Founded in Atlanta in 1940, United Distributors exemplified the entrepreneurialism that characterized Georgia business during the twentieth century. After the repeal of prohibition in 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment gave each state the right to establish its own laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales, distribution, and consumption. This created a new industry and economic opportunities for cousins Max Kahn, Jennings Hertz, and Edgar Kugelman, who formed their initial business partnership through Fulton Distributors in 1940; that company became United Distributors in 1952. The company provided warehousing, distribution, and sales and marketing services for alcohol producers, relieving them of those expenses while adding value through deep personal relationships in local communities. As it responded to market demands, it continued to expand and became the largest beverage alcohol distributor in Georgia and Alabama.