ABOUT US
H. Cox and Son, Inc. has been in business for 91 years. Our company is a beer, wine, and soda wholesaler throughout 7 counties in northwest Michigan which include: Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Wexford, and Missaukee counties. employs 57 full-time employees, and services 501 retail accounts. To service our 501 retail customers we operate a fleet of 13 delivery truck
s on a daily basis. Here at H. Cox and Son we take great pride and commitment to deliver our retailers the best service and freshest products within our industry. We are proud of our business, the industry in which we do business, and the contributions we are making to the state and local community. is a major supporter and contributor to many local charities and schools within our communities. As distributor of alcoholic products we are very active in promoting the responsible use of our products. Working with our suppliers, retail customers, and various community organizations we strive to educate servers and consumers about the responsibility of selling and consuming our products. COMPANY HISTORY
Herman C. Cox founded H. Cox & Son, Inc. in 1933, distributing beer throughout 7 counties in Northern Michigan out of a small garage in Traverse City, MI. In 1934, Clinton H. Cox (Herman’s son) joined the family business and a new warehouse was also built on 8th St. to accommodate the expanding business. The two worked closely until Herman’s death in 1947. It was not until 1953 when Clinton’s two sons, Chuck E. Cox and John C. Cox joined the business. In 1960, Clinton H. Cox passed away, leaving Chuck and John to continue the family business. In 1973 H. moved locations to the South end of town, where it still stands today. In 1981 John C. Cox passed away and shortly after, Mark L. Ribel (Chuck Cox’s Son In Law) joined the company to assist Chuck in growing the business. In 1994, H. acquired Ameel Distributing Co., a Traverse City beer and wine company, diversifying the product line to include a number of Domestic beers, Microbrews, as well as an extensive line of fine wines and non-alcoholic beverages that include sodas, waters, and juices. 1995 saw the death of Chuck E. Cox, the company’s principal shareholder. With the passing of Chuck, Mark L. Ribel became the sole shareholder of H. In 1998 Mark’s son, Mark C. Ribel joined H. making the 5th generation to operate the family business. In 2001 Mark L. Ribel’s second son Ryan Ribel joined the company.
