Our Dna

Our History

1933

Shortly after prohibition (1933) Andrew and Grace Hengstler started the Ludington Beverage Company, located in the small community of Ludington along the shores of Lake Michigan. After Andrew passed away in 1937, Leo C. Reed and Vera Reed purchased the business and started their journey in the beer industry.

Black and white photo of Ludington Beverage Co. building with beer trucks and two men standing outside.

During the War

Two men in uniforms leaning against a vintage Drewrys beer delivery truck outside a warehouse.

Man in dark clothing poses playfully in a boxing stance beside a large truck.

Man in jacket stands in front of a truck with a WWII-era 'Buy U.S. War Bonds' painted sign.

Four people standing in front of a team of six large horses hitched to a wagon outside Ryskamp Market.

After the War

Black and white photo of a woman sitting at a cluttered wooden desk in a wood-paneled office.

Vintage Pfeiffer's Beer blimp floating low over grassy field near a delivery truck and people.

Two men standing under a helicopter, each holding onto its landing frame and smiling.

Group of men in suits attending Budweiser Sales Service School with drinks on tables.

1949

Twelve short years later in 1949, Milan (Bud) and Dorothy Reed joined the company and worked side by side for forty-two years. During these years Bud and Dorothy made many wonderful contributions to Ludington Beverage, Anheuser-Busch and the local communities that they lived in and served.

Black and white portrait of a woman with curled hair and a man with neatly combed hair looking to the right.

1971

In 1971 the company grew to a size that required moving locations and building a new warehouse still located in Ludington. The beer business has continued to expand and grow

Black and white photo of five people standing in front of a warehouse with Budweiser, Michelob, and Busch beer trucks nearby.

1973

Over the past 20 years, Ludington Beverage has gone through seven more expansions resulting in their current facility. During this time of transition and change in the industry, the third generation of Reed’s, Milan (Budde) Reed II, began his career at Ludington Beverage in 1973 working alongside his parents. Much like his mom and dad, Budde has been a leader in all aspects of the business, the industry, and the communities that we serve.

Three people standing smiling outside a Budweiser building at Ludington Beverage.

1980's

Smiling man in a gray plaid suit, white shirt, and patterned tie posing with hands folded.

A man and woman holding hands; she sits in a chair and he leans on a table holding a newspaper.

1990's

Smiling man and woman standing in front of a red Budweiser horse-drawn wagon with two drivers and a Dalmatian seated on the wagon.

2000's

Group of eight people posing in front of a Mason County Fallen Heroes memorial plaque and American flags.

Four people stand by a decorated horse and carriage holding a wrapped gift at night in a festive setting.

Smiling elderly man and woman wearing sunglasses and name tags, sitting on a Budweiser crate, celebrating with raised hands.

Now

After more than 40 years in the business Budde has transitioned the Company over to the fourth generation in his nephew, Tad Reed and made long-time employee, Rick Tyndall a co-owner as well. Today, Ludington Beverage Company is 100% Veteran Owned and operated. We are very proud and honored to be a multi-generational, family owned and operated business with highly dedicated and exceptional employees servicing the Western Michigan area!

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