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OUR NETWORK

Huron Distributors Inc.

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  

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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


Download a printable PDF of this information

 

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%