PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: A New Chapter of Leadership at MAFSI - Stephanie Perry - Feb/Mar 2025

A New Chapter of Leadership at MAFSI

For the past few years I’ve been reminded several times that I will be The First Female President. Other than being “First” I didn’t really know what to do with that. Having a woman at the helm isn’t new for MAFSI. Everyone knows Alison Cody and her decades of contributions to this association. I have served on the Board with some incredible women and frankly, the fact that it’s me here first is really just a matter of timing.  

MAFSI Membership Meeting at The NAFEM Show 2025

February 26, 2025
Atlanta, GA

I started my career in foodservice twenty-eight years ago as a territory rep for a tabletop manufacturer. For those of us with ‘relative ability’, my career really started when I was taught how to name an ice maker by the shape of the cube. I was probably four. 

Today, I run a hybrid rep/distribution company with a focus on equipment and refrigeration. We proudly handle sales in Canada from coast to coast. I’m a mom of 15 year old twins, Jack and Autumn, and I would not – by any stretch, be here or able to take on this role without my incredible husband, Christian.

When I joined Permul 14 years ago, I was excited to work with my father and learn about equipment. For reasons I’ve cried into a pint too many times, I’ll just say that things changed quickly and unexpectedly. All of a sudden, I needed to hit the road to try to keep our contracts with manufacturers. At the time, it felt like I needed to save our business.

Most of us have war stories to tell. Companies we build our livelihoods around that are sold or change direction. Technology that catches us off guard and makes us change everything we’ve been comfortable doing.

We’re in a funny industry – one where folks will still call you kiddo at 50 but we’re also catching up very quickly. And while we know that holding strong to our core focus will keep us growing in the right direction, when do you know that it’s okay to change?

When I was conflicted with where to turn next or looking for inspiration to do things better and see things differently, I found myself reaching out to peers who had become friends that I’d made through MAFSI. Seeing how firms had adopted SpecPath, implemented CRM’s, hired people solely focused on estimating and project management over quoting. Elevating customer service to customer success and inside sales. I was motivated and mentored by the proximity to these incredible entrepreneurs with a vision to have fun and to be successful. 

While in this position with MAFSI I intend to spend time on what our role is to you, and to your business. To ask ourselves what we need to do, or to change, to be a relevant contributor and to make sure we do our job of repping the rep. We will advocate for you where we can, and we will continue to develop tools to compliment your unique businesses. 

I’d like to give a nod to one of my friends on the MAFSI Board, Steve Amos and share a quote from his favorite TV shows: SHORSEY.

“It’s not success unless you have someone to share it with”.

That’s how I see MAFSI. I see MAFSI as an organization that wants to celebrate and support you. To look a little bit forward for you while you’re busy running your business. We’re here to keep you aligned and motivated and to be a wholesome perimeter around our part of the industry – our family. To be a place where we can speak freely about our challenges while motivating and leading by example.

Thank you so much,

Stephanie