March First Makes Inc. 5000 List

CINCINNATI — Brewery and distillery operator March First Brands of Cincinnati has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the United States.
March First made the Inc. list for the third consecutive year, coming in at number 1,243.

March First was able to achieve the award in part by growing its company footprint in 2023, according to a news release. The company added a new 10,000-square-foot March First Brewing location on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square and a Cincinnati Distilling “outpost” called Laveau on 6th Street in the heart of the downtown theater district. Additional growth came from broader distribution of the Cincinnati Distilling spirits brand, including Cincinnati Distilling whiskeys, Voltage vodkas, Cooper Island rums, Stillwrights Spirits and a variety of local collaborations and special releases.

“We, like all our fellow breweries and distilleries, work tirelessly to deliver exceptional beer, spirits and memorable experiences both inside and outside our venues,” said Mark Stuhlreyer, CEO of March First Brands. “We are very proud of our appearance on the Inc. 5000 and it is certainly nice to be recognized for our efforts. However, what really matters most is you, our loyal customers, are happy — without you, we wouldn’t be here.”

Added Josh Engel, March First marketing manager: “Many people don’t realize that we are a family of brands. We have six brick-and-mortar locations, including our main March First Brewing site in Blue Ash, March First Cincinnati on Fountain Square, Cincinnati Distilling in Old Milford, Laveau, our Creole/Cajun restaurant and distillery store on 6th Street downtown, Woodburn Brewing in East Walnut Hills and FigLeaf Brewing in Middletown.”

Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 through 2023, according to Inc.com. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit and independent as of Dec. 31, 2023. The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million.

March First also recently was named a finalist for the Fast 55 awards for the third consecutive year. Sponsored by the Cincinnati Business Courier, the awards recognize the fastest-growing private companies in greater Cincinnati.