As FEDA celebrated its 90th anniversary at the 2023 FEDA Annual Conference, the association also took time to recognize the outstanding achievements of its distributor and manufacturer members during the Gold Awards Breakfast on Oct. 26. The program recognized member companies and individuals who are advancing the foodservice equipment industry through exemplary leadership and service. Winners were selected based on an application process and the weighted scoring of performance in the areas of workplace practices, customer service and the development of young professionals.
The awards were presented by FEDA Board Chairman Dave Stafford, president and CEO of Stafford-Smith, and Gary Simpson, senior vice president of U.S. sales for ITW Food Equipment Group, the sponsor of the Gold Awards Breakfast. Winners were presented with an award, sponsored by TimePayment, featuring a connection circle design as a nod to the people who bridge gaps and create a sense of belonging with their organization and communities.
The Gold Awards winners were as follows:
Spirit of Giving
Presented to a member company that has demonstrated exceptional kindness and support for others through community service. This award was established in recognition of previous FEDA Executive Vice President Ray Herrick.
Boelter
Extraordinary Service
Presented to a manufacturer whose customer-service program provides an extraordinary experience for operators, suppliers or dealers, and service reps and has contributed to the company’s success.
Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies
Alto-Shaam
Model Workplace
Presented to members that have created a dynamic and unique workplace culture that attracts and retains talent and develops future industry leaders.
Zepole Supply Co.
The Vollrath Company
Champion for Young Professionals
Presented to members whose model leadership and achievements have promoted the attraction and retention of talented young professionals.
KaTom Restaurant Supply
Krowne
Ascending Young Industry Leader
Presented to young professionals, age 21-33, who have demonstrated growth in leadership ability in innovation; project management; professional or employee development; or community impact.
Cody Hearing, Hotel & Restaurant Supply
Daniel Langston, KaTom Restaurant Supply
Accomplished Young Industry Leader
Presented to young professionals, age 34-46, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and accomplishments in innovative company initiatives; research; product, services or systems development; employee development; or other unique accomplishments that have contributed to the company’s success.
Nikki Shishido, TriMark
Robert “Zack” Benson, TriMark
In addition to the Gold Awards, FEDA recognized the service of outgoing board member Tony Yeung, deputy CEO of Action Sales, and thanked those companies that have been part of the association for 50 and 25 years.
50-Year Member
Stafford-Smith, Inc.
25-Year Members
BFA Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
Dine Company
Fein Brothers
Rapids Wholesale Foodservice Equipment
Skelton’s, Inc.
Finally, FEDA was honored to welcome many of its past presidents to the stage to share some of their experiences and most cherished memories as part of the association’s 90th-anniversary celebration.
Past Presidents
Marc Fuchs, Singer M. Tucker
Mason Greene, Hotel & Restaurant Supply
Bruce Gulbas, National Restaurant Supply
Michael Keck, Concept Services
Brad Pierce, Restaurant Equipment World
Joe Schmitt, Rapids Wholesale Equipment (represented by Eric Schmitt)