MASTER METTLE WINNER
Z.T. Distribution Inc.
Milwaukee
Industry: Grocery distribution
Founded: 1919
Projected 2018 revenue: Not disclosed
ztdist.com
Milwaukee-based Z.T. Distribution Inc. began as Z.T. Wholesale in 1919. Started by Zigmunt Trojanowski and incorporated in 1965, the company has evolved from a wholesaler to a full-service, direct store distribution company serving more than 500 retail grocers throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.
Z.T. works with retailers including Roundy’s, Woodman’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sendik’s Food Markets, Festival Foods and Target in support of national and regional brands.
The company recently hired a business manager with more than 31 years of experience. President Scot Trojanowski expects the move to expand relationships with its vendors and assist with achieving goals presented by its retail partners.
“Growing with our current retail partners and continually working toward being a bigger part of their business drives us to stretch and adapt,” Trojanowski said.
While transportation costs and the challenging labor market have created some hurdles for the company, Z.T. is evaluating new, larger locations for its Milwaukee operations. The company has outgrown its facility at 5441 S. Ninth St. in Milwaukee, he said.
What factors have contributed to your company’s growth?
“We measure growth by the size of the product catalog that a retail partner allows us to take responsibility for.”
– Scot Trojanowski, president.
