Foodservice Equipment Distributors Assoc.

Hoshizaki America, a FEDA manufacturer member specializing in commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, appointed two new directors to its leadership team. Seth Sawyer has joined the company as the new director of product management - refrigeration. He brings more than 15 years of extensive product management experience, having held key roles at Char-Broil, Spectrum Brands and Masterbuilt. Sawyer’s background includes engineering and product development, combined with a commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions. Additionally, the company appointed Lori Northeim as director of marketing. Northeim is an experienced marketer with a background in brand strategy, product launches, e-commerce, and market research. Her prior experience at Elmer’s Products Inc. and Fiskars Garden and Outdoor Living is expected to help drive Hoshizaki’s marketing initiatives forward, the company said in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome Seth and Lori to the Hoshizaki family,” said Sally Ray, vice president of marketing. “Their combined expertise and fresh perspectives will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and grow our market presence. We are confident that their leadership will help us achieve new milestones and reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers.” https://ow.ly/SYmq50T9VFX@

Judge Blocks Noncompetes Ban from Taking Effect The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) blanket ban on noncompete agreements has been blocked before it was set to take effect on Sept. 4. Judge Ada Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled against the noncompetes ban on Tuesday, Aug. 20. In her opinion, Brown wrote that the FTC had overstepped its authority. “The commission’s lack of evidence as to why they chose to impose such a sweeping prohibition — that prohibits entering or enforcing virtually all non-competes — instead of targeting specific, harmful non-competes, renders the rule arbitrary and capricious.” https://ow.ly/HLFt50T8TiP

IRINOX Professional North America, a FEDA manufacturer member, has appointed Mark Ortiz as national sales director. Ortiz brings 25 years of expertise in the commercial food service industry to the role. Before joining Irinox, he served as vice president and head of national sales at Electrolux Professional Group, where he spearheaded sales and business development initiatives, driving the company’s expansion in the North American market. As national sales director, Ortiz will be instrumental in enhancing brand awareness, fostering business growth and increasing market share for Irinox. He will oversee and direct sales activities in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. “My goal is to develop robust sales channel partnerships throughout the food service industry, helping Irinox achieve new sales growth milestones. I am excited about this new adventure with Irinox," Ortiz said. “We are incredibly excited to have Mark step into the role of national sales director,” said Enrico De Vido, president of Irinox North America. “His vast experience will be a tremendous asset to Irinox, significantly contributing to the continued success of our EasyFresh Next, MultiFresh Next and CP Next blast chilling and shock freezing equipment.” https://ow.ly/toY050T8IKa

Martin Stutzman has joined Jackson WWS, Inc. as the FEDA manufacturer member’s new vice president of finance. Stutzman has more than 20 years of experience in financial management and continuous process improvements, with expertise in lean production and project management. His professional experience includes financial leadership roles at JLG Industries/Oshkosh Corp., Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway, General Electric, and Alcoa. In his new role, Stutzman will oversee Jackson’s financial operations, which include accounting, budget and planning, treasury, capital, risk management, compliance, and information technology services. https://ow.ly/tSek50T7VgT

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Sign Up for the 2024 FEDA Annual Conference Industry Roundtables The roundtables will bring together dealers, manufacturers and other industry representatives to discuss artificial intelligence, robotics, data, supply chain, and the state of the industry. Participants are asked to select two topics in advance by signing up at the link below. https://ow.ly/oCEV50T2tFe

Hussmann, a Panasonic company, announced the creation of a dedicated business development team for the foodservice market. Led by industry veteran, Kasey Klingensmith, the team aims to bring new products to market for the foodservice channel while establishing new paths of distribution exclusively for foodservice. Through these efforts, they will provide better service and expand into new markets and territories, the FEDA manufacturer member said in a press release. Klingensmith is joined by sales representatives Lesa McKinney, Kelly McCombs and Jordyn Rivera. The team is supported cross-functionally by a robust marketing group, product managers and design engineers. “This demonstrates a substantial investment in foodservice and product innovations,” said Aaron Harrington, vice president of sales-small format at Hussmann. “I am confident that we have the team in place to support this growing foodservice segment.” https://ow.ly/Ql8w50T6sJG

Health Care Costs and Taxes Rank as Top Critical Issues for Small Businesses The cost of health insurance is still the top chronic issue for small business owners, unchanged since 1986, according to the newly released Small Business Problems and Priorities report. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) Research Center has published the report every four years since 1982. The 2024 edition is based on a nationwide survey of small business owners and is intended to provide a comprehensive guide to 75 issues and their impact on Main Street. https://ow.ly/gqPK50T5ika

T&S Brass and Bronze Works, a FEDA manufacturer member that makes plumbing products, announced one hire and two promotions to its marketing team. Patrick McCurdy has joined the company as its new senior marketing and global brand manager. Previously the senior vice president of marketing for Techtronic Industries, McCurdy has nearly 30 years of sales experience in the retail, wholesale and consumer markets. The company also promoted David Scelsi to the role of director of product development and Christine Stillinger to international marketing manager. Scelsi joined T&S Brass in 2016 and previously served as a product marketing manager. He was credited for growing the manufacturer’s plumbing product portfolio and helped it to earn a Kitchen Innovations Award at the National Restaurant Association Show for four consecutive years. “David’s exceptional strategic vision and expertise in new product development are invaluable assets to T&S,” said Ken Gallagher, global vice president of sales and marketing. “His leadership is instrumental in driving our innovation and ensuring we continue to meet and exceed the evolving needs of our customers.” Since joining T&S Brass in 2013, Stillinger has demonstrated thoughtful leadership in crafting strategic marketing initiatives and supporting a strong team, the company said. As international marketing manager, she will oversee marketing initiatives and support the company’s sales team around the globe, excluding North and Latin America. “Her expertise and insights will play a pivotal role in driving T&S’ global marketing initiatives forward, enhancing our company’s presence in international markets,” Gallagher said. “We look forward to her continued success in this important role.” https://ow.ly/mWJ950T4kI9

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