Tri-State Marketing Associates: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Tri-State Marketing Associates, established in 1999 by Lynne Schultz and Bart Gobioff, is a manufacturers' representative group specializing in the commercial food service equipment and supplies industry. The company operates across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and has recently expanded into the New England and Keystone Area territories.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to provide food service professionals with the tools they need to succeed by marketing and promoting high-quality equipment and supplies, offering comprehensive support, and ensuring exceptional after-sales service.

Primary Area of Focus

Tri-State Marketing Associates focuses on representing leading brands in the food service industry, offering a range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Industry Significance

As a manufacturers' representative, Tri-State Marketing Associates plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between equipment manufacturers and food service operators, ensuring that quality products reach the market efficiently and effectively.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Market and Promote Products: Actively market and promote food service equipment and supplies within their territories.

• Sales Support: Provide sales support through information dissemination, product demonstrations, and on-site assistance.

• Order Facilitation: Assist in order facilitation and coordinate delivery processes.

• After-Sales Service: Offer comprehensive after-sales service and support to ensure customer satisfaction.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Tri-State Marketing Associates specializes in representing a diverse portfolio of manufacturers, covering various product categories such as equipment, supplies, tabletop items, and furniture. Their expertise spans multiple product categories, including bakery, bar, beverage, cooking equipment, display/merchandising, food preparation, refrigeration, sanitation, serving, and warewashing.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technological platforms are not detailed, the company emphasizes the use of modern tools and methodologies to support their operations, including digital marketing strategies and customer relationship management systems.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The company targets the commercial food service sector, including restaurants, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and corporate environments, providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each market segment.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding the company's funding history are not publicly disclosed.

Total Funds Raised

Information about the total funds raised by Tri-State Marketing Associates is not available.

Notable Investors

The company operates privately, and details about individual investors are not publicly disclosed.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific utilization plans are not detailed, the company likely invests in expanding its product portfolio, enhancing customer service capabilities, and supporting its expansion into new territories.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Tri-State Marketing Associates represents a range of manufacturers, including Arctic Industries, Bunn-O-Matic, CHAR, Hoshizaki, Rational, Rotisol Rotisseries, Vita-Mix, Vollrath, Winholt, and Winston.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a manufacturers' representative, the company does not engage in clinical trials or product development but focuses on marketing and promoting existing products.

Target Conditions

The company's target conditions include the diverse needs of the commercial food service industry, encompassing various operational requirements and challenges faced by food service professionals.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for product introductions or milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The company does not publicly disclose proprietary technologies.

Significant Scientific Methods

While specific scientific methods are not detailed, the company likely employs industry best practices and standards to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

AI-Driven Capabilities

There is no publicly available information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities within the company's operations.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Lynne Schultz – CEO: With over 42 years in the food service industry, Lynne founded Tri-State Marketing Associates in 1999. She is dedicated to success, family, and community service.

• Bart Gobioff – President: With a background in the food service community since 1987, Bart holds a Master's Degree from Columbia University and an MBA in Marketing from Pace University. He has been instrumental in assisting operations with their food service equipment needs.

• Marc Fugaro – Vice President of Strategic Alliances: Marc leads the Upstate New York territory expansion and brings a wealth of industry knowledge from RATIONAL Cooking Systems. He is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a Bachelor's in Culinary Arts & Chef Training.

• John Rodriguez – Director of Key Accounts: John joined the team in 2016 as a Sales Associate and has a knack for interacting with new and existing clients. He attended Queens College for English Literature and has experience as a waiter, providing him with an inside perspective of the foodservice and hospitality industry.

• Tim Mamrak – Sales Associate (New Jersey, Delaware, PA): Tim has extensive experience in the food service industry, having worked for both a manufacturer and a foodservice dealer. He is well-versed in the latest food service trends and technologies and will be spearheading the expansion into MAFSI territory #4.

• Bryan Frank – Sales Associate (Upstate NY): Bryan has many years of experience in the foodservice industry and is well-versed in the cooking side of the company's lines. He is excited to be back in the territory and is a valuable asset to the team.

• Jennifer Brakenwagen – Sales Associate (New England/Metro): Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in sales, client relations, and product specifications within the foodservice and design industries. Her attention to detail and dedication to clients make her a valuable addition to the team.

• Maria Quito – Customer Service: Maria joined Tri-State Marketing in 2004 and assists with literature requests, managing service calls, fulfilling sample requests, and is in charge of the literature room. She also assists with phone requests such as delivery dates and order tracking.

• Stephanie Quito – Social Media and Office Assistant: Stephanie assists with social media, email blasts, and aids the sales team with lead times, order status, reports, and more. She recently graduated with her B.S from FIT in NYC.

• Joe Schultz – Inside Office Support: Joe handles Tri-State’s IT needs and works with and supports the customer base. He is an accomplished musician, playing the guitar, bass, and didgeridoo.

• Christina O'Reilly – Bookkeeper: Christina keeps track of sales, commissions, and ensures accounting tasks are up to date. She joined Tri-State in 2017 and has become an integral part of the day-to-day activities.

• David Bergen – Director of Operator Initiatives: David has been a member of Tri-State Marketing for over 12 years and brings a wealth of foodservice knowledge to the table. He graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with his Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Administration and Management.

• Keith McNamara – Sales Associate (Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens): Keith comes from a well-respected broadliner and brings a wealth of knowledge in both equipment and supplies. His greatest strength lies with the operator, where he focuses most of his time.

• Mark Olson – Sales Associate (Upstate NY): Mark's long history in the food service industry started at SUNY Morrisville, where he majored in Food Service Administration. Knowledgeable, reliable, and dedicated, Mark brings a wealth of support to the dealer, operator, and consultant communities.

• Alexandra Hamilton – Sales Associate (New England): Alex has over 8 years of experience in the food service industry and will be spearheading the expansion into the New England Territory. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an MBA in Business Administration and Management.

• Karla Quito – Office Manager: Karla has been an employee of Tri-State Marketing since its inception in 1999 and has over 20 years of experience. She handles quoting, orders, and general office work to ensure that everything runs smoothly.