Company History

Get to know us.

The ownership and management of ESD is now in the fourth generation of the Smith family. Earl C. Smith founded the business in 1933 and managed it until the early 1950’s. Robert A. Smith took the reins at that point and oversaw the growth of the company until his death in 1987. Since that time and continuing to the present day, Robert E. (“Bob”) Smith working together with his three sons, Erik, Justin and Andrew oversee the management of the business.

The company has experienced many changes over the years, especially during the third and fourth generations, with the growth of flagship AB-InBev brands and the emergence of the craft beer industry.  Working together and partnering with our suppliers, we have become the leading beer and wine supplier to our retail customers in the beautiful Thumb and Blue Water areas of Michigan.

Our company prides itself in adapting to an ever-changing industry and providing the best possible service and products to our retail customers in the communities in which we live and work. We look forward to continuing to deliver the great service and products that our customers in the Thumb and Blue Water areas of Michigan have come to expect from ESD for many years to come.

Mission Statement

What we strive for.

ESD will strive to provide to our retail customers the finest beer and non-alcoholic products with unequaled service and respect. This is the foundation on which ESD was built. We are local people living, working and playing in the areas we serve. This is where our friends and family live. We believe in this area and the great, genuine people who live and work here with us. You can count on ESD and its employees to continue to do its part to better our community by continuing to be an engaged and active citizen and delivering high-quality products and services to our retail customers for many years to come.