The Heartland Story
In the spring of 2016, Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman signed a Letter of Intent with The Coca-Cola Company, beginning an exciting new chapter. By early 2017, he formed Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, becoming one of the Coca-Cola system’s newest independent bottlers through the acquisition of territories spanning Kansas, Missouri, Central and Southern Illinois, and parts of Nebraska and Iowa. Junior’s relationship with Coca-Cola began over thirty years ago when he was playing basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks. During the off season he would volunteer at local basketball clinics sponsored by Coke as giving back to the community was always very important to him.
Under Junior’s leadership, Heartland Coca-Cola quickly grew into a thriving organization of more than 2,400 associates, a place where people could grow, succeed, and contribute to something meaningful. Today, Heartland is recognized as a high-performing, winning team, grounded in purpose and driven by results.
In April 2025, following Junior Bridgeman’s passing, Heartland stepped into a new chapter under the leadership of CEO Justin Bridgeman. Carrying forward his father’s vision, Justin brings the same deep commitment to people, growth, and excellence. With Justin at the helm, Heartland remains steadfast in its mission — to serve, to grow, and to thrive for generations to come.
From the beginning, the Bridgeman family and the senior leadership team believed that integrity and a relentless focus on quality would be the foundation for lasting success. Just as important was their commitment to building a culture that put people first with an inverted pyramid model that places associates at the top, customers at the center, and leadership in service at the base. This model ensures that empowerment, respect, and service defined every action we took.
By working together toward a shared vision, providing career training and development opportunities, and celebrating milestones along the way, Heartland became more than a business. It became a family — deeply connected and fully invested in its future.
The Olathe Production Campus (OPC)
In 2024, Heartland Coca-Cola officially opened the $400 million, 700,000-square-foot Olathe Production Campus (OPC) in Olathe, Kansas. This state-of-the-art facility marks a generational investment in our business and region — driving economic growth and enhancing manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
Equipped with world-class technology and designed with sustainability in mind, the OPC enables faster innovation, more efficient operations, and environmentally responsible production. Its advanced equipment improves precision, reduces waste, and ensures we deliver the high-quality beverages our consumers love. With space to add future lines, the OPC also supports long-term growth.
As a workforce development hub, the OPC trains the next generation of manufacturing talent, equipping employees with the tools and skills to thrive in an evolving industry—ensuring we stay at the forefront of operational excellence.
On June 10, 2025, Heartland hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate this milestone and honor the legacy of our late CEO and owner, Junior Bridgeman, whose vision brought the OPC to life.
