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. 1984 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. 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.