PAST PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: The Spirit of MAFSI - Neil Inverso - Feb/Mar 2025
The Spirit of MAFSI: Perseverance, Teamwork, and Brotherly Love
For 77 years, MAFSI has stood united as one voice for foodservice representatives and the companies they serve. It has been an incredible honor to be part of this organization for over 25 years, and an even greater privilege to serve on the Board of Directors for the last nine years, culminating in my role as President over the past two years.
MAFSI Membership Meeting at The NAFEM Show 2025
February 26, 2025
Atlanta, GA
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of three values that have shaped my career and time with MAFSI: Perseverance, Teamwork, and Brotherhood.
Perseverance: The Rocky Balboa Mentality
The movie Rocky is a testament to perseverance—overcoming adversity through determination and hard work. Rocky Balboa symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience, qualities I see in everyone in this room. Over the past two years, our industry has faced rapid and dramatic changes, with market pressures pushing us to our limits. Despite these challenges, we persevered.
As your President, I felt every setback and every frustration alongside you. Yet, through it all, we pushed forward—investing in education, expanding our human resources, and implementing new technologies. We adapted, strategized, and prepared for the next chapter. As Rocky said, "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." And move forward we will, together.
Teamwork: The Power of Collaboration
Teamwork is the foundation of success, and no one embodies this spirit better than the Philadelphia Eagles. Just as each player contributes to the efficiency of the whole, so too does every MAFSI member contribute to our collective strength. I have dedicated my entire career to the foodservice equipment and supply business, and through it, I have learned the power of working together.
Within MAFSI, we collaborate not only with reps but with manufacturers, service agents, consultants, and dealers. The alliance between MAFSI, NAFEM, CFESA, FCSI, and FEDA—known as the "Five Families"—demonstrates how unity fosters industry-wide progress. One of our latest collaborative initiatives, Why Foodservice Rocks, is a joint effort designed to recruit new talent into our industry, ensuring a thriving future for all.
Brotherhood: Honoring Tony Mazur
Philadelphia is also home to one of MAFSI’s most iconic figures, Tony Mazur, a founding member and namesake of our highest honor, The Tony Award. Tony embodied the principle of brotherly love, always striving to make the world better for others. His legacy is a guiding force for us all, and I have sought to lead my presidency in the same spirit.
Our industry thrives on relationships—friendships built over years of working together. Whether it’s shaking hands at a trade show or catching up with longtime colleagues, MAFSI is not just an association; it’s a family.
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead
Two years ago, I set three key goals for my presidency:
- Enhancing communication with our membership.
- Exploring new technological opportunities.
- Restructuring MAFSI’s budgeting process and growing our reserve funds.
I am proud to report that we have accomplished all three, thanks to the dedication of our incredible board and committees.
- Membership Growth: Thanks to the efforts of Colin Squier and the Membership Committee, our numbers are at an all-time high.
- Technological Advancements: Chris Jeens and the RDT&T Committee have introduced innovations like Specifi SpecLink, enhancing quoting capabilities for reps and manufacturers.
- Financial Stability: Our financial position has strengthened significantly, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Acknowledging Our Leaders
I extend my deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and Executive Committee for their unwavering commitment to MAFSI. Special recognition goes to outgoing board members Deron Rall and Tom Mitchell for their years of service and invaluable contributions.
Additionally, our MAFSI staff, led by Executive Director Alison Cody, plays a vital role in our success. Their hard work and professionalism keep our organization running smoothly, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts.
The Future of MAFSI
As I conclude my tenure, I reflect on the resilience we have shown, the teamwork we have fostered, and the brotherhood we have strengthened. Leadership is not about imposing personal ideas; it’s about empowering a team of talented, passionate individuals to do what they do best.
Our industry is evolving, and MAFSI will continue to advocate, educate, elevate, and collaborate. I am confident that the future will be bright, and I look forward to seeing MAFSI reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Thank you all for your support, dedication, and commitment. It has been an honor to serve as your President. Here’s to the future of MAFSI!
Be well.
Neil
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