Associated Food Equipment & Supplies, Inc. is a food service equipment dealer dedicated to the successful conceptualization and implementation of your food preparation projects. Our business has been built on a foundation of service, knowledge, expertise, training, and commitment. Our staff has over 50 years of experience in project design and implementation. Our core customer base includes corporate and private clients in projects such as casinos, schools, correction facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and independent restaurants. Our goal is to offer our customers the most complete line of quality food service equipment and supplies.
Our customers are our number one priority. We will, without exception, provide the best products and services available today. Our sales people will work with you to provide insight and expertise so you can make the right buying decisions.
Associated Food Equipment & Supplies, Inc. is proud to be a member of the Supply and Equipment Foodservice Alliance (SEFA, Inc.), a nationwide network of premier foodservice equipment and supply specialists. SEFA links manufacturers and dealers together to provide you with knowledgeable salespeople, quality products and competitive pricing.
Meet the Staff

Otto Luis Abad Jr.
President/CEO
otto@afesco.com
Otto Luis Abad Jr.President/CEO

Gretchen Maxwell
CFO / Branch Manager - Gulfport
gretchen@afesco.comI have been with Associated Food Equipment for a total of 22 years. I am currently the General Manager of our Gulfport, Mississippi location. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration for William Carey University. My biggest passion is helping our customers make their dreams a reality when they come to us to help them design and equip their restaurant and I get so excited for them when they finally open their doors. We get to know and love our customers and they become part of the Associated family.

Gretchen MaxwellCFO / Branch Manager - Gulfport

Frank Boudreaux
Branch Manager - Central Louisiana / Chief Relationship Officer
frank@afesco.comFrank retired from the federal bureau of prisons in 2014 and joined Associated in 2015 as The Central Louisiana branch manager.

Frank BoudreauxBranch Manager - Central Louisiana / Chief Relationship Officer

Kenneth Verrette
Director of Purchasing and IT / Chief Infrastructure Officer
kenneth@afesco.comI have been in the food service equipment industry for over 25 years. I started as a warehouse worker for a foodservice dealer back in 1995 and have worked my way up in the industry thought out the years. I enjoy working with all departments of the company and helping the company grow and achieve it’s goals. When not working. I enjoy time with my wife, Kids (2 dogs) and being a Saints Super Fan where I can dress up and enjoy the games.

Kenneth VerretteDirector of Purchasing and IT / Chief Infrastructure Officer

Sarah Strong
Office Manager / Purchasing - Gulfport
sarah@afesco.comSarah Strong is the office manager, purchaser of smallware’s and parts in the Gulfport location. She has been with Associated for 20 years, she started at the front desk and has worn many hats through the years. Customer satisfaction is always our #1 priority. She enjoys baking, music, the outdoors and time with family.

Sarah StrongOffice Manager / Purchasing - Gulfport

Jerry Middleton
Chief Operating Officer
jmiddleton@afesco.comWith over 15 years of experience operating, designing, and building commercial kitchens, Jerry lives and breathes kitchen equipment. Before transitioning to the supply side of the industry, he spent a decade working every Back-Of-House position from dishwasher to Executive Chef in fine dining and high volume New Orleans restaurants. Whether the goal is to reinvent the wheel by incorporating emerging technology or to explore ways to increase efficiency or reduce labor costs, an architect, owner, or general contractor can rely upon Jerry for thoughtful and honest input informed by invaluable experience. Now focusing on new construction & large-scale renovations of casinos, hotels, schools, nursing homes, and restaurants, Jerry prides himself on his attention to detail and responsiveness to every stakeholder on the design and construction team. When not drawing, specifying, or building kitchens, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons and cooking fresh Louisiana seafood.

Jerry MiddletonChief Operating Officer

Brad Troxclair
Design and Project Management
brad@afesco.comI was born and raised in the New Orleans area, working in restaurants since age 15, after graduating from De La Salle high school in New Orleans I attended Delgado for Culinary arts, and was a chef until age 28. I then moved into equipment sales and design, where I have been since 2006.

