From Burning Buildings to Cold Brews: Selling Beers with Fire-Proof Preparation

Nicole Waugh has no problem prepping for a disaster. Not a missed meeting or a flat tire – this former volunteer firefighter knows how to put out a flaming building or a hazardous wildfire. Now she takes that skill and applies it to her career as a field specialist in the beer industry.

Forced to leave firefighting due to multiple back surgeries, Waugh is happy to have experienced the rigors of putting out flames firsthand.

“I wanted something challenging, and I wanted to ground myself a little bit. I still haven’t officially resigned.”

And though she misses her days of volunteering, Waugh has found a happy place in her current role at Premium Distributors of Virginia in Chantilly.

Waugh began her job at Premium four years ago, working in the draft department as a repair technician. She was one of the people responsible for keeping the beer flowing at Jiffy Lube Live, one of her favorite venues to attend as a music lover, but now she’s a field service representative, using her gift of gab to focus on sales.

“I never really thought that I would be in the beer industry,” Waugh says. “When my friend asked me if I was comfortable using tools, and getting down and dirty fixing stuff, I said ‘Yes.’ I knew that I would eventually want to be in sales, though. That was my ultimate goal. I’ve loved it.”

“It’s more of a career,” she says. “I don’t consider it a job. There’s so much room for growth. Every day is different, and you get to constantly meet new people. I’m very competitive with other salespeople, and I love that nature of the business.”

On a day-to-day basis, Waugh acts as one of the faces of the company, educating patrons about products, ensuring orders are fulfilled and keeping clients satisfied.

When she’s not working, Waugh spends the majority of her time with her 10-year-old daughter Gabrielle, nicknamed G. The pair is inseparable and very active, going horseback riding and participating in extreme sports.

Clearly, there’s no slowing down this dynamic woman. If you see her out and about, be sure to raise a pint to thank her for her firefighting service and for helping ensure that you’ve got a cold one to drink.