FEDA Weekly News for May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

FEDA VIP Supplier Products & News

In This Issue

• New Webinar Series! Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution

• Avanti Account Executive Wins Dealer Service Representative of the Year

• Ruling Allowing Negligence Claims Against Freight Brokers Could Create Regulatory Patchwork

Updated Weekly

• Upcoming Live and

On-Demand Webinars

• New Employer Resources

Latest On-Demand Learning

Industry Events Calendar

FEDA NEWS

New Webinar Series! Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution

Today’s supply chain practitioners must manage increasing complexity while developing skilled teams capable of keeping the operation running. FEDA’s new live and on-demand webinar series will help distributors close those gaps. Each of the four sessions is designed specifically for supervisors and team leads in the distribution industry who want practical skills they can put to use on the Monday after each session. Available at no cost to FEDA members and $99 for non-members.

MEMBER REGISTRATION
NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION

Book Your Hotel Accommodations for the FEDA Young Industry Leaders Retreat

There’s still time to sign up for the FEDA Young Industry Leaders Retreat, taking place June 10–11, 2026, at ITW headquarters in Illinois. The program will examine how to turn leadership strategies into real-world actions that strengthen organizations. Attendees can look forward to insightful discussions on industry trends and challenges, as well as opportunities to network with their peers. Use the link below to register, view the full itinerary, and book your hotel.

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Complete Your 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference Registration

Set for Sept. 15–18 in Park City, Utah, the FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference will equip foodservice equipment and supplies professionals with actionable strategies for building successful, enduring enterprises. The program features industry-shaping speakers, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Verne Harnish, business author and founder of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, who will expand on the flywheel concepts introduced by Jim Collins at last year’s event.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Pentair Bolsters Manitowoc Ice Portfolio With Mannhardt Acquisition

The addition of Mannhardt’s commercial and industrial ice storage products is expected to strengthen Manitowoc Ice’s ability to deliver integrated ice system solutions for foodservice and hospitality operators.

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MEMBER NEWS

Avanti Account Executive Wins Dealer Service Representative of the Year

Jesse Durham joined Avanti as an account manager in 2022. Previously, he founded and served as CEO of Durham Creations, a company specializing in logo design and branding. He also held roles at McDonald’s and Chando’s Enterprises, a California-based Mexican food chain.

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Boston Showcase President Matt Starr Earns 40 Under 40 Recognition

In an interview with the Boston Business Journal, Starr discussed how he entered the foodservice equipment and supplies sector through his family’s business and the influence of his grandfather, “Papa” Jason, who was the third president of BSC. As a leader of a fourth-generation family business, Starr said the honor felt less like a personal milestone and more like a reflection of the BSC team and the work they do together every day.

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Zepole Welcomes Four New Team Members

The new hires will support the distributor’s Illinois and Minnesota locations, as well as its chemical and sanitation services.

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Middleby Adds Vice President of Consultant Services

In his new role, Ryan Norman will be supported by the Middleby team of Hannah Guy, Madison Fitzgerald, and Oliver Eaglen. Additionally, the consultant services team will now report directly to Group President Will Means, who oversees dealer buying group relationships.

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Flexeserve Expands Connect Support Team With New IoT Manager

Jordan Brown will be responsible for managing the rollout of Flexeserve’s Connect offering, arranging test sites for potential customers, and offering continued support and training. His addition gives Flexeserve a dedicated point of contact for every element of its new cloud-based service.

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FEDA Young Industry Leaders Retreat
June 10–11, 2026
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FEDA Distribution Webinar
June 26, 2026
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Full Calendar of Industry Events
Ongoing

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Support the FEDA Learn Institute

The FEDA Learn Institute is supported in part by donors to the FEDA Education Foundation, which develops important and relevant education and training programs for distributors. Learn about becoming a Diamond Donor and be recognized within FEDA for your support.