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October 23, 2024 2024 ESOP Essentials

Dennis Food Service

PHOTO courtesy


Operational Overview

Description of the products/services offered: Dennis Food Service delivers a comprehensive range of food items and non-food provisions to restaurants, institutions, and foodservice businesses throughout New England. Operating out of a centrally located headquarters in Hampden, Maine, the company offers everything from fresh produce, dairy, and proteins to frozen goods, dry pantry products, packaging and disposables. By partnering with both local producers and national manufacturers, Dennis Food Service ensures a diverse selection of high-quality products. A commitment to customer service and tailored foodservice solutions sets the company apart, helping its customers thrive in a competitive industry.

Market presence and competitive positioning: As a member of UniPro, the largest foodservice cooperative in the United States, Dennis Food Service enjoys significant purchasing power. This allows the company to offer competitive pricing and a wide variety of products. The company’s independent status, combined with over a century of experience, enables it to form deep relationships with local and regional suppliers, giving it a unique edge in delivering fresh, regionally sourced products.

Geographic reach or areas of operation: Primarily serving Maine and New Hampshire, with expanding operations throughout New England.

Employee Participation and Benefits

Success story of an employee who has benefited from the ESOP: As a 100% employee-owned company, we all benefit from a sense of empowerment, competitiveness, and pride. Long-time employees who have recently retired are now collecting financial benefits as a result of the ESOP, allowing them to enjoy their retirement with a solid financial foundation built during their years of service.

Paul McKusick’s experience as an Account Executive exemplifies the environment provided by the ESOP. After the transition to employee ownership in 2015, Paul supported continued company growth by helping train new sales team members. His work has directly contributed to the growth of fellow employees, customers, and now his own retirement benefits; simply by bringing his unique personality and skillsets to the table.

How the company communicates with employees about the ESOP: Dennis Food Service utilizes an ESOP committee and provides open communication about the ESOP through company meetings, newsletters, and financial workshops. These sessions, internal communications, and a growth-mindset culture help employees understand how their ownership stake in the company grows over time and how they can contribute to the company’s overall success.

PHOTO courtesy

Company Culture

Company culture and values: Dennis Food Service thrives on a culture defined by empowerment, accountability, and a deep passion for the foodservice industry. Being an ESOP means individuals aren’t just employees but professionals with a strong sense of responsibility and pride. They are owners consistently working to deliver The Dennis Difference, which from the outside looks like personalized solutions and premium products for each customer’s need. For our employee-owners it means we are deeply committed to creating meaningful connections with customers, ensuring that each interaction is personal and that every customer feels valued.

Employee testimonial or quotes: “We talk to each other all the time, and that turns everyday stuff into shared experiences, which really does put a sense of empathy at the heart of everything we do.” — Mario Tribuzio, District Sales Manager

“We celebrate a vibrant foodie culture, and we’re spreading it. What we do behind the scenes plays a role in influencing the dining plans for thousands and thousands of people around New England every day.” — Luke LaBree, Chief Marketing Officer

“I’ve only been on the team a few weeks, but you can feel a drive and dedication that ownership brings to the table. Because it’s ours, you can’t help but feel immediately connected to the success of our customers.” — Trevor Lizotte, Corporate Chef

“For 14 years on the night crew, I’ve approached my work with a sense of responsibility. We build the orders that impact every layer of our business, and our customers businesses. As employee-owners, that responsibility carries even more weight. Recently, I’ve had the chance to step up and lead improvements in our warehouse operations. It’s incredibly rewarding to make decisions that boost our efficiency and knowing that as an owner, I’m directly contributing to our success.” — Cory Pearl, Order Selector

Awards & Recognitions

Company awards:

  • 2018 MERA Allied Member of the Year
  • 2017 BRCC Business of the Year
  • 2016 UniPro Key Distributor of the Year

The Dennis Difference Award: Among all awards, the Dennis Difference Award holds a special place in our ESOP. This internal honor recognizes employees who embody the company’s values and make a significant impact. The award is voted on by peers, and recipients represent the heart of our company. Last year’s Winners: Jeff Guimond, new markets specialist; Connor Hunt, delivery driver. 

100%

Company ownership held by employees through the ESOP

Company Info

President/CEO: Rick Robertson

Employees: 200-plus

Location/Headquarters: Hampden, Maine

Founded: 1908

Transitioned to ESOP: 2015