Born from a single sip of Duvel.

Founded in 2001 and led by industry veteran Bob Leggett, Artisanal Imports is a leading importer, seller and marketer of world-class beverages to American audiences.

The Founder's Story

From Shiner Bock to the world's finest.

Before Artisanal, Bob Leggett spent his career building beer brands America now takes for granted — helping grow Shiner Bock and Corona into national names.

Then came the sip that changed everything: a Duvel. Convinced that American drinkers deserved the world's great specialty beers — served fresh, supported properly, and sold with conviction — he founded Artisanal Imports in Austin in 2001.

Twenty-five years later, the house he built represents monastery breweries with a millennium of history, the world's oldest lambic cellar, England's most storied cider makers and Central America's proudest lager — with a team whose relationships run just as deep.

Milestones

A quarter century of championing

2001

Founded in Austin, Texas

Bob Leggett establishes Artisanal Imports to bring world-class specialty beers to the US market.

2000s

The Belgian foundation

Bosteels, Timmermans, St. Feuillien and Belgium's great houses anchor the portfolio; ciders from Aspall and Westons follow.

2023

Exclusive US importer of Cerveza PALMA

Partnership with Bucanero USA makes Artisanal the exclusive nationwide importer of the Cuban-style pilsner.

2024

Five producers join from SHW Brands

US import rights acquired for Andechs, Früh, Praga, Weltenburger and more — and Andechs distribution expands to two-thirds of the US market.

Today

28 brands, 8 countries, 50 states

Two coastal warehouses, five freight forwarders, and a national sales team carry the portfolio to every US market.

Andechs monastery brewery, Bavaria
Our Standard

We only carry brands we'd defend for a lifetime.

Austin HQ · (512) 440-0811

The team

Bob Leggett

President & CEO

Matt Greenwood

Chief Operating Officer

Rick Clements

Chief Financial Officer

Shelli Stephens

HR / Operations Manager

Michelle Keller

Accounting Manager

Carla Ford

AP/AR Coordinator

Chad Johnson

Sales Support

Michael Emrie

National Sales Director

Andreas Hausner

Brand & Business Development
In the Field

Regional sales coverage

Find Your Rep →

Ed Chainey

Regional Sales Manager
Northern California

Jay Baum

Regional Sales Manager
Southern California

Jose Machado

Regional Sales Manager
Florida & Hispanic Brands

Eric Finch

Regional Sales Manager
Southeast

Fred Einstein

Regional Sales Manager
Southern

Matt Gisonde

Regional Sales Manager
Northeast

Meghan Worsham

Regional Sales Manager
Mid-Atlantic

Rick Kennedy

Regional Sales Manager
Indiana · Ohio · Kentucky

Nick Olson

Regional Sales Manager
Midwest & Rockies

Dan Cooley

Regional Sales Manager
Belgian Brand Specialist — Nationwide
Work With Us

Strong relationships. Effective partnerships.

Whether you distribute, retail or brew — there's a seat at our table.

Contact Us