Becoming the Viking Coke We are Today
Viking Coca-Cola is a privately held company owned by the Faber Family. Each Faber family member—Joe, RoseAnn, and Michael—has had a hand in leading Viking Coca-Cola toward success. It all started with Joe Faber’s passion and dedication which became instilled in Michael from the beginning and inspired RoseAnn.
Viking Coca-Cola remains a dedicated family-run establishment that includes the Faber family and extends beyond to all members of the team including delivery drivers, sales personnel, executive management, and our partners.
The Faber Family
Most who have worked with Viking Coca-Cola credit the company’s success to the groundwork laid by Joe Faber. Joe had a passion for the customer. He was an astute businessman and the consummate salesman. He understood the importance of the people working in the company.
Inspired by his dedication and passion over the years, RoseAnn became involved with Viking Coca-Cola and was prepared to take control when Joe no longer could.
Joe passed his work ethic and devotion on to his son, Michael Faber, who leads and contributes to the operation of Viking Coca-Cola today. The Faber family is rich with heart, vibrancy, and commitment to Viking Coca-Cola and its success.
1886
Coca-Cola sold its first bottles of soft drink.
1935
The first standardized coin-operated vending machines for Coca-Cola are used.
1952
Viking Coca-cola founded by Howard Hamilton (in Brainerd, MN).
1962
Viking Coca-Cola purchased Coca-Cola Bottling of St. Cloud and our name, Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Company, was adopted.
1963
TaB, Coca-Cola's first diet soft drink is introduced to the world.
1966
Hamilton hires route-driving salesmen, Joe Faber. Unknown at the time, Joe would become the heart and soul of Viking Coca-Cola.
1976
Marv Soldner, our future President, starts fresh out of college. He started driving delivery truck in Brainerd and transitioned into many roles throughout his career.
1976
Joe Faber became a partner.
1982
Diet Coke is introduced, beginning its journey toward becoming the top low-calorie drink in the world.
1984
Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Alexandria and Willmar.
1986
Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Pine City, Minnesota and Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
1986
Happy 100th Birthday to Coca-Cola!
1990
Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Marshall and Hutchinson.
1991
Coca-Cola develops the first partially-recyclable plastic bottle, a new innovation for the beverage industry.
1994
Joe Faber purchased the Sherman & Hamilton family stock and became the sole owner.
1995
Joe passed away, shortly after he became the sole owner of Viking Coca-Cola.
1995
Rose Ann Faber, Joe's wife, took over the title of president and became the nation's only female president and chief executive officer of a Coca-Cola bottling company.
1999
Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes.
2002
Michael Faber becomes President of Viking Coca-Cola.
2004
Armada Coffee is launched.
2005
Viking acquires operations in River Falls Wisconsin & Red Wing Minnesota.
2005
Viking Beverages begins distribution of Coors products in St. Cloud, Willmar and Hutchinson markets.
2010
Warrior Energy Drinks are launched.
2016
Acquired Virginia, Minnesota along with Coca-Cola Beverages of Duluth which includes territory in Duluth, Minnesota and Ashland, Wisconsin.
TODAY
We are proud to be a successful branch of this legendary brand.
What Areas Do We Serve?
Coca-Cola is the most recognizable brand in the world with more than 1.8 billion servings consumed daily in over 200 countries.
QUENCH YOUR THIRST
We believe a refreshing Viking Coca-Cola beverage should always be right at your fingertips. Let's make that happen! Contact us today by filling out the form below.
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