Staff
Eric Beach
Owner/President
Territory Responsibility: Strategic Key Accounts
Eric joined E. Ruff as a Partner in September 2018, and in January of 2020 he became President and the driving force of this highly respected Rep Agency. Eric brings a wealth of sales and management skills to the E. Ruff team. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in marketing.
Prior to joining E. Ruff & Associates, Eric’s extensive professional background included 10 years working for a world renowed foodservice manufacturer in a variety of roles to include Strategic Accounts management. He was highly successful in developing national food service chains business. Eric is well regarded in the Food Service Industry for his experience at the manufacturer level, as well as with the dealer community.
Eric continues the creative leadership of our excellent team, bringing solutions-based ideas while honoring the traditions and relationships that have supported the goals and success of the outstanding manufacturers we are proud to represent.
Jeffrey S. Gross, CFSP, ServSafe
Sales Representative
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office
Territory Responsibility: Western Pennsylvania (including State College), West Virginia and Eastern Ohio
Jeff’s extensive background in the foodservice industry includes a Hotel and Restaurant Management degree from Mercyhurst College. Prior to joining the E. Ruff team, Jeff worked for a Foodservice dealer where he successfully built end-user sales in western Pennsylvania. Jeff’s knowledge and dedication to the industry provide the basis for his on-going success in his territory. Jeff is CFSP and ServSafe certified.
Matt Hiegel
Sales Representative
Based in Northwest Ohio
Territory Responsibility: Northern and Northwest OH, to include Cleveland and Toledo.
Matt is a graduate of Northwestern Business College and is the newest member of the E. Ruff team, joining our Agency in January 2021. Matt brings over 20 years of experience in the Foodservice and Hospitality Industries. He is well known by our manufacturers, having worked for a highly respected equipment and supplies dealer. Most recently, he was with a manufacturer of outdoor seating and site furnishings.
Tim Mulvey, CFSP
Sales Representative
Columbus, Ohio office
Territory Responsibility: Central and Northern Ohio (including Columbus and Cleveland), Northeast Ohio
Tim brings with him over fifteen years of professional experience in the foodservice industry, including operational knowledge of casual theme and fine dining restaurants. Tim served as restaurant manager and executive chef for over eight years, and, before joining our sales team, was highly successful in business to business sales, calling on national accounts. Tim has earned the respect of his dealers through his hard work, his dedication to his customers and his industry knowledge. Tim is CFSP certified.
Rob O’Connell, CFSP
Sales Representative
Louisville, Kentucky office
Territory Responsibility: Kentucky and Southern Indiana (including Evansville)
Rob has a strong background in the foodservice industry. His experience includes project management for Hospitality environments from design to implementation. At the dealer level, Rob gained significant knowledge of this industry and excelled in his sales endeavors. Since joining E. Ruff, Rob has established himself as a knowledgeable industry player and strengthened the relationships with our customer base. Rob is CFSP certified.
Fred Robles
Indianapolis, Indiana office
Territory Responsibility: Tabletop and Smallwares sales for Indiana, Kentucky and Southern Ohio
Fred’s professional experience includes 32 years of professional sales to the Foodservice Industry, including owning his own Rep agency for over 20 years. Fred has specialized in Tabletop and Smallwares and has built strong relationships with the manufacturers he represented, as well as chain accounts, dealers and end users. This experience and expertise position him to be a continued strong force in our Tabletop Division.
Joseph Robles, CSFP, asid
Columbus, Ohio office
Territory Responsibility: Tabletop and Smallwares Sales for Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia
Joseph has been in the foodservice industry for over 13 years, specializing in Tabletop and Smallwares. Prior to joining E. Ruff & Associates, Joseph oversaw and successfully grew the Smallwares and Contract Furniture Division for a marketing firm in Denver, CO. His daily contacts with executive chefs, interior designers and F & B directors have given Joseph extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry. Joseph is a member in good standing with the American Society of Interior Designers (asid), and he brings a strong presence to our Tabletop Division.
Meet Our Office Team
We are proud to introduce our office staff, who are an integral part of our team.
They bring a wealth of experience in the foodservice industry.
L to R – Janet Mulvey, Office Manager; Amy Brown, Customer Service; Jodi Kirby, Customer Service/Asst. Office Manager; Sharon Stephan, Customer Service Manager; Bobbi Richey, Customer Service
