FE&S Honors Amanda Janasik with
DSR of the Month for April
April 24, 2015
By: RW Smith
R.W. Smith & Co.'s Senior Business Development Manager, Amanda Janasik, was named Dealer Sales Rep of the Month for April by FE&S Magazine.
For more than ten years, Amanda has built a diverse client base and established long-lasting relationships with her customers through dedicated service, friendship and trust. Whether it's a small restaurant or a large hotel, Amanda goes above and beyond to find the best solutions for her customers that help to enhance their operation and keep them ahead of the competition. Her dedication to delivering quality results is evident in every project.
We asked Amanda to share her inspiration for a career in the foodservice industry, her passion for the industry and all-time favorite dishes.
1. What inspired you to embark on a career in foodservice?
My love for food was passed on to me at a young age from my dad who had always been obsessed with the kitchen and cooking (and all of the tools and gadgets found in the kitchen). I always looked forward to my afterschool and summer jobs waitressing, and actually took an event planning class in high school which led to selecting Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management as my major at Penn State.
2. As an employee-owner of R.W. Smith & Co. for over ten years, you've learned a lot about the industry. What is it about the industry and its people that drive your passion and enthusiasm?
Over the past ten years, I've learned that this industry is really the best one to be in! It's a lot of fun, and the people in the industry are a passionate and enthusiastic breed. It's inspiring to work with others who are truly excited by what they are doing.
3. Share with us a customer experience that was memorable and special.
The best part about working with a customer on a large project or a restaurant opening is hearing about all their successes after the project is complete and the restaurant is up and running. We see firsthand how much of their hearts and souls (and money and hours) our customers put into their business. The special moments are times when I visit a customer and see a packed dining room or whenever I read a rave restaurant write-up. Our customers' successes are well-earned and truly deserved.
4. Let's face it. We are all foodies here! What are a couple of your all-time favorite dishes?
Hands down, my all-time favorite meal is Old Bay seasoned Maryland blue crabs with a tomato and Hungarian hot pepper salad, corn on the cob and a cold beer. There's nothing better! The bratwurst burger at Draft at Belmont Park is a close second though.
To view the FE&S article about Amanda, click here.
A company-wide congratulations to Amanda for this well-deserved honor!
Third Annual Dancing with Our Stars a Success
March 30, 2015
By: RW Smith
On Saturday, March 21, Ohio River Valley's Third Annual Dancing with Our Stars for the American Red Cross marked another huge success! Hosted by our very own Beau Vastine, the Friend's Community Center featured exceptional fundraising and remarkable dancing by professional dancers and local individuals. Before the all-star dance program began, attendees enjoyed a social hour followed by a delicious dinner. The program opened with special performances by semi-pro dancers Dianne Coriell and her partner Dennis Roell as well as a Charleston by the troupe from Cirque d'Art.
All dancers put their best foot forward to entertain the crowd of over 500 guests. The People's Choice award went to Taylor Newman and Autumn Thompson for their mambo to "Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing. Judges' Choice was awarded to Jonica Burke and Ladd Dunham for their Paso Doble to "Cancion del Mariachi."
Thanks to the dancers, sponsors and support of the community, the event brought approximately $170,000 in net revenue. Top honor for the Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy was Neal Hatcher who raised $105,416 to support the local Red Cross.
Big congrats to the American Red Cross for putting on a great event and to Beau for being an outstanding host!
R.W. Smith & Co. Attends 2015 NAFEM
February 19, 2015
By: RW Smith
The highly anticipated North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) Show is here and foodservice professionals are excited to see the latest trends and products. This year, NAFEM will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from February 19 - 21. R.W. Smith associates and other foodservice industry
experts will be attending the event.
The NAFEM Show features a variety of foodservice supplies and equipment from over 500 manufacturers. New and innovative products will be introduced for food preparation, cooking storage and table service. Attendees can network with industry leaders, visit various exhibits and enjoy educational sessions hosted by allied associations.
Our Alani dinnerware line has extended! R.W. Smith & Co. is delighted to introduce our latest Embossed Alani collection.
Designed to inspire today's restaurants and hotels, this versatile collection captures both style and sophistication. With its modern appeal and expressive lines, Embossed Alani creates an exquisite canvas that showcases your culinary artistry to perfection. Its flawless originality and functionality make for an attractive choice for special occasions and events. This timeless dinnerware includes an assortment of plates, bowls and saucers.
Embossed Alani is made of exceptionally durable porcelain with a scratch resistant surface. Set the standard in concept, design and style with this innovative collection.
R.W. Smith & Co. Appoints New Director of Business Development - Drew Golley
February 3, 2015
By: RW Smith
COSTA MESA, CA – February 3, 2015 R.W. – Smith & Co. (www.rwsmithdesign.com), a premier provider of foodservice and restaurant design and build services, has appointed Drew Golley to its leadership team as Director of Business Development. Golley, a long-standing industry executive, reports to General Manager Gary Coburn and leads the division's business diversification efforts.
