Jason Maheno, Burns & Ferrall’s new national sales manager, sees growth within the strong tourism industry, a rise in large hospitality groups dominating in some regions, but a place for smaller niche restaurants and cafés too. Visiting Burns & Ferrall head office earlier this year when applying for the role, what really stood out for Maheno was the company’s long history and impressive legacy as a leading, iconic commercial kitchen supply company that’s celebrating 70 years, and where it sits today within the hospitality space.
The fact the hospitality industry isn’t slowing down was another attraction for him when deciding to accept the role. “It will continue at a fast pace and I really want to be a part of that,” he said.
“At the interview I was instantly curious. New to the industry, I realised this company has a great team and respect for its people. To be able to come in and make my mark, with a company that’s open to change and wanting to grow through diversity – this was really appealing.”
Maheno comes to Burns & Ferrall from similar roles with BUPA and HRV and through his consultative leadership style and team building skills, he’s well known for creating trusted and successful sales environments.
“Every company I’ve been a part of usually has one or two things; a strong mission statement and/or a pedigree. In the interview with Tony [CEO Tony Broome], he told me about the shed in 1948 where Burns & Ferrall made their first stainless steel sink and transported it by bike and then tram into the Farmers Trading Company, where it promptly sold.”
“What a story to start the journey,” Maheno says. “I looked at the company from those humble beginnings to where it is now, and I was pretty much captured there and then. I see opportunities and scope to do even better things at B&F and now’s the perfect time to innovate, to enhance what’s here and make it a better machine with an even stronger culture.”
