Jerry Steinman lived a long, full life and passed away on March 25th at 99 years old. Jerry was an innovator and entrepreneur, who founded Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS in 1970. Back then, his 4-page, twice monthly print newsletter, later known as the "orange sheet," arrived as a truly trailblazing vehicle that kept people throughout the industry informed about the totality of the beer biz, not just their local market or company. "He was revolutionary," said consultant Mike Mazzoni. "He connected the whole industry, linking everyone together," added Mike. "He was miles ahead of everyone else." Former longtime Coors and Molson Coors sr veep Rob Klugman noted: "I cannot think of anyone who did more for the US beer industry. Any industry that has a knowledgeable and honest observer/chronicler is a fortunate industry. The US beer industry had Jerry."

Jerry also gave US beer wholesalers a voice. There were about 5,000 distributors when INSIGHTS began publishing and BMI quickly became widely read by wholesalers across the country. He was an early and frequent advocate for NBWA to develop a Washington DC presence, back when it was mostly a social organization based in Chicago. He also gave brewers a vehicle to get across their news and views and measure themselves competitively. And BMI provided all industry players a way to better understand their business environment, serving as a nerve center of the industry's community. Jerry loved the industry and the countless people he knew and befriended in it over several decades.

He covered everything from competitive dynamics to legal challenges, mergers and acquisitions, social and health issues plus regulatory developments. And so much more. He did this before anyone even knew it was possible, setting the template for everything that BMI (and others) publish today. Jerry's accurate and deep reporting, keen insight, conversational style, playful language and sense of fairness remain the bedrock foundation for Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS' publications 53 years after BMI began.

Jerry's legacy lives on. BMI remains a family business, currently owned and operated by his son Benj Steinman and Benj's wife Robin. Jerry's grandsons David and Jason have both worked at Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS for years and represent the 3d generation.

Even more important than his business accomplishments, Jerry was an exceptionally loving, kind and generous man. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, beloved by his wife of 61 years, Irene (who passed away in 2012), his sons Benj and Glen, daughters-in-law Robin and Sabrina, and his grandchildren David, Talia and Jason. His active mind, intelligence, wit, playfulness and warmth will be missed. Here's the obit.