B&A - Key Persons

Adam Gonzalez

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of SALES, KY / in / OH DIVISION

Adriano DiDonato

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of FOOD SERVICE & BEVERAGE

We're excited to announce the addition of Adriano DiDonato, Sr Director of Food Service and Beverage to the Northeast team. Adriano comes to B&A with over 20 years of experience in the specialty food and beverage industries. Most recently, he was a key partner in DYLA brands, an innovative better-for-you beverage company, hitting $100 million dollars in sales across strategic national and northeast accounts. Prior to its sale to KDP, Adriano was an integral part in the explosive growth of BAI brands, which helped lead to its $1.7 billion acquisition. Before becoming a beverage guru, Adriano was the Director of Store Operations of a high-end gourmet market in Central New Jersey, where he led all day-to-day operations including, international product sourcing, in store merchandising and prepared food development. He helped grow and expand its footprint to various locations across the state. His proudest moments include educating consumers through his personally crafted cheese classes and daily interactions emphasizing the value of natural and artisanal products that taste great. His passion for education stems from his degree in Secondary Education and History from Rider University. Adriano's extensive experience provides an energetic perspective and unique skill set that both our customers and principals can benefit from.

Al Olivieri

Job Titles:

VICE PRESIDENT of SALES, FLORIDA DIVISION

Andy Epstein - CEO

Job Titles:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Member of the LEADERSHIP Team

C.E.O. and Founder, Andy Epstein is responsible for the company's strategic plan and the allocation of resources towards assets and talent to ensure that the goals and objectives of the company and its principals are achieved. During his nearly 35 years at B&A, his drive, determination, passion, and entrepreneurship have allowed us to continually grow our sales and exceed our principals' expectations. Andy's New York roots run deep and his experience is invaluable for manufacturers looking to enter this market or increase an existing sales base here. Andy brought the same drive and leadership in his strategic decision to open our Florida office. Andy's vision of expansion into the Southeastern U.S., using the B&A business model, has resulted in us quickly becoming an important player in the foodservice segment of this important tourist destination and heavily populated area. Further development of our Florida business by Southeast President Scott Meter has recently resulted in expansion into Georgia, The Carolinas, and numerous other states.

Andy Salguero

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVEOPMENT MANAGER, VA / MD / DC DIVISION

Anthony Katigbak

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of SALES, FOOD SERVICE / RETAIL - VA / MD / DC

Armando Gaviria

Job Titles:

HISPANIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GA / AL DIVISION

Avi Kahn

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

For over a decade Avi has held sales, buying, & management roles within the Food & Beverage industry. Fresh out of college, he founded a bakery distributorship servicing retail & foodservice establishments in the Metro NY area. He then held a regional sales role at Krasdale Foods, a supermarket distributor. Most recently he was the Northeast snack & candy buyer at Jetro Cash & Carry. Along the way he has gained extensive experience in the bakery, grocery, snack & candy, & kosher trade. Avi brings this knowledge & expertise to B&A along with his passion for business development & market growth.

Ben Epstein - CFO, Founder

Job Titles:

CFO
FOUNDER
Member of the LEADERSHIP Team

Ben Skelley

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GA / AL DIVISION

Ben is excited to join the B&A Family and brings his strong experience and thorough knowledge of the foodservice industry. Ben began his foodservice journey at culinary school. After culinary school, he honed his craft in a hotel kitchen in Germany and worked in large corporate hotel kitchens. He has the experience of owning a brewery, fine-dining restaurants, and multi-unit pizza concepts. Over the last several years, he has worked as a Division Chef for a major Broadline Distributor. Ben's experience includes business skills as a Business Development Manager with a Specialty Food Distributor, Importer, and Manufacturer. He has also worked on the Broker side of the business. Ben brings enthusiasm and a strong motivation to help and inspire his customers to fulfill their goals within the industry.

