1/28/02 - Experienced Foodservice Executives Join Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc.

(Conklin) - Guy Zehner and Tom Brown have joined Maines Paper & Food Service, the eighth largest foodservice distributor in the country. Zehner is the Vice President of Sales for the Street Sales Division of Maines, and Brown has accepted the position of Vice President of Purchasing, Marketing and Merchandising.

As Vice President of Sales, Zehner is responsible for managing and developing the street sales division of Maines, and will oversee more than eighty Account Managers. "Guy's passion for the street business is unparalleled. He is a proven street sales leader with an in-depth knowledge of our customers' needs and the skills to help them become more profitable. His understanding of the challenges the operator faces will benefit our customer and the sales force, said Christopher Mellon, President and CEO of Maines. Zehner brings to Maines extensive foodservice knowledge. His most recent position was in senior management in U.S. Foodservice. He has also owned a successful restaurant, served as an Executive Chef, and he hosts a television cooking show. Guy is a graduate of Wilkes University and the Culinary Institute of America. Zehner is equally excited about joining Maines," I wanted to join an organization, that would vigorously pursue ther commitment to the street customer. Everything from the quality of the management team and sales force to the supporting infrastructure confirms I made the right decision."

As Vice President Purchasing, Marketing and Merchandising, Tom Brown will enhance Maines product offerings and ensure Maines goes to market competitively. Brown has over 25 years experience in foodservice distribution with U.S. Foodservice-Pittston. He holds a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Luzerne County Community College, and has served as an Executive Chef. "Tom's greatest strength is his ability to provide the sales force with the most comprehensive portfolio of products accompanied by a pricing matrix that assures the success of Maines and its customers", said Mellon. "Guy and Tom have worked closely together in the past, and we know they will strengthen our value proposition to the customer in this critical segment of our business. Our goal is to be the premier foodservice distributor throughout New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, and Tom and Guy are key to our success." Like Zehner, Brown cannot wait to get started, "Maines has a clear and compelling vision for the street business, and I can't wait to contribute to its execution."