This year’s 3rd Annual Midwest Bottlers Skills Competition was extra special because it also coincided with Heartland Family Day, creating the perfect mix of competition, fun, and family celebration. Held on a beautiful day in Kansas City, the event welcomed employees from across our Heartland territory—whether they participated in the competition or simply came to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. The atmosphere felt like a reunion, with colleagues reconnecting and families coming together to share in the excitement.

The Skills Competition allowed employees to show off their talents in friendly competition with their coworkers, as well as Viking Coca-Cola, Chesterman Coca-Cola, Ozarks Coca-Cola, and Atlantic Coca-Cola. It was inspiring to watch our talented team members demonstrate their hard work and skills for all to see.

But there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Attendees were treated to delicious food and drinks, Games, inflatables, activities for all ages, and Prizes and giveaways throughout the event.


Whether cheering on competitors or enjoying the festivities with family, attendees were surrounded by smiles, laughter, and joy. It was beautiful to see families come together, proud to celebrate their loved ones and make lasting memories.

A special thank you goes out to the volunteers, sponsors, participants, and organizers whose dedication made this event successful. Your hard work and planning showed in every detail, and we are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the day.

This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about celebrating the heart of our organization: the talented people who make us who we are. We look forward to continuing this tradition and creating even more memories at the next Skills Competition!

2-AXLE SMV

1st Place – Zane Cox, Central IL

2nd Place – Devin Nelson, Northern KS

3rd Place – Kyle Kline, Central MO

DELIVERY VAN

1st Place – Jeff Smith, Ozarks

2nd Place – Cameron Johnson, Northern KS

3rd Place – John Tomko, Central IL

4-AXLE TRACTOR

1st Place – Justin Pewitt, St. Louis

2nd Place – Chris Rhodelander, KC

3rd Place – Matthew Schwartz – South

FORKLIFT

1st Place – Robbie Garrigus, Central MO

2nd Place – Dermerius Edwards, Chesterman

3rd Place – Jeff Looney, Ozarks

ELECTRIC PALLET JACK

1st Place – Ireaka Brown, Kansas City

2nd Place – Phil Cubertson – Ozarks

3rd Place – Jordan Jones – Chesterman

MANUAL PALLET JACK

1st Place – Shane Dolan, South 

2nd Place – Tyler Seaman, Central IL

3rd Place – Sam Bowden, Ozarks

CENTER RIDE JACK

1st Place – Simeon Helem , St. Louis

2nd Place – Tony Dillon, Northern KS

3rd Place – Justin Kingery, Central IL