Bill Glass

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NC / SC / WVA DIVISION

Brandon Schaefer

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, KY / in / OH DIVISION

Cathee Nin

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NV DIVISION

Charlie Cruger

Job Titles:

VP of MARKETING & BUISNESS DEVELOPMENT

Charlie Weaver

Job Titles:

VICE PRESIDENT, GA / AL / TN / MS / AR DIVISION

Chris Kelly

Job Titles:

VICE PRESIDENT, VA / DC / MD DIVISION

Chris Sheppard

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of SALES, NC / SC / WVA DIVISION

Chris has over 30 years of foodservice experience, starting out running kitchens for several large operators. He has transitioned into broker sales and was promoted to management in a large Carolinas firm, then after it was sold he became a manufacturer's sales rep and worked for several companies since the mid 90's. During the past 20 years he's covered the entire SE region, and has worked in various roles with experience in multi-unit regional chains, contract feeder accounts, school sales and military sales including some overseas operations. During this time he worked to develop and successfully launched specific products and programs for each. Additionally he worked with buying groups and distribution headquarter accounts, developing new products and private brands for both. All of this has enabled him to develop lasting relationships in a wide variety of food service fields, and he looks forward to expanding the B&A lines into these accounts with great success!

Cristian Gavilanes

Job Titles:

PRODUCT SPECIALIST

Cristian recently joined B&A after a career as a deli manager at A&P and Acme. His knowledge of in store merchandising and operations allows him to anticipate store and consumer needs his resets. His focus is on independent retailers and co-operatives where he is up to the challenge of managing varied product assortments and layouts.

Dario Taassa

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FLORIDA DIVISION

Dave Carden

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NC / SC / WVA DIVISION

Donna Marie

Job Titles:

DIRECTOR of ACCOUNTING ( AR - AP )

Donna Panter

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GA / AL DIVISION

Dylan Rogers

Job Titles:

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, GA / AL DIVISION

Ed Lee

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, AL DIVISION

Emily Williams

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NC / SC / WVA DIVISION

Emma Weaver

Job Titles:

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, SE DIVISION

Jason Boekholder

Job Titles:

VICE PRESIDENT, TN / MS / AR DIVISION

Jason is an industry veteran with extensive experience in all aspects of Foodservice Distribution and Foodservice Operations. He spent over 20 plus years with Sysco Foods and is a classically trained Chef with multiple awards and accolades highlighted by the ACF Chef of the Year in 2010. While a Chef he served as the Executive Chef of large events including: The Kentucky Derby, PGA Championships and The Ameritech ATP Open. Jason will bring key focuses: strategic, tactical planning and execution for our partners along with being able to address the challenging concerns of restaurateurs, distributors and suppliers. His reputation for building and retaining key relationships within the Foodservice industry is stellar. He is an active member of ACF serving multiple terms on the Board of Directors. He is a founding member of Living Hungry in Palm Beach County serving meals to children. Jason is excited to be heading up both the Tennessee and Mississippi markets for each of our Manufacturers.

Jeff Lorey

Job Titles:

VICE PRESIDENT, NC / SC / TN / KY / in / WVA / VA / DC / MD DIVSION

Jeremy Gruber

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, KY / in / OH DIVISION

Jim Menera

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FLORIDA DIVISION

Joe Cammarata

Job Titles:

BRAND SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Jonathan Brindley

Job Titles:

CHIEF of STAFF

Jonathan, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, has been a pivotal member of the B&A team for six years. From starting as an account executive to now serving as Chief of Staff, he has showcased an innate ability to evolve and drive success. Jonathan manages one of B&A's most significant accounts and serves as a vital bridge between our sales team, customer service, merchandising, and executive leadership. Working closely with the CEO, he brings a future-forward vision to the company. Known for his 'relationship-first' approach and innovative thinking, Jonathan's energy continues to inspire and propel B&A forward.

Jonathan Schupper

Job Titles:

FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Josh Yates

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, OK / AR DIVISION

Judy Griswold

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, TN / MS / AR DIVISION

Julian Toro

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, EXPORT DIVISION

Kaera Handy

Job Titles:

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, NC / SC / WVA DIVISION

Kevin Czesak

Job Titles:

Member of the LEADERSHIP Team
PRESIDENT of NORTHEAST DIVISION

Kristen Maragh

Job Titles:

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, SE DIVISION

LaDonna Thompson

Job Titles:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, TN / MS / AR DIVISION

Laura Fair

Job Titles:

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, SE DIVISION

Laura is excited to join the B & A Family with a true passion for Relationship Building and Customer Service. She began her professional career in the Food Brokerage while in college in 1992. As an Office Manager and Sales Representative for the next five years with a foodservice brokerage company, she gained an operational understanding of the industry. She has spent the last ten years in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Sales developing relationships with countless Hospitals, Independent, Assisted and Memory Care Living Facilities. Laura is looking forward to connecting the relationships she has built in Healthcare with B & A and the Food Service Industry. She is driven to help people and strives to provide an unparalleled customer service experience.