United Distributors, Inc.

Our Story

The United story began in 1940 when the Hertz and Kugelman families helped found the Fulton Distribution Company in Atlanta, GA. Fulton’s success was a catalyst for the development of Standard Distributors, as well as two additional beverage distribution companies in Florida, and another in Augusta, GA.The ’50s were an era of transition, and the various distributorships changed names and management. Standard ultimately became United Distributors. It expanded. It evolved. It changed with the times. But it was always managed by the Hertz family.

In 1982, the founding families divided ownership of their various distributorships. The Hertz and Kugelman families retained United, as well as the Augusta, GA location and both Florida distributorships.

1982 was also the year when Doug Hertz stepped into the role of President, representing the third generation of leadership by the Hertz family. Doug, who is still President today, spearheaded an aggressive period of growth and expansion. Through the ’80s and ’90s, United made a staggering 12 acquisitions throughout Georgia, providing broad statewide distribution coverage for its spirit and wine brands. United also broke into the domestic beer market by partnering with the Coors Brewing Company, Miller Brewing, and Heineken.

In order to encourage continuous growth and welcome new opportunities, United moved its headquarters to its current location in Smyrna, GA. This facility allowed United to continue its warehouse and delivery consolidation efforts across the state. The Smyrna location was also critical when United purchased the distribution rights for the Miller Brewing Company in Atlanta, which nearly doubled the size of its beer distribution business. Today, United conducts its Georgia operations at this location, as well as at warehouse and delivery locations in Savannah and Albany.

United has since expanded into Alabama where it operates as United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama. Visit www.ujbal.com to learn more about this organization.

Today

Today, United is the largest beverage alcohol wholesaler in both Georgia and Alabama. With two members of the fourth generation of the Hertz family involved in leadership roles, United is one of the 2-3% of family businesses that are able to successfully transition beyond the third generation. The Hertz family remains focused on growth, leveraging its most distinct market advantages in order to maintain its upward momentum. Its talented and innovative team of sales representatives and brand builders has the unique ability to recognize synergies between all three categories of alcohol, making it possible for United to grow its product portfolio and business successfully in Georgia and beyond.

United’s history also provides a solid foundation for its craft beverage portfolio and local philanthropic initiatives. Visit our Craft site and our Philanthropy page for more information.

Our Mission & Values

Our mission is simple: to be the most successful corporation in the beverage distribution industry. In order to successfully achieve this mission, we are fully committed to:

OUR SHAREHOLDERS

Outstanding return-on-investment, excellent profitability, and consistent long-term growth

OUR SUPPLIERS

A respect for their goals, along with a mutually beneficial partnership built upon:

a. Open communication across all levels of our company

b. Our ability to provide superior market management and continued marketplace innovation

OUR CUSTOMER

The highest levels of service, educations, and salesmanship consistent with all existing laws and regulations

OUR ASSOCIATES

The creation of a supportive, family-like work environment that provides the necessary opportunity for personal and professional growth, receipt of equitable compensation and benefits, and that, in return, incurs loyalty, pride and diligence

OUR COMMUNITY

Active personal and financial support in order to make the areas in which we do business better places to work, play and live