Specialties
For more than 35 years, Southwest Traders' lasting commitment to exceptional quality products and innovative distribution solutions is truly second to none. We offer a true one stop shop to deliver products right to your store allowing you to focus on your customers and leave the delivery to us.
History
Established in 1977.
Ken Smith and Dean O. founded Southwest Traders on January 5, 1977 in Leucadia, California, as a one-van operation. Smith and Dean purchased the operation from Ken's older brother, Ned Smith, and delivered good-for-you products. In 2000, Southwest Traders opened a warehouse in Denver, Colorado, to help gain efficiencies in their expanding footprint. In 2001, the company started construction on a 70,000 square-foot warehouse expansion, double their current space.
An additional facility was purchased in late 2002 in Phoenix, Arizona. By 2004, Southwest Traders expanded operations to Houston and Dallas, Texas. In 2006, a previous facility in Sacramento, California, relocated to Stockton.
The Temecula headquarters moved to their corporate offices in 2007, which is located a few blocks from the main warehouse. Finally, the Fresno distribution center opened in 2008.
Today, Southwest Traders remains committed to being your distribution solution. Throughout the years, our commitment to our
Meet the Business Owner: Ken S.
Ken Smith and Dean O. founded Southwest Traders on January 5, 1977 in Leucadia, California, as a one-van operation. Smith and Dean purchased the operation from Ken's older brother, Ned Smith, and delivered good-for-you products. This included fresh juices, smoothies, alfalfa sprouts, fresh whole grain breads, and bakery items from Ne-Mo™.
In 1979, Smith purchased Dean's shares and became sole owner. That's when Southwest Traders grew from two vans to four and Smith purchased the company's first warehouse - a 1,000 square-feet facility located on Washington Street in Escondido, California. He held the facility until the following year when, due to continued growth, they moved to a larger compound on Enterprise Street.
