FL
Scott Clifford, BBG FL
Michele Boltin, BBG FL
LaJuane Mack, BBG FL
Carl Ciaccio, BBG IL
Shawn Grundon, BBG IL
Chuck Smith, BBG IL
**Kaylajo Pulscher, BBG IL
***Jason Brown, BBG IL
Glenn Lesnick, BBG MD
Nicholas Gretz, BBG MN
Jennifer Holley, BBG NV
Andrew Riggar, BBG PA
Anthea Capella, BBG SC
J.B. Mitchell, BBG VA
Jesse Christen, BBG WI
Sean MacDonald, BBG WI
**Second award
***Third award

ABOUT 1870 SOCIETY

In 1870 Old Forester, the first bottled Bourbon laid the cornerstone of the Brown-Forman Company. Over the last five generations Brown-Forman has become one of the oldest and largest producers of North American Whiskeys. The 1870 Society was formed to honor this heritage and tradition.

Every year high performing Breakthru Beverage Group and Brown-Forman corporation associates are inducted into the 1870 Society. Induction into the Society is based on their commitment, passion, and the value of their contribution to Brown-Forman’s Whiskey brands. Inductees receive a gold ring signifying their membership in an exclusive group of sales and marketing professionals.