Brad TroxclairDesign and Project Management

Jonathan Sanders
Project Manager
jonathan@afesco.comI began my career with Associated Food Equipment in October of 2016 and quickly became acquainted with the fast pace and distinct challenges present in the food equipment business. I have a strong work ethic and strive wholeheartedly to provide the best service for the customer.
I am a father of four amazing children, a growing family, and enjoy being involved in their adventures. During time off I enjoy cooking, hunting, fishing and sharing life with family and friends.

Jonathan SandersProject Manager

Mark Nodurft
Senior Account Manager - New Orleans
mark@afesco.comI began my journey in the Food and Beverage industry in 1971. I enjoyed 25 exciting years working in hotels, casual and fine dining restaurants. Transitioned into the kitchen equipment sales and design side of the industry starting in 1997 and have enjoyed helping to bring many kitchen and bars from design to successful openings for my clients since that time. Helping my clients to bring their businesses to a successful opening has been incredibly exciting and rewarding.

Mark NodurftSenior Account Manager - New Orleans

Doug Tyler
Senior Account Manager - New Orleans
doug@afesco.comI’ve been in the Food Equipment and Supply business since 1979 while attending the University of New Orleans. I started out working in the warehouse, driving trucks, installs and inside sales at Loubat Glassware and Cork Co., which was located in the French Quarter. After a merger between Loubat and L. Frank food company I moved into outside sales and sold food and supplies. In 1997 I moved back to selling supplies and equipment only with Loubat Equipment Company. I’ve seen many changes and experienced many challenges during my time and am now happy to be working with Associated Food Equipment and Supply.

Doug TylerSenior Account Manager - New Orleans

Paul Watts
Senior Account Manager - Gulf Coast
paul@afesco.comI have lived on the MS Gulf Coast for 33 years and have been with Associated since June of 1996. I have had many roles in the company and I am currently supervising our new account managers and handling a few accounts myself. We strive to maintain a family atmosphere here at Associated and we consider our customers as family too!

Paul WattsSenior Account Manager - Gulf Coast

Robbie Barnes JR.
Account Manager - Gulf Coast
robbie@afesco.comRobbie Barnes, native of Gulfport, Mississippi and graduate of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has worked in the restaurant industry almost his entire life. Prior to beginning his career with Associated, Robbie gained invaluable experience by working in all aspects of the restaurant industry, including waiting tables, bartending, cooking, and servicing restaurant equipment. Robbie transitioned into his current role in the sales department after managing the warehouse department of Associated where he had the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the products offered to our valued Associated customers. In his free time, Robbie enjoys playing tennis and golf, fishing, and hanging out with his dog.

Robbie Barnes JR.Account Manager - Gulf Coast

Kathy Preston
Account Manager - Gulf Coast
kpreston@afesco.comI joined Associated in March of this year as an Account Manager. Before that, I was in the insurance business for 25 years. I was fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to jump into something brand new with Associated! I have learned so much in the last couple of months. It’s a bit overwhelming at times but I can tell you that I am “all in”. Joining this team of knowledgeable folks is one of the best decisions that I have made. Everyday is a new adventure and I’m excited about my future with Associated.

Kathy PrestonAccount Manager - Gulf Coast

Lauren Broussard
Sales Support
lbroussard@afesco.comMy name is Lauren. I have been working in the bidding department at associated since 2019. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family.

Lauren BroussardSales Support

Larry DavisAccount Manager - Southwest Louisiana Territory

Jana KingAccounts Receivable

Ashtyn ToledoService Manager

Jasmine Henson
Customer Service
cservice@afesco.comHey I’m Jasmine Henson I work in Associated Customer Service. I have 15 yrs. experience in the Restaurant business and 10 yrs. in Sales and Marketing.

Jasmine HensonCustomer Service

Zane JanakWarehouse Manager - Gulfport

Andree Williams
Office Administrator - New Orleans
awilliams@afesco.comAndree joined afesco in 2019 and supports our warehouse and account manager at our New Orleans office.

Andree WilliamsOffice Administrator - New Orleans
