Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s leading distributor of beverage alcohol, has announced the upcoming retirement of J.B. Jarboe II, Partner and General Manager of Oklahoma, effective October 31, 2025. The announcement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary 33-year career that has left an indelible mark on the beverage industry in Oklahoma and beyond.
In celebrating his retirement, Southern Glazer’s leadership emphasized Jarboe’s exceptional contributions to the company, the state’s business community, and the industry as a whole.
“As J.B. begins this exciting new chapter, we celebrate a remarkable career defined by leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to our customers and community,” said Matthew Metz, President, Central Region, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “His impact on our Oklahoma business and the broader industry will be felt for years to come, and we’re proud to carry forward the strong foundation he and his family have built over the past six decades.”
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Industry Tradition
Jarboe’s career in beverage distribution is part of a family legacy that spans more than sixty years. He entered the industry in 1992, joining his family’s business — Jarboe Sales Company — which was originally founded by his grandfather, Joe R. Jarboe, in 1959. The company began modestly but was built on principles that would define its long-term success: integrity, customer service, and community connection.
As the third generation to lead the company, J.B. Jarboe worked alongside his father, John B. Jarboe, to expand and modernize the business. Under their co-ownership, Jarboe Sales Company evolved from a small operation with an inventory of just 1,000 SKUs into a major regional distributor offering over 7,600 products. The company became known for representing both established and emerging brands, anticipating shifts in consumer tastes, and providing customers with the kind of service and partnership that fostered long-term loyalty.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Jarboe helped navigate the evolving beverage landscape, characterized by the rise of craft spirits, boutique wines, and premium imported brands. His leadership guided the company through industry consolidation, changes in regulation, and technological innovation — all while maintaining the family-owned distributor’s commitment to personal relationships and hands-on service.
Integration with Southern Glazer’s and Continued Growth
In 2018, Jarboe Sales Company integrated into Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Oklahoma’s beverage distribution industry. The integration combined Southern Glazer’s national scale and world-class portfolio with Jarboe’s deep local expertise and relationships built over generations.
Upon the integration, J.B. Jarboe II was appointed Partner & General Manager of Oklahoma, a role in which he oversaw all aspects of the company’s operations across the state. His leadership was pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition that preserved the customer-centric culture his family had fostered, while also embracing Southern Glazer’s forward-looking business practices and digital transformation initiatives.
Under Jarboe’s management, Southern Glazer’s Oklahoma market expanded its reach to serve more than 7,000 retail and on-premise accounts, reflecting significant growth in both volume and value. The state’s customers gained access to a vastly expanded selection of premium wines, spirits, and ready-to-drink products — supported by Southern Glazer’s industry-leading logistics, technology, and data insights.
Jarboe’s leadership also ensured that the integration benefited not just the company’s bottom line, but the broader Oklahoma hospitality sector. His team maintained a focus on supporting local bars, restaurants, and retailers, helping them adapt to consumer trends, supply chain shifts, and evolving regulatory conditions. His approach combined strategic innovation with a deeply personal understanding of local markets — a hallmark of his family’s business philosophy.
A Career Defined by Leadership, Service, and Integrity
Colleagues and peers consistently describe J.B. Jarboe as a leader who led by example — someone who valued hard work, treated partners with respect, and championed collaboration across every level of the organization. Over his three-decade career, he built strong relationships across suppliers, retailers, and distributors, earning a reputation as both a business strategist and a community advocate.
Jarboe was also instrumental in mentoring many within the organization, fostering a new generation of leaders who continue to uphold the values that have defined the Jarboe name in the industry.
In recognition of his dedication and accomplishments, Southern Glazer’s leadership extended heartfelt appreciation for his years of service.
“J.B.’s influence reaches far beyond Oklahoma,” said a senior Southern Glazer’s executive. “He has been a bridge between tradition and innovation — combining a family legacy with modern business acumen. His ability to maintain a people-first culture while achieving strong business results exemplifies what true leadership looks like.”
Transition and Future Leadership
With Jarboe’s retirement, Michael Rosson, Senior Vice President of Oklahoma Sales, will continue to lead the Oklahoma business. Rosson will report to Derek Teter, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic direction for the region.
Southern Glazer’s emphasized that the Oklahoma team remains strong and well-positioned for continued success under Rosson’s leadership. The company plans to build upon Jarboe’s legacy by expanding customer partnerships, leveraging new digital tools, and further strengthening its supplier relationships across the state.
Honoring a Remarkable Career
As J.B. Jarboe prepares to retire, he leaves behind a rich legacy — one built on family heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to both his customers and employees. His journey from a family-owned business to leading operations within the world’s largest beverage alcohol distributor reflects a lifetime of achievement, vision, and resilience.
Southern Glazer’s expressed its sincere gratitude for his extraordinary contributions and his role in shaping the company’s success in Oklahoma.
“We thank J.B. for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and partnership,” the company stated. “His passion for excellence, deep community roots, and relentless pursuit of growth have left an enduring mark on our organization. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
As he steps into retirement, J.B. Jarboe II leaves behind more than a thriving business — he leaves a legacy that blends tradition with transformation, ensuring that the values his grandfather instilled more than six decades ago continue to guide Southern Glazer’s Oklahoma operations for years to come.
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