Meet the ABLE BC Board of Directors: Mike McKee, Director

Mike McKee is one of three new Directors who began their terms on the ABLE BC Board earlier this year. Mike comes to us from the private retail world. He's been a part of the JAK’s Liquor team since 2009 and is now the Director of Real Estate and Finance for both JAK's and Muse Cannabis.

JAK’s is a family affair started back in the early 1980s by Mike’s father-in-law, John Kettlewell, with his first pub purchase, The Brass Rail. Over the years, the business grew and as John brought in his sons, sons-in-law, and nephews, they switched focus from pubs and liquor stores to just liquor stores. In 2019, Muse Cannabis joined the family, expanding their retail portfolio further. Every time a liquor or cannabis store is opened up in a new community, Mike looks forward to meeting the customers and introducing them to the excellent service and product range that JAK’s and Muse pride themselves on.

The JAK’s stores have been long-time members of ABLE, and Mike has been an active member since joining the industry 13 years ago. And while Mike is one of the new Directors this year, this will actually be his second term. He served his first term on the ABLE Board of Directors about 10 years ago. Mike was eager to join the Board again because he knows how important it is to give back to the industry that has provided so much for him and his family. He wants to be a part of the continued success of the private liquor industry and support the efforts of ABLE’s Executive Director, Jeff Guignard, and the rest of the Board.

Mike is particularly proud of ABLE’s achievements over the pandemic such as the moratorium on new LRS licenses being extended another 10 years and LRS licensees being allowed to sell liquor to Special Event Permit holders. As a Director, he will ensure this momentum keeps going and that ABLE continues to strengthen both LRS and LP businesses. Mike loves this industry and all the colourful characters that come with it – from owners and managers to staff and agents, and especially customers. There are so many good people in the industry, Mike wants to make sure their livelihoods are protected.