FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2025
Privately held 3PL expands leadership to accelerate nationwide warehousing and e-commerce-fulfillment growth.
Lino Lakes, Minnesota — Distribution Alternatives (DA), a leading third-party logistics provider with more than two million square feet of warehouse space across Minnesota, California, and Texas, today announced that its leadership team has appointed Grant Ellena chief executive officer, effective Monday, April 7, 2025. Ellena succeeds Tim Scholl, who will retire after 62 years with the company and will continue to serve on the board in an advisory capacity through 2026.
“DA’s customer-first culture, advanced WMS integrations, and strategic facility footprint position us to deliver faster, more flexible logistics solutions nationwide. My focus will be on deepening our e-commerce capabilities, strengthening our partnerships, and investing in automation that benefits both our clients and our people,”
Grant Ellena, CEO
Ellena joined DA in 2014 when the company acquired a freight-brokerage division. Tasked with building the new Brokerage Logistics group from the ground up, he quickly distinguished himself while guiding Minnesota’s shipping, routing, and labeling teams.
When DA’s longtime CFO retired in 2018, Ellena presented a data-driven plan with rigorous financial controls—qualities that earned him the CFO role. Over the past decade he has gained deep expertise in DA’s logistics network, IT ecosystem, and, most importantly, the company’s core values of reliability, care, and operational excellence.
“With Grant Ellena at the helm, I’m confident Distribution Alternatives will continue delivering the dependable service, nationwide reach, and personalized logistics that define our brand. The future is in capable hands,” said Tim Scholl, Owner.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Tim for so many memorable years. What’s always stood out is how much he genuinely cares about his employees—he treats everyone like family. That respect and loyalty will always guide our company,” added Ellena.
“As CFO, Grant proved himself a prudent, straightforward leader. As CEO, his pragmatic, results-driven mindset will keep us focused on shared success for employees and clients alike,” said Christine Grimm-Weber, Director of HR.
90 YEARS STRONG. PERSONALIZED LOGISTICS. NATIONWIDE REACH.
About Distribution Alternatives
Founded in 1935, DA has weathered economic swings, supply-chain shocks, and technological revolutions. Tim Scholl’s 62-year tenure embodied the company’s core values—integrity, reliability, and partnership—cementing DA’s reputation for operational excellence in third-party logistics.
Distribution Alternatives is a privately held 3PL operating more than two million square feet of warehouse space in Lino Lakes, MN; Bloomington, CA; and Brookshire, TX. DA delivers nationwide multi-channel fulfillment, integrated freight brokerage, and real-time inventory technology—backed by agile ownership and a veteran leadership team.
For more information, visit DAServ.com or call 800-346-3245
