Atlas Sales, launched just after Prohibition, one of first female-led Michigan beer distributors 

BATTLE CREEK, Michigan – Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are creating jobs and helping other small businesses, like craft brewers, local wineries, and local retailers, compete, grow, and thrive on a level playing field. Atlas Sales Inc. is one such distributor, and this year celebrates 90 years of connecting brewers with customers. 

“Atlas Sales Inc. has operated as a family-owned beverage distribution company and has proudly served the Battle Creek community and retailers across Calhoun County since Theron ‘Pick’ Fagan founded it in 1933,” said Greg Dunn, president of Atlas Sales Inc. “We were one of the first companies organized to distribute beer and wine when Prohibition ended in Michigan. Over the last 90 years, Atlas Sales Inc. has been located in five different warehouses and played a key role throughout the history of Michigan’s beer industry. Our passion to serve our community and customers inspires us to work hard to build relationships, help ensure shelves are stocked, collaborate with breweries, make seamless deliveries, and promote responsible consumption.” 

When “Pick” Fagan passed away in 1983, ownership of Atlas Sales passed to his wife, Frankie Fagan. In the mid-2000s, leadership passed to her son, Greg Dunn, who has been recognized throughout southwest Michigan for his numerous civic and charitable contributions. The third generation of the family is now involved, as Bud Dunn is the company’s vice president in charge of sales and operations. 

“Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are family businesses, and I am proud of the accomplishments my grandmother, Frankie Fagan, made as one of the first female owners in the industry,” said Bud Dunn, vice president of Atlas Sales Inc. “She oversaw a period of rapid growth in sales, market share, employees, and business for Atlas. Despite not being from Battle Creek originally, she has played an active role in our community as though she were a native. At 91 years old, she continues to inspire the passion and dedication that has made Atlas Sales what it is today.” 

Atlas Sales Inc. is a beer distributor in Battle Creek, Michigan, serving Calhoun County. They operate as the front-line sales and distribution team for Anheuser-Busch InBev and New Belgium Brewing and Michigan craft breweries such as Territorial, Perrin, Rochester Mills, Right Brain, and Blake’s Hard Cider.

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