It all started in 1963…  That’s when August A. Bush III recognized the growing interest in water-oriented sports activities.  When August Busch discuss the opportunity with his friend Bernie Little, they entered the glamorous and competitive world of Unlimited hydroplane racing together.  Thus was born the MISS BUDWEISER, a fixture on the Unlimited circuit ever since, the winner of an unprecedented 19 World and National High Point titles, 12 Gold Cups, and 125 major races–more than any other team. 

Little won his first Martini & Rossi National High Point Championship Trophy in 1969.  With driver Sterett and crew chief McKernan, MISS BUDWEISER scored victories in the Dixie Cup at Guntersville, Alabama, the Kentucky Governor’s Cup at Owensboro, the Seafair Trophy at Seattle, and the big one–the APBA Gold Cup – on the last day of the season at San Diego.  On the strength of four wins in seven races, Little and August Busch stood at the very top of the power boat racing world. 

A native of McComb, Ohio, Little’s upbringing partly reflects the Great Depression, which affected so many of his generation.  In the 1930s, his father’s grocery store was a casualty of the economic instability of the time. Money was scarce, and Bernie operated a morning and evening newspaper route.  “I got to the 8th grade in school, and then I went to work.  I peddled newspapers, shoveled snow, carried golf bags over my back, whatever it took to get the job done.  I’ve been working 12, 14, 16 hours a day ever since.  That’s the only life I know.” 

For a man who never finished high school, Little nevertheless has a high regard for the value of formal schooling in contemporary society.  “Education is the most important thing that anyone could have in life today.  I realize that you couldn’t do today what I did a long time ago.  You just have to have an education today.”   

On New Year’s Eve, 1943, just a few months prior to joining the U.S. Navy, Little went to a local nightclub and asked Jane Cunningham to dance.  “We danced all night.  Nine days later, we were married.”  Bernie was 17 years old.  They have been married ever since and have three children and four grandchildren.  Mr. and Mrs. Little celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in January 2000. 

“A person must aim high.  Those who accomplish great things often do so because they have a dream that may seem impossible to others.  My great-grandfather, Adolphus Busch, was a dreamer.  He created a national beer, BUDWEISER, at a time when all beers were regional.  And in doing so, he molded the future of the brewing industry.  “The other factor that makes a winner is commitment to quality.  A reputation for excellence is one of the greatest assets a person can bring to this life.” 

There is no doubt that these factors are true in Bernie’s case.  Little is chairman of three Anheuser-Busch distributorships at the present time.  “We cover many counties in Central Florida, from north of Ocala to south of Lake Okeechobee.  We’re very pleased with that.  My son Bernie Jr. runs the distributorship in Ocala and my son Joe runs the distributorships in Lakeland and Sebring.  They’re both pretty equal in sales, and they both do a tremendous job.” 

When asked about his personal philosophy in conducting business, Little admits to being a very “hands-on” type of administrator.  “I never like to put too much of a load on anyone.  I want to make sure I can do it before I delegate anything.