Rep news this month includes Gabriel Group merging with Byrne & Associates, while Refrigerated Solutions Group and Unox add to their networks and more.
Gabriel Group, a Michigan-based rep firm, has merged with Byrne & Associates, an Ohio-based rep firm. Inside support functions and outside sales roles of the groups will eventually be integrated. Byrne & Associates was founded in 1970 by Joe Byrne and has served Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania since that time. “What a terrific way for me to begin winding down a long career representing top manufacturers in this industry,” said Dennis Byrne as the companies announced this deal. “Scott Gabriel afforded the opportunity to keep my firm moving forward to continue and grow what we have done here. It has been a great experience putting this together as we prepare for the next chapter.” This marks the Gabriel Group’s second merger within the past six months. In November 2021 Gabriel Group merged with a division of Acosta Cornerstone.
Refrigerated Solutions Group added BWA Reps to its network of independent manufacturers’ reps. BWA now represents RSG brands Norlake and Master-Bilt in Texas and Oklahoma. RSG’s product lines include Master-Bilt and NorLake.
Combi oven manufacturer Unox added two companies to its network of independent manufacturers’ reps. LMS Associates, headquartered in Arlington, Texas, represents Unox in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Western Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma (MAFSI regions 14 and 15). Cutting Edge Marketing Agents, based in Woodstock, Ga., now represents Unox in Alabama, the Florida panhandle, Georgia and portions of Tennessee (MAFSI region 12).
Vader and Landgraf, a Minneapolis-based rep firm, hired Timothy Kovacs to provide culinary support to its clients. Kovacs’ diverse culinary career includes serving as executive chef at Marquette Hotel in the IDS Center and executive chef of the Lifework’s Restaurant Group at 3M World Headquarters, where he created a health and wellness program. Kovacs also played an instrumental role in creating a local restaurant for the Minnesota Wild, “Herbies on the Park”.
Kitchen Resource Group opened an office location in Greenville, S.C. This location features office space, a conference room, and a test kitchen.
