Mequon company carving out niche as exclusive boutique distillery

Big League Distributing didn’t set out to play in the minors. But when the boutique alcohol distributor launched in Mequon in 2024, its founders quickly realized they were building something special. Founded by James Burnett, Larry Hisle Jr. and Krishan Mehta, Big League Distributing originally expected its identity to hinge on being Wisconsin’s first minority-owned alcohol distributor. Instead, entering their second full year of business, that distinction has become just one part of a much bigger story.

"In the beginning, we thought that was the angle," Burnett said. "But what we’ve built is a boutique distributor. That’s who we are now."

Getting to that point didn’t happen overnight. The early phases of permits, licensing, securing a warehouse and office was finally completed by March 2024, when the company moved into its new 10,000-plus square-foot facility and processed its first order of Baker Family Wines. But even with the essentials complete, getting media and public attention was an uphill battle.

"We kept hearing the same response," Burnett said. "People assumed we were opening a little wine bar or bottling our own private label."

Nothing stuck until legendary MLB manager Dusty Baker, a longtime friend of the Hisle family, lent his presence to the launch. The grand opening event, attended by local restaurateurs, supporters and Baker himself, instantly changed the narrative.

"Dusty shows up, and now everyone gets it," Burnett said. "All of a sudden, we went from no coverage to every outlet wanting to talk."

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