Huron Distributors Inc.
509 Cavanaugh St. Alpena, MI 49707
5555 M 68, Indian River MI 49749
Phone: 1-800-748-0381
Phone: 1-800-748-0382
Fax : (989) 354-4475
Fax: (231) 238-4299
Owner
James Johnston, President
jim.johnston@hurondistributors.com
Key Employees
Scott Bays , Sales Manager (Alpena)
scott.bays@hurondistributors.com
Clayton Southwell, Sales Manager (Indian River
clayton.southwell@hurondistributors.com
Emily Rushing, High-End/Craft Manager
emily.rushing@hurondistributors.com
Mike Berg, Warehouse Manager (Alpena)
mike.berg@hurondistributors.com
Mike Maves, Warehouse Manager (Indian River)
mike.maves@hurondistributors.com
Jennifer Makowske, Controller
jennifer.makowske@hurondistributors.com
Total number of employees: 53
Number of merchandisers: 12
Number of sales reps: 7
Number of sales supervisors: 2
About Us
Purchased in 1979, Huron Distributors Inc. is part of a group of businesses dating back to 1885. We are the fourth generation to proudly service and supply our customers throughout our territory. We have grown from a 19% market share in 1979 to a 66% market share today. Throughout the years, the company's success has been built upon the fundamentals to provide our customers with the highest level of customer care and service, always promoting quality products, strong partnerships with our suppliers, and a total commitment to the customers and community we service. Huron Distributors Inc. has a reputation of commitment and involvement in supporting local organizations and community events and the overall success and growth of our customers and market.
Community Involvement
Major Company donations or charitable organizations supported:
Huron Humane Society & Cheboygan County Humane Society
Mid Michigan Hospital
Cheboygan County Firefighters Association
Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary & Huron Bike Trails
Friends Together Cancer Support Organization
Toys for Tots
Alpena & Cheboygan Boys and Girls Club
Habitat for Humanity
Counties Served
Cheboygan
Emmet
Charlvoix
City of Ellsworth in Antrim County
North Half of Otsego from the south side of the City of Gaylord
Alpena
Alcona
Montmorency
Presque Isle
Oscoda
Oscoda Township in Iosco County
Total Market population: 207,167
Current Suppliers (Beer Only)
National:
Anheuser-Busch, New Belgium, Gambrinus and United Brands, Chimay
Regional:
Oskar Blues, Cigar City
Michigan:
Austin Brothers, Blakes Hard Cider, Brewery Terra Firma, Elk, North Peak, Perrin, Petoskey, Right Brain, Stormcloud, Ellison, Roak, Cheboygan, Mountain Town, Lansing Brewing Company
Competitive Advantage
Market Share Leader (66%)
Superior Customer Service
Highest sales and delivery frequency among wholesalers in the market
Local Community Involvement (family owned businesses for 4 generations)
Exclusive Beer Supplier of 68% of special events in our market
7-day per week merchandising support. Twice a day on major holiday weeks.
Total support of our customers, helping them be profitable
Hot shot deliveries 5 days per week.
Local Market Dynamics
Off-Premise chain accounts represent 49.2% of total market sales
We have highly seasonal sales during summer months due to tourism & golfing
Winter sales are helped by snowmobiling & skiing due to three large ski resorts
Craft beers represent 60% of total market taps.
Our total territory is surrounded by Lake Michigan & Lake Huron
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Retail Account Information
Off-Premise Accounts: 278
On-Premise Accounts: 350
Chain Accounts Serviced
Off-Premise + number of locations:
7-Eleven (2), Admiral (3), Dollar General (13), EZ-Mart (26), Family Fare (12), Forwards (1), Holiday Gas (2), Kmart (2), Krist Oil (2), Meijer (3), Next Door Food Store (4), Rite-Aid (10), IGA (5), Sav-A-Lot (3), Speedway (3), Sunrise Convenience (2), Walgreen (6), Walmart (4), Spartan Managed Stores (3)
Festival & Event Accounts
Major Venues/Special Events/Festivals serviced within the market:
Bud Light Volleyball League, Elk Festival, Statewide Billiard Tournament, Rally American Beer Race, Boyne City Polish Festival, Zoo-de-Mac Bike Ride, Timberfest, Venetian Festival, Riverfest, Alpena Brown Trout Festival, Posen Potato Festival, Nautical Festival, Sturgeon Fest
Total Number of Events/Festivals held within market: 98
Total Number of Events/Festivals serviced by company: 85
Current Total Customer Service Score: 94%
Delivery Service Score: 96%
Sales Service Score: 94%