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Eddie Velez, Associated Food Equipment & Supplies, Gulfport, MS
Eddie has been in the foodservice industry since 1978. He has been with Associated Food Equipment & Supplies for four years.
Shortly after retiring from the military in January of 2008, Eddie was asked to interview for a sales position at Associated Food Equipment & Supplies. He says, "My first thought was “no way, I can’t do that I’ve never sold a thing in my life, but quickly I realized that if I could serve 26 years of active duty helping people, then maybe I could continue to help people in this capacity. It has been and continues to be a very rewarding job. I give many thanks to Steve Horlock, Bob Barnes and Paul Watts for allowing me the opportunity to join the team and become part of the family."
Eddie's main role at Associated is outside sales. He primarily works with over 400 mom and pop restaurants who, he strongly feels are the backbone of America.
Eddie is more than just a sales professional. He is a friend, an advisor and someone his clients can trust to help them achieve their commercial equipment needs. What he enjoys most about his job is the people he has met and the relationships he has built. He believes in treating people with respect, honesty and integrity. He says, "I love people. Having the opportunity to help folks meet their foodservice needs is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job. When I walk into a restaurant, it’s either a hug or bro hug, and then we’ll sit and talk about life. What a great job."
Eddie believes in training and appreciates everyone's role in the SEFA organization. He says, "Without question, SEFA is an outstanding organization that continues to strive for perfection. It focuses on top quality training performed by top quality trainers. Anytime you can receive professional training, you can’t help but to benefit professionally and personally."
He talks about the person who has really inspired him over the years. He says, "Giving birth to 9 children and taking care of so many others was no easy task, but my 87 year old mother Sofia did it with unconditional love and lots of patience. No doubt the best chef I know. She’s one amazing woman."
Eddie was born in Brooklyn, N.Y and now resides in Vancleave, MS. He enjoys cooking, collecting foreign currency and playing Basketball. But most of all, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Michele, his daughter Alysha (St John’s University) and his son Travys (University of South Alabama). He says, "They are my world."
SEFA is proud and honored to recognize Eddie as Featured SEFAPro. His honest approach to life and his respect and appreciation for the people in his life, both personally and professionally, make it clear to see why he is so revered.
Associated recently announced the grand opening of their new showroom in the metro area in order to better serve their accounts and clientele in Central and North Mississippi
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