The term design consultant doesn't begin to describe the value that Beth Kuczera provides to her clients. What she accomplishes as the president of Chicago-based Equipment Dynamics Inc. is more like making dreams come true. She describes it as being a good translator, converting the physical realities of a foodservice concept into a plan for architecture, interior design and engineering development. She aims for productivity and visual effect. The end result takes the form of a restaurant that not only has efficient, functional workflow but also gives diners that wow factor.
Click for a list of past winners in the following categories: Dealer, Consultant, Service Agent, Manufacturers' Rep and Operator.
Most people would be burned out from their job after working 42 years for the same company, but not Paul Toukatly. The service manager and co-owner of upstate New York's Duffy's Equipment Service remains passionate about his work and the service sector as a whole, decades later. The energy in his voice when he talks about the sector makes that clear.
2017 Top Achiever — Manufacturers’ Representative: Stacey Stahl Co-president, Ritten Associates Inc.
Stacey Stahl, co-president of Ritten Associates Inc., based in Edina, Minn., is not one for self-promotion. In fact, when she learned about FE&S recognizing her as at Top Achiever, her first reaction was to turn it down.
Thoughtful, hard working, dedicated.
Success in business doesn't require some grand plan. Treating the customer right, using good common sense and making the most of the opportunities that come your way can lead to great things.
A landscape architect by training, Todd Guyette, principal and owner of Colburn & Guyette, brings a unique skill set to his veteran role as a foodservice designer.
It will mark 21 years next month (May) that third-generation manufacturer's rep Chris Jeens has dominated the Canadian marketplace since taking over W.D. Colledge Co. Ltd. The company was founded in 1953 by his maternal grandfather William Colledge and succeeded by his father Neville Jeens in 1976. Jeens would never use the word "dominated," however; the soft-spoken and humble industry vet remains just as close with his competitors as he does with his colleagues, first through the Canadian chapter for the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI) and now as vice president of MAFSI.
Brothers Steve and Jeff Sliter, president and vice president, respectively, of Cincinnati-based Commercial Parts and Service (CPS), are co-winners of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies' 2016 Top Achiever — Service Agent Award.
One of the foodservice industry's most endearing traits remains the simple fact that it continues to reward those willing to work hard in an honest and thoughtful manner. And the sky's the limit for those who approach their roles with open minds and a willingness to learn. Such is the case with FE&S' 2015 Top Achiever Award recipients.
It's a good day if you're working — or chillin' — with Chuck Day. Clients can count on him for his sense of urgency and followup, while friends enjoy his funny jokes and upbeat personality. Actually, that's why many of his clients also count Day as a friend.
