Best in Class 2006: Head of the Class

FE&S’ subscribing dealers, broadliners, consultants and, for the first time ever, operators shine the industry spotlight on those manufacturers that help them best meet their ever changing needs.

By the Editors -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 10/1/2006

When a consultant, dealer or broadliner recommends a product to an operator, they lay their reputation on the line. In doing so, they trust that their manufacturer partner will be flexible and responsive when it comes to after-sales support. And more importantly, they want to know that their manufacturer partners are committed to cultivating a long-term relationship with their clients and not just interested in pushing boxes out the loading dock door.

And when it comes to an operator trying to decide which equipment and supplies are right for their facility, the expectations are no different. Like other members of the distribution chain that serve them, operators trust the items they select will function as promised or meet their needs as outlined, ultimately helping them meet customers’ expectations in a timely and efficient manner. When a factory earns this level of trust in the eyes of even one customer, it’s no small feat. But when they gain the widespread respect from FE&S subscribers for regularly exceeding customer expectations, then they can truly consider themselves among the industry elite that we refer to as Best in Class. Now in its sixth year, FE&S’ annual Best in Class Study surveys a sample of 1,000 of our subscribers to uncover those companies that have earned a reputation for being the best of the best when it comes to meeting their diverse needs. Past studies have included responses from the dealer, broadliner and consultant segments of the industry. To provide more comprehensive feedback and offer another perspective, this year we expanded the scope of the survey to include subscribing operators.

The following features the topline results of this year’s survey and shine the industry spotlight on those manufacturers who are the standard-bearers when it comes to establishing longterm and meaningful client relationships.

• Overall Best In Class by Category
• Product Manufacturers - Overall Best in Class
• Best in Class by Product - Dealers
• Best in Class by Product - Consultants
• Best in Class by Product - Broadliners
• Best in Class by Product - Operators

NOTE: The survey results and findings presented in this article represent the opinions of surveyed dealers, consultants, broadliners and operators subscribing to FE&S and should in no way be construed as editorial endorsements of companies and products mentioned.