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: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.