John Grizzaffi

Owner, JW Thornton Wine Imports

For his years of outstanding service to Boise State University, John “Johnny” Grizzaffi has been named an honorary alum and is now a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. 

Grizzaffi is a 35-year veteran of the beverage industry, where he worked in all three tiers — retail, wholesale and supplies. He retired as president and managing partner of Stein Distributing Company in Boise after 25 years and serving in various roles. Prior to joining the company in 1996, he held key positions with national brand companies and independent organizations located in the southern U.S. Grizzaffi is the owner of a wine distribution company that he purchased in July 2021, which was started in 1982 by Jack Thornton and is based in Ketchum, Idaho.

Grizzaffi serves on the boards for Boise State University Foundation, Duke Family Foundation, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl executive committee, St. Luke’s Children’s advisory board and the Boise State College of Business and Economics advisory council. He served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho board. Grizzaffi attended North Texas State University.

For the past 15 years, Grizzaffi has dedicated countless hours to organizing the COBE Golf Tournament. What started in 2007 as a golf scramble with the hopes of raising a few thousand dollars for COBE students has grown into an annual powerhouse of a tournament with a waitlist every year. Under Grizzaffi’s leadership, the tournament now raises nearly $60,000 annually for business student scholarships and college support. It also brings business leaders of the Treasure Valley together and connects them with COBE. Beyond COBE, Grizzaffi has also led high-level sponsorships for Boise State Athletics and the Boise State Alumni Association. His generous support of both time and donations has helped elevate several programs across the university, and his legacy and impact are felt across the entire campus.