Hotel and Restaurant Supply’s vice president recognized for a decades-long career that has earned the respect of customers and suppliers alike.
Ollie Wilkes receiving Lifetime Achievement AwardFoodservice Equipment and Supplies presented its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Ollie Wilkes, vice president of Meridian, Miss.-based Hotel and Restaurant Supply. Wilkes accepted the award during FE&S’ Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala, which took place May 18 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
FE&S will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to a foodservice professional whose decades-long career merits recognition for service and commitment to the industry.
Wilkes has been with Hotel and Restaurant Supply for more than 40 years and, to this day, remains very hands on with all of their customers. Wilkes proudly proclaims that over the course of his career he has never missed a store opening for one of his customers.
“This is due to the fact that Ollie operates with the needs and desires of his customers top of mind. As a result, suppliers never doubt our winner’s motivation,” said FE&S Publisher Maureen Slocum. “Spend a few minutes with Ollie and it is clear to see that he enjoys his work. He has an undeniable sense of pride about his company and the people he does business with. And Ollie is known for his loyalty to his customers and suppliers alike. As a result of a career doing well by doing good FE&S’ first Lifetime Achievement Award winner has earned the highest level of respect from everyone he works with.”
Other awards presented during FE&S' Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala included:
- Dealer of the Year: Singer Equipment Company
- Hall of Fame: Martin Cowley, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
- Facility Design Project of the Year: Union South at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Top Achiever-Consultant: Steve Carlson, Robert Rippe and Associates
- Top Achiever-Dealer: Jameel Burkett, Burkett Restaurant Equipment
- Top Achiever-Rep: Michael Posternak, PBAC Reps.
- Top Achiever-Service Agent: Brock Coleman, Commercial Kitchen Parts and Service
- DSR of the Year: Bill Immke, TriMark SS Kemp
FE&S is able to present its 2013 Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala thanks to the generous support of its three platinum sponsors: Manitowoc Foodservice, True and Unified Brands.
