Why Coca-Cola United CEO Mike Suco Can Thank Miles College for His Successes

By Ryan Michaels | The Birmingham Times (This article originally appeared in the Sept. 21, 2022 issue of the Birmingham Times and has been updated following Coca-Cola’s announcement of plans to build $330 million campus in Birmingham.) Mike Suco knows about stamina. The CEO of Birmingham-based Coca-Cola Bottling Company United (CCBCU) is an endurance-sport enthusiast whose favorites are activities like long-distance running and triathlon. He has participated in about 10 or 11 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, as well as a couple of full Ironman races, considered to be some of the most challenging triathlons in the world. Suco is also known for something else with staying power: He is also co-founder of Fiesta BHAM, Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. And just last week he announced that Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc. will build a $330 million headquarters as well as its distribution operations in Birmingham’s Kingston community. The new corporate headquarters will include a sales, distribution and warehousing center, region, division and offices, and a customer call center. The multifaceted CCBCU facility is expected to create up to 50 new jobs and retain more than 750 jobs. “[The] announcement reflects our long-standing commitment to our associates,...