FEDA Celebrates Member Achievements at 2026 Gold Awards Breakfast
Oswalt Restaurant Supply accepts the Spirit of Giving Award during the Gold Awards Breakfast at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference on Sept. 17. Pictured are FEDA Chairman Marc Tell, CEO of The Sam Tell Companies; Holli Dowell, vice president of procurement and vendor programs, Oswalt Restaurant Supply; Huff Harper, president, Oswalt Restaurant Supply; Shayne Varnum, director of design and consultant support, ITW Food Equipment Group; and Lloyd Crockett, vice president, Oswalt Restaurant Supply.
The Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) honored the standout achievements of its distributor and manufacturer members on Sept. 17 during the Gold Awards Breakfast at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference in Park City, Utah. 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.
The awards were presented by FEDA Board Chairman Marc Tell, CEO of The Sam Tell Companies, and Shayne Varnum, director of design and consultant support 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 recipients were:
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.
- Oswalt Restaurant Supply
Extraordinary Service
Presented to members whose customer service approach delivers exceptional experiences for operators, suppliers, distributors, and service representatives, while contributing to overall business success.
- Gator Chef
- RATIONAL USA
Model Workplace
Presented to members who have created a dynamic and engaging workplace culture that attracts and retains talent while developing future industry leaders.
- Culinary Depot
- Hatco Corp.
Champion for Young Professionals
Presented to members whose leadership and initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to attracting and retaining talented young professionals.
- Rapids Wholesale Foodservice Equipment
- Perlick
Ascending Young Industry Leaders
Presented to young professionals who have demonstrated growth in leadership ability in areas such as innovation, project management, professional development, or community impact.
- Matthew Yaz, Chef’s Deal Restaurant Equipment Co.
- Mackenzie Petersen, Avanti Restaurant Solutions
- Amber Daniels, Spaceman USA
- Lydia Anderson, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc.
- Stephen Nutt, Avanti Restaurant Solutions
- Kinslee Zielinski, USA Restaurant Suppliers
Accomplished Young Industry Leaders
Presented to young professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and accomplishments in areas such as innovative company initiatives, research, product, service or systems development, employee development, or other significant contributions to organizational success.
- Chris Fisher, NEMCO
- Devon Zielinski, USA Restaurant Suppliers
- Joe Fussenegger, C&T Design and Equipment Co., Inc.
- Josh Harrison, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc.
- Nick Schmitt, Rapids Wholesale Foodservice Equipment
- Kevin Klocko, Perlick Corp.
In addition to the Gold Awards, FEDA recognized Victor Products Co. for 25 years of membership in the association.
Finally, FEDA announced the 2026-2027 Board of Directors during the Gold Awards Breakfast. Jamie Arguello, principal and CEO of Grady’s Foodservice Equipment and Supplies, was named the new FEDA chair, while Marc Tell moved to the past chairman role. Jameel Burkett, president and CEO of Burkett Restaurant Equipment, is now the vice chair, and Eric Chaplick, vice president of operations and design for Boelter Companies, remains the board secretary.
The board directors for 2026-2027 are:
- Dustin Bennet, president, The Kitchen Guys
- Tommaso Cardana, president, Tomson Hospitality
- Stan Dabic, CEO, Russell Hendrix Foodservice Equipment
- Colin Darcy, vice president, C&T Design & Equipment Co.
- Lance Douglas, president, Douglas Equipment
- A.J. Lewis IV, CEO, Mission Restaurant Supply
- Anthony Salemi, vice president of strategic sales, Ace Mart Restaurant Supply
- David Stafford, president and CEO, Stafford-Smith
- Leigh Thompson, CFO, Mobile Fixture & Equipment Co.