Is the nationalization of equipment and supply representation the next trend on the horizon? With that, Forward Solutions announced a pair of mergers last month. They have merged with East Coast based BSE Reps and West Coast based Lund-Iorio into their portfolio.
BSE will expand the Forward Solutions foodservice equipment and supplies footprint into New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Connecticut. Concurrently, Lund-Iorio, who serves California and Nevada, are also set to become part of the Hershey, PA based company.
BSE is a leading manufacturers’ rep agency that provides innovative kitchen, bar, and tabletop solutions for its customers, Jeff Hessel, Dan Pino, Anthony Muzia, Ed Soehngen, and Joe Niedzwiecki have all joined the ownership group. Since their start in 1925, they have represented top brands in the foodservice industry. BSE’s robust go-to market strategy leverages nine chefs, beverage specialists, bakery experts, seven Culinary Centers throughout their geography, a Mobile Equipment Lab and multiple educational webinars to reach customers in stadiums, arenas, brew pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants.
“We are excited for the BSE team to join our group,” said Forward Solutions CEO, Joe Orednick. “They have been a cornerstone in the industry, bringing valuable solutions to customers in the northeast for decades. This merger allows them to tap into Forward Solutions resources and pull administrative tasks off their plate. They can spend 100% of their time doing what they love – growing business for their factory partners.”
Since 1971, Lund-Iorio has represented manufacturers of commercial foodservice equipment, supplies and tabletop products. Their staff of 17 foodservice professionals thrive on adding value for customers in school foodservice, healthcare, casinos and gaming, hospitality and lodging, chains, QSR’s, B & I as well as Dealer, Distributor and KEC sales. The Lund-Iorio product mix lends itself to kitchen consultants and architects for kitchen, bakery, bar, hospitality and restaurant design. Scott Lund, Greg Iorio, Joel Dishno, Mark Micallef, Harry Carter and Tyler Jenkins have all joined the ownership group.
“Over the last 50+ years, they have earned a stellar reputation in the foodservice industry. This merger enables Lund-Iorio to provide continued focus, continuity, and service for customers through additional resources and an aligned mission,” Orednick continued.
“Our vision from the very beginning is to create an umbrella for independent manufacturer’s representative organizations,” explained Katie Stowe, President of Forward Solution’s Curate Unit. “That umbrella concept brings a full portfolio of HR, payroll and marketing specialists to each of our operating partners.”
Forward Solutions is a customer-centric company focused on providing advanced services for evolving markets. Our portfolio includes Avision, Curate, Integrated Access Corporation™, OneSolution™, RelyPak™, and StruXur™ which provide outsourced sales, marketing, customer support and data analytics for manufacturers who want to grow their businesses more effectively.
The collective divisions of Forward Solutions offer a variety of products through distribution to schools, hospitals, restaurants, commercial businesses, office buildings, manufacturing plants, contractors, utilities and more. Allynt Solutions and C3Team™ offer consulting services for manufacturers, distributors and end users. Forward Solutions divisions have focused expertise in facility maintenance, cleaning, hygiene, foodservice disposables, foodservice equipment and supplies, industrial/MRO, safety, construction, utilities, telecom and packaging supply channel.