"I am excited to have Drew as part of our team," says Gary Coburn. "As we expand our healthcare, emerging chain and strategic account segments, having a leader with a Chef's perspective and point of view allows us to more effectively achieve our clients' culinary vision and goals."
Prior to joining R.W. Smith & Co., Drew Golley held leadership positions in sales and business development with PepsiCo, PrimeSource FSE and CrewSafe. His extensive culinary background includes multiple assignments as a Chef at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and other independent restaurants. Currently, Drew holds a NAFEM Certified Foodservice Professional designation.
Regarding his new role, Golley states, "I'm very excited to join the respected group of professionals at R.W. Smith, and look forward to expanding our business as well as furthering my experience within the foodservice equipment and supply industry."
About R.W. Smith & Co.
R.W. Smith & Co. began supplying the foodservice industry in 1935. In the 80 years since, the company's product lines and dedicated services have evolved to include finely-crafted dining room collections, innovative tabletop solutions, high-quality kitchen essentials, and commercial design and build services. R.W. Smith & Co. was honored twice with being named "Dealer of the Year" by one of the industry's most recognized publications, FE&S Magazine. Learn more about the mission of the employee-owners of R.W. Smith & Co. on our website, www.rwsmithco.com.
Media Contact:
Ashley Almodovar
Marketing Coordinator aalmodovar@rwsmithco.com
8555 Miralani Drive
San Diego, CA 92126
858-530-1800
R.W. Smith Presents Crystalex
A New Stunning Glassware Collection
January 6, 2015
By: RW Smith
R.W. Smith & Co. is proud to unveil Crystalex, an inspirational glassware line that transforms beverages into elegant masterpieces.
With its sleek lines and unique shapes, Crystalex showcases a new evolution of distinctive drinking glasses, stemware and carafes. Each piece is made with high quality, lead-free crystal that creates a prestigious display of beauty and style. This one-of-a-kind collection offers maximum functionality and durability, lasting longer for lower replacement costs.
Bring a new perspective to your tabletop today by incorporating cutting-edge Crystalex pieces. Its impressive presentation will continually dazzle your guests from day to night.
R.W. Smith's Arcata New Cast Iron Bakeware and Wood Boards
January 6, 2015
By: RW Smith
Our Arcata line has expanded! Introducing the newest additions to this trendy collection - cast iron bakeware, wood underliners and wood boards.
Bring the dining experience to a whole new level with individual portions served in striking white, red or black cast iron bakeware. Available in an array of different shapes, these highly durable cast iron pieces have a sturdy wood underliner that helps protect the dining surface. For a more captivating presentation, add a colorful casserole dish on an olive wood board to showcase a truly remarkable masterpiece.
The possibilities are endless with Arcata's distinctive line of dining room serving accessories. Together, the 3D glass, terracotta and cast iron will create an inspirational tabletop arrangement that will impress guests for years to come.
R.W. Smith Unveils Arcata
3D Glass & Terracotta Dining Accessories
October 29, 2014
By: RW Smith
R.W. Smith & Co. is excited to introduce its new dining accessories collection, Arcata. The range features distinctive 3D glass and terracotta serving pieces, appetizer dishes and side plates.
Heighten the dining experience with eye-catching accessory pieces that combine unique style with lasting beauty. From earthy tones to green-tinted glass, the trend-setting textures of Arcata bring a warm and inviting display to the table that guests will enjoy. Each durable piece adds personality and depth to your tabletop presentation that's both captivating and exciting.
Showcase your culinary creations today with inspirational contemporary pieces suitable for an array of tabletop settings.
R.W. Smith Introduces New Product Lines
Cornerstone and Vista Alegre
August 29, 2014
By: RW Smith
R.W. Smith & Co. has brought to market two exceptional collections, Cornerstone and Vista Alegre. Launched in August, each collection is unique and offers a wide variety of options for your dining room and commercial kitchen needs.
Cornerstone
A premier smallwares collection, Cornerstone includes an array of premium kitchen tools to help your operation running smoothly. From steam table pans to stock pots to utensils, this collection possesses the qualities that are essential for all your cooking and prepping needs.
The strength, durability and value of this product line are incomparable, serving as a reliable source for chefs to execute their food preparation with absolute confidence.
Stock up now on Cornerstone's quality cookware, food pans and utensils.
Vista Alegre makes a stunning first impression with distinguished charm and originality in an impressive variety of shapes and forms. Boasting an inspirational design, this upscale dinnerware collection showcases creative food presentations capturing imagination and beauty.
With elegant styles and soft curves, Vista Alegre uniquely offers high quality and durable pieces, perfect for any special occasion. This versatile collection includes plates, bowls and a selection of accompaniment items.
