Celebrating 90 Years of Trusted Logistics Solutions

Scholls 1935
Distribution Alternatives was Founded in 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Initially as Scholls Inc.

A Minnesota-Born Legacy of Partnership and Performance

It was 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression, when Lorin “Doc” Scholl, along with his younger brother, founded a small warehousing company. With one warehouse, one customer, and a whole lot of grit, he founded Scholl’s Inc. in the heart of Minnesota. That company—originally known as Scholl’s Inc.—would grow far beyond its modest beginnings to become Distribution Alternatives, or “DA,” a market-leading 3PL provider serving thriving and emerging brands from around the globe.

As we commemorate our 90th anniversary this year, we’re reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point—and looking ahead to how we will continue to drive our customers forward into the future.


“As we mark 90 years, I’m most proud of how we’ve stayed true to who we are—customer-focused, adaptable, and committed to doing things the right way. This legacy isn’t just about longevity; it’s about the trust we’ve built and the partnerships we’ve earned. That’s what will carry us forward.”
— Ron Brinkman, SVP, Distribution Alternatives


A Legacy Built on Trust and Tenacity

It’s been nine decades of learning, adapting, and growing—and in that time, we’ve learned what it takes to stay ahead. It starts with consistently showing up for our customers. From our humble beginnings operating out of a single warehouse to our current nationwide network of strategically located facilities in Minnesota, Houston, and Los Angeles, we’ve always believed in doing things the right way. Even as we’ve expanded, our foundation remains unchanged: a steadfast commitment to reliability, responsiveness, and treating our customers’ business as if they were our own.

Personalized Solutions for a World That Never Stops Moving

At DA, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all 3PL solutions. We understand the complex logistical challenges many brands face, and we invest in our clients’ success. Building lasting partnerships with brands that need reliable, adaptable, and scalable EDI and supply chain solutions is what we do best.

We’re proud to serve a wide range of industries—from toys & infant items to beauty, household goods, health & wellness, and beyond. We specialize in helping brands grow—whether that means expanding your DTC reach, achieving retail compliance, or streamlining fulfillment across multiple channels.

We take the time to get to know your business, your goals, and your pain points. Then we build flexible, reliable solutions around them.


Here’s to 90 years!

As we celebrate 90 years, we do so with immense pride in our roots, our people, and the partnerships that have propelled us forward. From startups to global brands, we’re honored to be entrusted with the logistics that power your business.


To our valued clients and partners—thank you.

Your trust and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our journey, from our humble beginnings to our current nationwide presence. Here’s to 90 years of delivering what matters—and to the exciting journey ahead!

Contact us to learn more about how DA can help your business scale.

Distribution Alternatives Is Open and Thriving in Houston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Brookshire, TX – Distribution Alternatives, Inc. (DA), a leading Houston 3PL provider, is proud to announce that its new 855,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center in Brookshire, Texas is not just open—it’s thriving.

New 855,000 Sq. Ft. 3PL Warehouse Facility Gaining Momentum

Houston Texas 3PL Warehouse - Distribution Alternatives
Houston Texas 3PL Warehouse – Distribution Alternatives

Since the initial announcement in August 2024, DA has welcomed six clients and is actively onboarding several more. The demand for order fulfillment in Houston and retail-ready logistics continues to grow in this strategically positioned hub.

Located just west of Houston and near one of the nation’s most efficient ports, the Brookshire facility is purpose-built for fast-growing brands seeking scalable, tech-enabled supply chain solutions in Houston. Its proximity to the Port of Houston and access to major freight corridors supports faster, more reliable delivery across the country.


“We’re open, we’re growing, and we’re delivering results,. We’ve hit the ground running in the Houston logistics market, and we’re excited to help more brands take advantage of this high-performance fulfillment environment.”

Dawson Hayes –  Business Development Manager at Distribution Alternatives


Built for Retail. Designed to Scale.

DA Houston warehouse facility
As a full-service third-party logistics (3PL) provider, DA supports big-box retail fulfillment, independent retail channels, and direct-to-consumer shipping.

The Brookshire Houston warehouse facility offers:

  • 855,000 sq. ft. of flexible, high-bay warehouse space
  • Integrated B2B and D2C fulfillment services
  • Advanced EDI compliance and routing guides
  • Custom pick and pack, kitting, and retail prep services
  • Prime access to highway, rail, and the Port of Houston

Diverse Clients. Custom 3PL Solutions.

DA serves brands across gift & décor, consumer packaged goods (CPG), toys & juvenile products, housewares, and health & beauty. The Houston location also supports clients in apparel, PPE, and fitness, offering customized fulfillment solutions for nearly any product category.

Real Clients. Real Results.

A recent client—a leading home and holiday décor brand—relocated from California to DA’s Houston distribution center, reporting major logistics wins:

  • 2-day increase in fulfillment speed
  • 2–3 day reduction in East Coast transit times
  • 5–7 day decrease in port dwell time compared to the ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach

Get Pricing Here


“We’re more than a warehouse—we’re a logistics partner, our Brookshire 3PL facility was built to support growth—and it’s delivering.”

 


Looking for Houston warehouse space or a new fulfillment partner?

Contact Distribution Alternatives to learn more or schedule a tour of our Brookshire campus here.

About Distribution Alternatives, Inc.

Distribution Alternatives (DA) is a trusted third-party logistics provider specializing in custom fulfillment services, e-commerce logistics, and retail distribution solutions. With a 90-year legacy and operations in Texas, Minnesota, and California, DA offers comprehensive warehousing, freight brokerage, and managed transportation services through its logistics division, DA Logistics.