Local veteran-owned and operated beer distributor celebrates 90 years in business

November 9, 2023

Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. proud of employees who bravely served our country at home and abroad, remains committed to supporting veterans


LUDINGTON, Mich. – Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are pillars in their communities across the state with longstanding histories that often span multiple generations. Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. this year celebrates 90 years of delivering some of the world’s best beers across Northwest Michigan. The beer distributor is proud to be entirely veteran-owned and operated.

 

“Since the ratification of the 21st Amendment repealing Prohibition in 1933, the Ludington Beverage family has served the communities in which they live and serve with a commitment to bring the local people a variety of their favorite beverages,” said Tad Reed, president of Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. “This company has seen tremendous growth and success as a leader in our industry and local communities we serve. I am proud to represent the fourth generation at Ludington Beverage Co. Inc., working alongside our dedicated family of employees to promote choice and competition while delivering the best products and superior service to our customers. We are all stewards of this business and build upon the legacy of Peck and Vera Reed, Bud Sr. and Dorothy Reed, and Budde Reed.”

 

Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. prides itself on being 100% veteran-owned and operated. The distributor proudly supports Folds of Honor, an organization that helps ensure local families of fallen or disabled U.S. military members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support through its scholarship program.

 

“On Veterans Day and every day, we salute and respect the sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families to protect the freedoms we cherish as Americans,” said Rick Tyndall, co-owner of Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. “We, along with our families, have also made those sacrifices for our country, and are uniquely positioned to take advantage of every opportunity to support our veteran services organizations across our region and beyond.”

 

The City of Ludington celebrated its 150th birthday in June. Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. was pleased to bring the World-Renowned Budweiser Clydesdales to town to celebrate the Sesquicentennial milestone and its own 90th anniversary in business. The beer distributor was thrilled to raise $10,000 for Folds of Honor throughout the week of celebrations.

 

Ludington Beverage Co. Inc. is a locally and entirely veteran-owned and operated beverage distributor that serves seven counties in Northwest Michigan. Its team markets, sells, and distributes Anheuser-Busch InBev and regional brands, Michigan crafts, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).