SQUIER ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Alan brings the same level of enthusiasm and urgency today as he did when joining Squier Associates 35 years ago as a Territory Sales Manager. Named president in 2000, he's helped to lead the company to its position as a local company with a national brand. Alan has built a team of people with a shared vision, yet each empowered to take the reins when serving a customer or solving a problem.
He is a past president of MAFSI Region 5, a past president of MAFSI National. He has been recognized by the industry many times, including the Young Lion Award in 1995 by Foodservice Equipment and Supply magazine, the FEDA Leadership Award, MAFSI Pacesetter Award, NAFEM Doctorate of Foodservice, NAFEM Award of Merit, the Industry Service Award by FER magazine and he has been recognized by CFESA in appreciation of his dedication and service. He is also the recipient of MAFSI's summit award - the Tony Award for consistently performing and demonstrating sincere interest, effort, leadership and given time to the welfare and progress of MAFSI and the enhancement of the manufacturers' agents' function and position in the industry.
Alan graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing. He is a CPMR graduate, and has received his CFSP level I accreditation and is ServSafe certified.
Ashley joined the Squier team in May 2023 as an Inside Sales Specialist. Before joining Squier, Ashley spent over 14 years in the foodservice industry. She is now applying her in depth knowledge of hospitality, communications and team building to our clients and mission. Ashley's reliability instills confidence in the relationships she builds. She is dedicated to excellent service and is excited to continue connecting our customers to quality products
Job Titles:
- Inside Sales & Brand Specialist
Barb joined Squier Associates in 2009. Since then she's worked in inside sales and customer service, focusing on the Perlick product line. With more than a decade at Squier, Barb has gained the knowledge and experience to assist dealers, consultants and end-users. When working with Barb, customers can expect an accurate and thorough response, and she understands those times when quick action is required. She reassures our customers that she can provide them with alternative solutions for resolving any challenge. Barb is ServSafe certified.
With over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, Bob is a seasoned professional known for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to culinary excellence. With his distinguished career at one of the foodservice industry's largest providers of equipment and supplies, Bob played a pivotal role in driving sales and building strong relationships with clients. Bob's deep understanding of the foodservice industry and care for his customers enable him to help restaurateurs, dealers, consultants and factories find solutions to the many challenges they face every day. His consultative approach to the industry, extensive product knowledge and reputation of integrity make him a valued partner to all members of the hospitality industry.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Office Operations
Brenda oversees the day-to-day operations of our headquarters, which includes managing the office staff, implementing new processes and procedures, and training the majority of employees. Before joining Squier Associates in 2000, Brenda spent a large portion of her career in the banking industry, focused on customer service in a range of positions that spanned from teller to branch manager. Brenda has contributed immensely to the company's growth and success. With her knowledge of our past and a firm grasp on our goals for the future, Brenda will continue to shape our company. Brenda is ServSafe certified.
Chrissy began her career in the foodservice equipment supply industry when she came to Squier Associates in 2019. Earlier in her career she worked in retail and customer service leadership, where she gained extensive experience in problem solving and built a reputation for exceeding customer expectations. Today as part of the purchase order processing team, she is responsible for ensuring accuracy, following up on orders and facilitating communication between relevant parties. She's proud to be a part of Squier's legacy, contributing skillful and dedicated sales support.
Job Titles:
- Vice President / Territory Sales Manager
Colin has been at Squier Associates since 2013, beginning as an inside sales representative and now Vice President/Territory Sales Manager. His first introduction to the food service industry goes as far back as high school, while working at Vie de France Bakery Cafe in a range of positions - everything from cashier to food prep, to cleaning the kitchen equipment. Today he represents Squier Associates in the Northern Virginia and D.C. Metropolitan area, while increasing his leadership role within the company. Our customers appreciate his consistent follow-through and his ability to get results. Colin graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. He is ServSafe certified.
