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, CEO, 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.
