FEDA Celebrates Member Achievements at 2025 Gold Awards Breakfast

FEDA honored the standout achievements of its distributor and manufacturer members on Sept. 12 during the Gold Awards Breakfast at the 2025 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event recognized companies and individuals who are helping move the foodservice equipment industry forward through exemplary leadership and service. Honorees were chosen through an application process and evaluated on their performance in workplace practices, customer service and the development of young professionals.

Leading off the Gold Awards Breakfast was Joe Carbonara, editorial director of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies and restaurant development + design magazines. Leaning on insights derived from his more than two decades covering the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, Carbonara discussed key factors shaping the industry — such as economic pressures and consolidation — and explained how dealers are demonstrating resilience and finding ways to prosper in the face of those challenges.

Following Carbonara’s presentation, the awards were presented by FEDA Board Chairman Marc Tell, CEO of The Sam Tell Companies, and Gary Simpson, senior vice president of U.S. sales for ITW Food Equipment Group, the Gold Awards Breakfast sponsor. Each recipient received an award featuring a connection circle design, symbolizing the people who bridge gaps and create a sense of belonging within their organizations and communities. The awards themselves were sponsored by FS Foodservice Solutions.

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.

• Stafford-Smith, Inc.
• Alto-Shaam

Extraordinary Service
Presented to members whose customer service program provides an extraordinary experience for operators, suppliers, dealers, and service reps and has contributed to the company’s success.

• Curtis Restaurant Equipment
• Atosa

Model Workplace
Presented to members who have created a dynamic and unique workplace culture that attracts and retains talent and develops future industry leaders.

• Russell Hendrix
• Thermo-Kool

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, Inc.
• Ice-O-Matic

Ascending Young Industry Leader
Presented to young professionals, ages 21-33, who have demonstrated growth in leadership ability in innovation; project management; professional or employee development; or community impact.

• Kyra Cole, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc.
• Jeffrey Mackey, Singer Kittredge
• Anna Kuzmicheva, TriMark USA
• Colleen May, Continental Refrigerator

Accomplished Young Industry Leader
Presented to young professionals, ages 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.

• Trey Griffith, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc.
• Tom Fuller, TriMark USA
• Jon Rodriguez, Krowne

In addition to the Gold Awards, FEDA recognized dealer members that have been part of the association for 25 years.

25-Year Members

• Foodservice Equipment Brokers
• Mission Restaurant Supply
• State Restaurant Equipment
• Williams Food Equipment