Recently Rapids Wholesale associates received education and hands-on experience at the North American Association of Food Manufacturer’s annual food equipment and supplies show. This event, held in Orlando, Florida, helped Rapids associates learn about energy efficiency, gain in-depth product knowledge, and strengthen their relationships with manufacturers.
Check out this time lapse video one of our key suppliers Manitowoc posted of the event from their perspective. We found it on their youtube page. It's pretty cool!
Time Lapse Video of NAFEM 2013 by Manitowoc
Rapids sent 17 sales and support associates from Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina, and Missouri to the largest food service show in the industry, hosted by the North American Association of Food Manufacturer’s, or NAFEM. These associates may be better equipped than ever to help customers learn about energy efficiency and cutting edge products.
Rapids associate Robert Wiltgen attended the show, where he got a better feel for the newest models of equipment Rapids carries.
"When we design projects, we can suggest those to customers."
During a demonstration, Wiltgen got a closer look at a new oven made by Blodgett and Pitco, as well as a taste test of steak prepared in the new model. Wiltgen said going to the show helped him solidify his relationship with key Rapids’ suppliers. This may help him provide better customer service by working with manufacturers more closely on future projects, he said.
Associates encountered a treasure trove of new knowledge from other key suppliers as well, including Vulcan, Hobart, Frymaster, Manitowoc, True Refrigeration, Cleveland, Eagle Manufacturing, Advance Tabco, Star Manufacturing, Blodgett, Garland, and Delfield.
The NAFEM show also helped Rapids associates who passed a rigorous exam to become Certified Food Service Professionals advance the standing of their certifications.
Troy Little, a Certified Food Service Professional on the sales staff at the Marion Rapids location, said seeing and touching new products at the show enhanced his understanding of the equipment he explains to his customers. Experiences like this help him supply his customers with the exact items they need.
“We’re better prepared to educate our customers” Little said.
Several associates also attended Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification classes. These associates learned ways to reduce waste, stay green, and help customers qualify for tax rebates and other incentives. Rapids Wholesale is an Energy Star approved Distributor Partner, which means we carry products that allow customers to earn Energy Star incentives.
Opportunities like this help Rapids associates better the environment and educate customers on green energy topics.
Written By Holly Hines
Written By Holly Hines
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