(PRESS RELEASE) TUMWATER, WA – Dedicated to developing innovative pet products exclusively for independent pet retailers and their customers, We Are Ndependent proudly announces a distribution partnership with Southeast Pet.
We Are Ndependent was created with the sole purpose of supporting the independent businesses that make up the fabric of every community, and this strategic distributor partnership with Southeast Pet will help further service indie pet retailers throughout Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Founded in 2021 by three industry veterans Jeff Sandy, Rob Mellem and Rusty Hawes with over 70 years of combined experience dedicated to serving the independent pet channel, We Are Ndependent continues to create unique products devoted exclusively for distribution to indie pet retailers.
“Our team is proud of our experience and having a long standing, dedicated and positive history with Southeast Pet and the region of retailers that they serve. We are stoked to be working with their talented team to bring our message and everyday uncommon products to their independent retail partners throughout the Southeast region,” states Rusty Hawes, co-owner of We Are Ndependent.
“At Southeast Pet, it’s important that we partner with like-minded brands that are committed to the independent pet specialty retailer,” adds Pete Cooper, vice president of sales & marketing for Southeast Pet. “The quality of the We Are Ndepdendent products are strong on their own, but also their name says a lot about where their heart is…Ndependent!
We Are Ndependent will be exhibitors (Booth #109) at the upcoming Global Pet Expo 2023 taking place in Orlando, FL, March 22-24. For more information on We Are Ndependent and how their growing assortment of product innovations will drive revenue for your store and help support your customers, please visit www.ndependentpet.com. For more information on Southeast Pet, please visit www.southeastpet.com.
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About We Are NDependent
Ndependent was created with the sole purpose of supporting the independent businesses that make up the fabric of every community. The pet space is no different. Your local, independently owned store has always brought you the best the world has to offer product innovation, education and service. With over 70 years of experience between the 3 of us working exclusively in, with, and for independent pet specialty stores; we couldn’t wait to offer a unique product lineup just for them. For more about We are Ndependent please visit ndependentpet.com.
About Southeast Pet
A combination of front-office expertise and back-office efficiency has shaped Southeast Pet since it opened its doors as Southeast Aquatics in 1975. Two years later, founders Greg and Holly Judge saw an opportunity to expand beyond fish and invested in a small pet supply company. Succeeding as a distributor to independent pet retailers requires independent thinking. This does not mean simply filling orders, but fueling retailer growth by understanding the difference between trends and fads and by offering an innovative mix of premium products and unsurpassed customer service. Greg and Holly’s son, Ryan, joined the business in 2000. Together, the Judges have built Southeast Pet into one of the most respected pet supply and food distributors in the nation. In 2015, the Judges sold 100% of the company to the employees as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This translates to a team that’s 100% committed to the company and to our customers. Based in Metro Atlanta, Southeast Pet’s 133,000 square-foot distribution center supplies retailers in six southeastern states with the new products and fresh ideas retailers need to stay competitive in this fast-changing industry. A second distribution center, opened in 2013 in Lakeland, FL, services the Florida market. For more about Southeast Pet please visit southeastpet.com.
