Primera Celebrates 25 Years of Building Independent Advantage Through Cooperative Ownership
BEL AIR, Md. — For 25 years, Primera has turned a core belief into reality: independent distributors are stronger together and more competitive through cooperative ownership.
Founded in 2001, Primera was built on a clear premise: independent businesses can create greater advantage through shared ownership, aligned strategy, and disciplined execution. Early leadership from Frans Yager and John Gertz, along with the commitment of Member-Owners, Supply Partners, and employees across the organization, turned that premise into a durable, scalable model.
Over the past 25 years, that model has remained consistent.
Primera’s approach to winning continues to center on its G.I.V.E. Pillars of Excellence:
Growth through collective ownership and long-term investment
Influence through scale, alignment, and credibility
Value through disciplined execution and measurable results
Engagement through active participation and accountability
These pillars have guided the cooperative from its earliest days and remain just as relevant in today’s environment.
“This cooperative was built by people who believed in something bigger than their individual businesses and were willing to do the work to make it real,” said Jeff Braun, president and CEO of Primera. “Primera exists to give independent distributors the best opportunity to succeed by turning shared scale, data, and execution into real advantage. That has been true for 25 years. With the foundation we have today, the opportunity ahead is even greater.”
Today, Primera is strengthening its position as the modern-day cooperative, built by independents, powered by data, and driven by excellence.
Looking ahead, the focus remains clear: build on a proven foundation, raise the standard of execution, and continue creating advantage for independent distributors across the network.
Primera Inc
1443 Rock Spring Rd
Unit #160
Bel Air, MD 21014
www.primera.coop
Jeff Braun – President & CEO
Primera INC
Phone: 443-903-0868
Email: jbraun@primera.coop
About Primera
Primera is a member-owned cooperative of independent distributors focused on one objective: turning collective scale into real competitive advantage. By combining data, alignment, and disciplined execution, Primera provides its members with the tools, capabilities, and insight they need to outperform the market and build stronger businesses over time.
Media Contact:
Sam Miller
Vice President, Marketing and Member Engagement
541-602-8608
smiller@primera.coop
