Our Story

In 1976, Lance Sutter, a Vietnam combat veteran, purchased Tri-County Distributors, an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler based in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, serving Wayne and Susquehanna counties. What began as a focused, community-driven operation was rooted in a simple principle: deliver great American brands with exceptional service and local accountability.

From the start, the company embraced the responsibility that comes with representing Anheuser-Busch—building relationships one account at a time and earning trust throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

In 2003, Tri-County Distributors acquired Falcone Beverage, the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler based in Pittston, Pennsylvania, serving Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties.

With this acquisition, the company expanded its footprint and officially became Northeast Eagle Distributors, establishing its headquarters in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The move positioned the organization at the center of its growing territory and marked a pivotal evolution—from a regional wholesaler to a dominant force in northeastern Pennsylvania.

In 2007, Raymond DiPietro, a nearly 30-year veteran of Anheuser-Busch, became the Equity Agreement Manager and minority owner. His deep supplier knowledge and industry relationships strengthened alignment with Anheuser-Busch and reinforced the company’s long-term growth strategy.

In 2018, Northeast Eagle Distributors acquired Carbon County and a portion of Schuylkill County from Penn Beer, significantly expanding its distribution footprint.

This milestone made Northeast Eagle the largest Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in northeastern Pennsylvania—serving seven counties with scale, operational excellence, and a commitment to being future-ready in a rapidly evolving beverage marketplace.

In 2024, Rob Watts joined the company as Successor Manager following a career in government service and the United States Army. His leadership brought operational discipline, long-range strategic planning, and a mission-driven culture that continues to shape the organization’s trajectory.

Today, Northeast Eagle Distributors stands as a veteran-owned and operated wholesaler built on disciplined leadership, strategic growth, and strong supplier partnerships. From its roots in Honesdale to its headquarters in Pittston, the company continues to invest in technology, talent, and infrastructure to ensure best-in-class execution. With the scale, systems, and leadership in place Northeast Eagle is built for the future – positioned for continued expansion, increased market responsibility, and sustained growth alongside our partners.