This article appeared in the May/Jun 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

While working for a beverage company in 1964, Leonard Bugajewski Sr. told his boss that the future was in restaurants and bars having bar guns and soda “on tap.” His boss thought it was a “fad” and didn’t want to invest in it.

But a determined Bugajewski conceived of Leonard’s Syrups shortly afterward — growing into a third-generation company servicing all of Michigan.

Starting out with nothing but a father, a son and a delivery truck, the company primarily serviced restaurants, bars and other establishments as a manufacturer of syrup for beverages but later invested heavily into CO2. Today, that business employs 120 people, has a 250,000-square-foot facility in Detroit, has distribution facilities in Saginaw and Grand Rapids and has 100 vehicles in its fleet featuring one of the most recognizable logos on the road.

“Just look for the rainbow. You’ll see us,” says Vice President Sherri Iskra, granddaughter of Leonard Bugajewski Sr.

Best Part of My Job

Seeing my family every day — that includes my blood relatives and the 117 non-blood relatives that feel like family!

If I Weren’t Doing This

I’d be working for Disney — being curious, being creative and having fun!

Through the Generations

Prior to their investment in bulk CO2, Leonard’s only provided businesses with CO2 in high-pressure cylinders — which regularly need to be replaced. With bulk CO2, businesses can have a constant, reliable stream of beverages. After the initial investment for the equipment, businesses end up saving time and money, according to Iskra.

Over the years, Leonard’s Syrups has evolved to provide businesses with additional efficient and cost-effective solutions, including soft drink and draft beer equipment installation and maintenance, life safety equipment, ice services and customized solutions for grow facilities.

CEO Leonard Bugajewski Jr., who built the company alongside his father, developed the company’s iconic syrup flavors. Now, his children — Iskra and Leonard’s Syrups President Leonard Bugajewski III — are leading the company into the future.

My Next Goal

Seeing Leonard’s successfully transition from the third to the fourth generation!

The Best Advice I Ever Got

Stay curious and never stop learning. Curiosity fuels innovation.

One of the company’s most recent investments was for “Steve,” a robot that has significantly accelerated production and has helped ease the strain on workers. Steve can fill 55-pound syrup bags, make boxes, place the bags into the boxes and then lift and move these boxes to set them up for the next steps. Humans no longer need to be involved in this strenuous process, so the company has been able to move skilled workers to other areas of the business.

“It’s hard to lift 55 pounds repeatedly throughout the day,” Iskra says. “Stevie took the back-breaking work out of it.”

The robot was named Steve in honor of their brother, who died 10 years ago.

“My brother was always trying to move us into the next century,” she says. “Getting a robot and naming it after him was a fitting tribute to his memory.”

Community Involvement

Leonard’s Syrups is committed to giving back to the community.

Bugajewski Jr. has been a Macomb County Sheriff’s Mounted Division Commander, Selfridge International Guard Base member and past president of the Northeast Detroit Lions Club.

Iskra has been a supporter of the Detroit Police Department in many capacities, for which she received an honorary resolution in 2016.

This innovative, family owned organization has certainly contributed to greater efficiency for restaurants, bars and many other businesses in Michigan, all while remaining dedicated to supporting their communities.

Leondard’s Syrups is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since March 2024. Visit online: leonardssyrups.com.