Business updates: Michigan Know Your Market
Ben B. Schwartz plans party
Detroit-based wholesaler Ben B. Schwartz & Sons Inc. plans to co-host a House of Blues Party Oct. 20 during the Produce Marketing Association’s annual Fresh Summit in New Orleans.
The event, which Ben B. Schwartz & Sons will co-host with Delano, Calif.-based Pretty Lady Vineyards from the Dulcich Family and Parlier, Calif.-based Maxco Container, will be at the House of Blues in New Orleans.
“It’s not the first time we’ve done something like this,” said Nate Stone, Ben B. Schwartz’s chief operating officer, noting that the company had held a 100th anniversary bash on a yacht during the 2006 PMA Fresh Summit in San Diego.
“We’re having fun, working hard, doing big things,” Stone said.
“We’re so far ahead of the curve, and a lot has to do with this fourth generation. You’ve got to recognize that the people that thought they knew a lot — the younger people are a lot smarter. That’s what it takes to grow the business.”
R.A.M. hires salesman
Detroit wholesaler R.A.M. Produce Distributors has hired Jeff Hedges to its sales staff, said Michael Badalament, also in sales.
“Jeff has basically been in the retail area. He’s worked at a couple of different markets,” Badalament said.
“He brings a lot of expertise on what happens on the retail level.”
Hedges started in late spring, Badalament said.
