Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/276079
20 FEDA News & Views We started serving new ideas in 1949 with hot butter dispensers for popcorn – and never looked back. Today we're still made in the U.S.A. and focused on helping your customers improve efficiency and save money in more ways than ever before. Visit server-products.com or call 1.800.558.8722. Dry Food Dispensing Cold Holding Food Warming/ Rethermalizing Pumps & Dispensers ©2013 Server Products Inc. DSR Q&A continued Morgan Tucker, Senior Account Executive M. Tucker Co., Inc. I think people are a bit more realistic in 2014. In 2013, there was significant optimism, however, I don't think the results were as good as we hoped. Going into 2014, I think my market is more reasonable and is experiencing a slow steady growth. We continue to be blessed with lots of new openings in New York City, but there are still many properties that struggle to stay profitable. With heavy equipment and supplies, our customers continue to invest in the prod- ucts that will bring significant value. More than ever before, we notice that most of our factories are garnering their largest growth from the new product segment. The extensive research and development investments in technology finally appear to be paying off. With tabletop, 2014 appears to be similar to 2013, in which customers continue to look for the small investment in new items that will bring an interesting flair to their setting and let their customers know they're still on trend. Patrick H. Bailey, CFSP, Vice President F. G. Schaefer Company, Inc. Personally, I had a great year with our regional chain operators as well as numerous independent clients. More importantly, 2013 was a very good year for our entire orga- nization. We see 2014 as a continuation—if not with a little more challenge. I am unusual in that I use "activity" as my primary gauge. If clients are talking, asking questions, etc., good things happen eventually. It is so tough to use the calendar year as a judge of success or failure. Some large projects could be com- pleted near the end of a calendar year and not actually be invoiced until January. Does that mean I had a bad year? No, the revenue just didn't show up until the following year. The industry has progressed to the point where we must be on our game in all respects. As usual, the strong and smart will do better than the less prepared. Training, educa- tion, and communication will lead the way. Good communication skills are really the key to life. With them we will be miles ahead, without them we will be lost. Those who communicate well will always trump. More than ever before, we notice that most of our factories are garnering their largest growth from the new product segment. The extensive research and development investments in technology finally appear to be paying off. -Morgan Tucker, M. Tucker Co.