R.W. Smith & Co.'s Senior Business Development Manager, Jason Sem, was named Dealer Sales Rep of the Year by FE&S Magazine in May. He is the first at R.W. Smith to be recognized for this prestigious award.
For more than nine years, Jason has built a diverse client base and established long-lasting relationships with his customers through dedicated service, friendship and trust. Starting from a busser to now a Senior Business Development Manager, Jason has proven that if you work hard and commit yourself every day, you can achieve great things.
We asked Jason to share his journey in the foodservice industry, his relationships with clients and what this award means to him.
1. Please tell us what inspired you to embark on a career in foodservice.
It goes back to one of my first jobs in the restaurant industry as a busser. I was lucky to have a great mentor in the business, Gerard Guidice. He taught me the ropes and brought me up thru the ranks of the different positions within the restaurant industry. He also taught me how rewarding the business of the foodservice industry can be. I worked for him for 10+ years for multiple restaurants and venues. I still look back today on my time with him as inspiration on how I can improve what I am doing today. He taught me that you can never stop learning in this industry and he still inspires me today as we have remained great friends over the years.
2. What is it about the industry that drives your enthusiasm and passion?
There is something new every day. Nothing is like the day before. It is always exciting and new.
3. Cultivating strong relationships with our Customers is important at R.W. Smith. How do you go about building trusting partnerships with the Accounts that you serve?
Earning the trust of a customer is a huge key to my success and l think I go about this naturally. There are people that you click with and want to be more than just a Rep/Client relationship. If you can become interested in each other's lives, the trust part is easy. Doing what I say I am going to do for the customer is also very important as well as having great communication on both sides. I have to be able to stop and listen to what the customer is saying and give advice on things that are not what I am thinking. Once I do this then we can go into other suggestions I may have. Making sure the customer is heard is very important to having effective sales success.
4. You are the first RWS Business Development Manager to be recognized as Dealer Rep of the Year - what does this mean to you?
I am not only honored, but humbled by it when I started with this company 9 1/2 years ago and I had no idea where I would be within the company. All I can say is I am not a one man show. There are many people behind the scenes that helped me earn this award. My customer service support person, Mark Sanford, has been a huge help for the past several years. As well as our Warehouse, Purchasing, Credit departments, the management team from the top down and many others have helped me in smaller ways. Without the support of these teams, I could not do what I do.
5. Being a Dealer Sales Rep reflects your professional character. Please share with readers an interesting fact that reveals your unique personality!
I like to take long walks at sunset on sandy beaches with my wife! It really recharges me for what is going to happen next.
A company-wide congratulations Jason for this well-deserved honor!
Michelle LaCrosse Named DSR of the Month by FE&S – May 2014
May 22, 2014
By: RW Smith
We are proud to announce Senior Business Development Manager, Michelle LaCrosse, has been named Dealer Sales Rep of the Month by FE&S Magazine for May 2014!
In her more than five years with R.W. Smith & Co., Michelle has worked with a wide range of clients. Whether a customer manages a small chain or a large resort, Michelle works hard to find creative and valuable solutions to improve their operation and maintain a competitive edge. Last year, her drive to assist clients in successful openings, from start to finish, is evidenced by three property openings in the Middle East. This year, Michelle is working with a large hotel opening in Las Vegas.
In her interview, Michelle reveals what excites her about this side of foodservice, how she works with customers to find tailor-made solutions for their business, and the importance of never giving up.
Read the full interview from FE&S with Michelle here.
R.W. Smith Customers Recognized for Tabletop Performance
February 26, 2014
By: RW Smith
The employee-owners of R.W. Smith & Co. extend their congratulations to the winners and nominees of 2014's FE&S Performance in Tabletop Awards.
Earlier in February, the magazine revealed the award winners and honorable mentions of the industry's most prestigious award. The annual tabletop awards recognize the best of the best in the foodservice industry, with emphasis on "excellence in the strategic and functional application of tabletop design."
Criteria used in judging the nominated installations fell into four categories: overall appearance, ability to support the menu, how well it reflects the overall concept, and its conduciveness to the operation's service style.
We're pleased to announce that two R.W. Smith valued customers received honorable mentions for tabletop execution.
Dogwood Café at Westminster Manor, Austin, TX
Specifying Team: James Hawley, Senior Business Development Manager Dinnerware: Villeroy & Boch Affinity, Urban Nature, Cera, Modern Grace and New Wave Premium; Steelite Creations Glass and Neo Platters Flatware: Oneida Sant' Andrea – Fulcrum Glassware: Steelite Bormioli Accessories: American Metalcraft, Browne-Halco, Chilewich, Cole & Mason, DW Haber, Villeroy & Boch
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R.W. Smith & Co.'s Senior Business Development Manager, Amanda Janasik, was named Dealer Sales Rep of the Month for April by 
