Team Modern: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Team Modern began in the late 1950s when founder Bill Ray acquired a jukebox for a truck stop in Lancaster, KY. This small venture grew into Modern Music, Inc. in 1961, a business operating jukeboxes and pinball machines. In 1965, Modern Music expanded by purchasing Central Vending in Somerset, KY. By 1969, the company was renamed Modern Vending Comp
any, becoming known for its vending services throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. The 1980s marked a turning point as Modern Vending entered wholesale distribution, initially partnering with Food Fair in Somerset. In 1985, Mickey and Jerry Ray became owners, leading the company toward future growth. By 1991, the name was changed to Modern Distributors, Inc., emphasizing the focus on convenience distribution. The acquisition of Midway Wholesale in 1992 expanded their knowledge and presence in the market. In 2006, the company moved to a new distribution facility, and by 2011, it had expanded its warehouse and added a test kitchen, solidifying its commitment to foodservice growth. After Bill Ray’s passing in 2018, Michael Ray helped define Team Modern’s core values—Optimistic Energy, Fairness, Teamwork, Customer Focus, and Gratitude. In the late 2010s, Team Modern diversified further, launching Modern Signs & Graphics and Modern Equipment Sales & Service. The entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive Team Modern forward as it evolves and grows.
