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February 14, 2007
 Kenco Logistic Services has picked up the Red Toe Soda business and will be providing full-scale logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and logistics management, for the newly launched Atlanta-based soft drink company.
When Red Toe Soda founder Jon Stallings was bringing his new soft drink to market, he could not have imagined the “stubbed toe” he would experience in the product’s first week of production. “It was on a Wednesday in December, just two days before the products were coming off the line, when all the warehousing that had been lined up fell through,” Stallings recalled. “Needless to say, we were in a bit of panic.” With six truckloads of product and no warehousing arranged, the situation was, indeed, pretty dire. “Manufacturers don’t want your product piling up on their floors,” he said. “The situation required some urgent attention.” Enter Kenco Logistic Services.
“An associate suggested I call Kenco Logistic Services, since they’re virtually a one-stop-shop for transportation, warehousing and logistics management,” Stallings said. “With one phone call to their 1-800 number, I had a Vice President on the line assuring me they would take care of my problem. Less than one hour later, Josh Noblitt of Kenco’s Business Development Group called me back and said, ‘Tell me what you need, and we’ll take care of it.’” True to his word, Kenco picked up six truckloads of the Red Toe Soda product from the North Carolina manufacturer, took it to a food-quality warehouse in Chattanooga, coordinated with the manufacturer, Carolina Beer & Beverage for shipping and began implementing a logistics system to track inventory and distribution.
The concept for Red Toe Soda began brewing in 2005 when Stallings lived in Knoxville, Tennessee. “I realized there were not a lot of healthy alternatives to traditional soft drinks, particularly in the school market,” he said. “So we began developing a line of carbonated, low-calorie, fruit-juice based sodas.” Hence, the birth of Red Toe Soda.
Characterized by the giant red toe logo on 16-ounce cans, Red Toe Soda is currently available in lemon-lime, orange and cherry flavors. Stallings plans to have a grape flavor within the next six months and a total of six flavors in all. Though still in its infancy stages, the product has been very well received by teens and young adults.
“They like it better than many of the blander sports drinks or sugary sodas on the market,” Stallings said. “Our long-term goal is to be available nationwide.”
Stallings anticipates using Kenco Logistic Services for all his logistics needs as his business grows and expands. “As a start-up company, I’ve been impressed that Kenco’s taken the time and attention to smooth out the bumps in the road and solve my headaches, so I can focus on my core business,” he said. “They’re also big enough to handle all my logistical needs both now and down the road. I plan to stick with them for the long haul.”
Headquartered in Chattanooga, Kenco Logistic Services is one of the nation’s leading full-service providers of transportation, warehousing and logistics management solutions.
To find out more about Red Toe Soda, please visit their website at www.redtoe.com.
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