Stateside Brands named a USA TODAY Top Workplace for 2026
Stateside Brands leaders credit teamwork, accountability and a people-first culture for the company’s recognition as a USA TODAY Top Workplace in 2026.
Fun is at the heart of Stateside Brands’ day-to-day operations.
After all, as a consumer beverage brand, Stateside wants to live by it offerings.
“We make alcohol; people are usually having a good time when they’re enjoying our products, so why can’t we have a good time while we’re making them,” says Eddy McGehean, the company’s vice president of human resources.
For Stateside, that looks like seasonal kickoff parties, team tailgating outings and paid-time off to enjoy city-wide celebrations like Super Bowl wins.
Based out of Philadelphia, Stateside Brands has put their “work hard, play hard” culture front and center as they rapidly scale up.
In the 11 years since the company was founded by Clement Pappas, Zach Pappas, Matt Quigley and Brian Quigley in 2015, Stateside has transformed from selling just one craft vodka product to launching an entire line of canned cocktails under the name Surfside. Now, Surfside cocktails are sold at big box retailers like Target and Walmart in all 50 states.
Putting culture first during times of expansion looks different for every company. But for Stateside, McGehean says it starts with ensuring every team member feels “safe, heard and respected.”
“You just have to listen to your employees, and the more you communicate, the better you’re going to get feedback from everyone,” he says. “That’s how you’re going to continue to evolve the culture of your company.”
This people-first approach is often touted by executives at major companies across the globe but rarely is it practiced at most organizations.
According to a survey conducted by employee engagement and human resources technology firm Energage, Stateside employees say they feel valued, motivated and supported in a way that stands out from previous work experiences. At Stateside, their ideas are welcomed, their goals are encouraged, and they are given the flexibility to have meaningful work-life balance.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Stateside Brands was named a top workplace in 2026.
McGehean says this emphasis on working well together is the only way to achieve dreams.
The company’s zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment of others and their dedication to building a foundation of trust with their team helps keeps their bonds strong as they work to solve solutions and meet workplace goals.
“Whatever the role is, we know that we can do it together. We can speak honestly with each other, share our ideas, and when you do that, that’s when it all comes together,” McGehean says. “We all have to love and respect each other; that’s what makes it work.”