LaRue Distributing, Inc. was founded in 1972 by Verlyn
L'Heureux. The company was originally named Fountain Products of Nebraska. Mr.
L'Heureux purchased the company's inventory from it's previous owner and began
selling to new customers, service existing customers as well as maintain all
bookkeeping, etc. from a garage operation. During this time, LaRue was a
franchise operation, selling Fountain Products. This consisted of freeze dried
coffees, teas and soups and targeted business offices in the eastern half of
Nebraska. Mr. L'Heureux personally sold and built the areas of Nebraska, Iowa,
and the northern portion of Colorado. He then hired personnel to run the route
system, service department, and bookkeeping operations.
In
1975, the company incorporated and changed it's name to LaRue Distributing,
Inc. LaRue entered the fresh roasted coffee business, and introduced it's own
private label. "LaRue" brand coffee is roasted to the customer's
specifications. LaRue quickly expanded into restaurants, convenience stores,
and institutional coffee services. By the mid 1980's LaRue had grown into 6
states, and increased it's product line to over 230 products, including
non-carbonated beverages, cappuccino products, snacks, and paper supplies.
Today
LaRue services convenience stores, restaurants, institutions and business
offices in 11 states and ships nationwide from its new 30,000 foot warehouse
facility. Their route personnel are trained to provide product delivery and
equipment maintenance on a routine, scheduled basis to meet each customer's
individual needs.
Verlyn
L'Heureux, founder and C.E.O. attributes the growth of LaRue Distributing to
loyal employees, excellent customer service and quality products all delivered
at competitive prices.