Job Titles:
- Inside Sales & Training Specialist
Conor joined Squier Associates in 2019. Although he has been with the company just a short time, he's well prepared with having grown up around the foodservice equipment supply industry. His time spent as a history teacher prior to his role at Squier has honed his skills for organization, communication and educating others. He admires the way fellow team members don't shy away from a challenge and the drive and dedication they show when developing the best solution for our clients. At Squier, Conor will do the same as he transitions to outside sales. Conor attended the University of Dayton where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and History. He is ServSafe certified.
Frank began working at Squier Associates in 2021. He started his journey in the foodservice industry in 2016 as a restaurant and beverage manager at a local hotel. Frank has also thrived as a leader and operator with a local foodservice chain holding the responsibilities of launching their new restaurant as well as hiring and training team members. Frank's attentiveness to customer service and reliable communication are a true benefit to Squier. Frank graduated from the University of Maryland Global Campus with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and is ServSafe certified.
Jake's prior experiences in sales and customer service have prepared him well for the consultative approach we take at Squier Associates. He knows how to identify a customer's needs through an engaging conversation and turn that into solid recommendations. As a newer addition to our team, Jake is looking forward to opportunities for professional development and supporting the growth of our customers' businesses. Jake is ServSafe certified.
Job Titles:
- Inside Sales & Technology Specialist
Jake spent two summers working at Squier Associates before joining full time in 2013. Today he holds a number of roles within the company. He is well known as a go-to person ready to help his colleagues and customers solve any challenge. His current focus is large bid/contract projects, especially with consultants in the design stage. He also leads our IT department and manages our CRM system. Jake earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, followed by time spent at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He is ServSafe certified.
Kristen is a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong background in customer service and team coordination. As the team coordinator at a real estate firm, she excelled at streamlining operations, developing client relationships, assisting with marketing initiatives, and enhancing communications. Her prior experience in retail included managing daily operations and implementing strategic business practices and the ability to manage complex tasks. As the newest member of our Inside Sales Support team, her customer service and organizational skills significantly contribute to the success of our team. Kristen graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor In Journalism.
Lisa was the Chief Financial Officer for the Food Marketing Institute prior to her position at Squier Associates beginning in 2014. Lisa is known for being exceptionally timely, accurate and detail-oriented in the management of financial and human resource records. Since joining our team, Lisa has further developed the recordkeeping and reporting for human resources, including the development of annual statements for individual employee benefits. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Vice President / Territory Sales Manager
When Michelle came to Squier Associates in 2011, she brought 20 years of experience and a unique perspective. She had already spent time in the foodservice equipment supply industry as a dealer, rep, manufacturer and installer. With that background, she understands the customer's perspective and their challenges better than anyone, leading to especially creative solutions. She's a model of the work ethic we value and she displays the level of knowledge our customers rely on to be able to specify, sell, or purchase the products we represent. Michelle is ServSafe certified.
Rick began his career in the foodservice industry in 1998, managing several hospital foodservice operations and later working as a purchasing agent for a foodservice management company. He built a broad base of knowledge during that time, and today he applies it to his expert handling of key account customer requests. Since joining Squier Associates in 2012, Rick has represented our ideals of integrity and caring. Rick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University in Oxford, PA. Rick is ServSafe certified.
Sean held many roles in the foodservice industry before joining the Squier team in 2022. He has worked as a sales representative and account manager in restaurants and breweries across Maryland, DC and Virginia and most recently worked as a sous chef in North Bethesda. His experiences from all sides of the industry have equipped him with perspective and empathy as he supports our inside sales team. Sean knows how to stay organized, track towards growth and provide exceptional customer service. He graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Film. Sean is ServSafe certified.
Tricia began working at Squier Associates in 2016, becoming a key point person for many of our customers. They gravitate toward her because they know they're going to get a prompt and accurate response delivered with a positive attitude. Inside the company and out, we all benefit from her dedication to the details and consistent follow-through. Tricia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management from Radford University in Virginia.