Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/964617
January/February 2018 23 KEVIN A. FINK, CFSP NAFEM President President, Master-Bilt, Nor-Lake, Standex Foodservice Equipment Group Co. Having been fortunate enough to be in the foodservice equipment industry for 30 plus years, it's always surprised me that industry partners—manufacturers, dealers, service technicians, reps and design consultants— were often siloed in their approach to our business. We are all part of one industry, and we all share a common goal—to be the best solution providers to our mutual operator customers. What better way to grow and strengthen our industry than to come together to learn. That's why I am so excited about our combined conference—The Future Starts Here: E&S Industry Summit. Our collective members can expect three days of professional development, relationship building and new perspectives about the critical role they play in advancing our industry. Will this take people out of their comfort zone? Absolutely! Will it put you at a roundtable, or seated in a general session next to someone from a different discipline and potentially someone you don't know? Hopefully. Will we get everything absolutely right on our fi rst attempt at a joint meeting? Probably not. But, this is a great opportunity to expand our personal and professional horizons. I think of CFESA, FEDA and NAFEM as organizations with progressive, thought-leading members who aren't afraid to tackle the tough issues and focus on innovative solutions for our collective customers. A puzzle is much easier to solve when you have the proper pieces, and we are going to have a productive and fun event! GARY POTVIN CFESA President President of PineTree Food Equipment Inc Serving Maine and New Hampshire When I started a company 30 years ago, I quickly realized that a good working relationship with dealers, reps, manufacturers, and consultants was necessary for success. At fi rst, it was a bit awkward but those of you who know me, know that I kind of like awkward because it's the fi rst place you fi nd opportunity. After a few minor hiccups with my industry partners, I started to realize that we had many of the same problems, just a little different. Ten years went by quickly and my relationship with my industry partners was fantastic; we all helped each other out. It has always been my dream to have us come together and work toward a common goal—to please the customer. I am so excited and ready to mingle with my peers to help make this industry better. Most of us fell into it, and with insights from our joint conference, we might just come away with a method for getting others to seek our industry as a fi rst option. We are so blessed to be in such a great industry. Now let's get others to join the party! 21st Century Craftsmanship salvajor.com • (800) SALVAJOR Crafting Quality Food Waste Solutions Since 1944 Yeah, there's plenty of innovation in our products, from patented operator sensing technology to easy to read LCD digital displays. But there's more to what makes Salvajor products superior. For more than 70 years, family owned Salvajor has been crafting qual- ity into every product we manufacture. Our skilled group of welders and CNC machine operators are true craftsmen. Innovation? Defi nitely. Our disposers are the only commercial disposer available with a proximity operator sen- sor which saves energy and reduces water usage. For more information on all Salvajor products contact us today.