The Kaufmann Legacy began in 1927 when Alfred Kaufmann opened Lehigh Equipment on The Bowery in NYC. Almost 100 years later the Kaufmann name remains constant in the Metro NY food service equipment community with fourth-generation leadership on the rise.

In honor of the 3 generations that have served and continue to serve our wonderfully dynamic industry, and in celebration of the of the newest 4 th generation, we are proud to announce that Kaufmann and Associates will now be known as Succession Reps.

The renaming of Kaufmann and Associates to Succession Reps aligns with our commitment to enhanced communication, process improvements, and increased proactiveness to ensure successful growth for ourselves and industry partners.

The Kaufmann Legacy…

1. WHO WE ARE

Succession Reps is comprised of a cohesive team of trusted product experts. We are passionate, and persistent, and have a collective desire to succeed. Our entire team works extremely hard each day to achieve our and our partners’ shared goals. We believe that long-standing relationships are the key to our existence and we never stop honoring the ones we have and forging new ones. As we continue to grow, we understand the importance of blending youth with experience, therefore, the fourth generation of Kaufmann’s are poised to be the future leaders of our firm.

2. WHAT WE DO

We connect operators, food service design consultants, architects, specifiers and dealers with the manufacturers we represent. We study hard and work hard to become the product experts that our partners and collaborators can rely on. Connecting our manufacturers includes; product training, necessary product specifications, pricing and price comparisons, use and care information, service information and culinary instruction. Our task is to ensure the best products meet and exceed the needs and expectations of your design projects, open bids and operations.

3. HISTORY

Succession Reps is truly a succession of the Kaufmann legacy, its roots were planted with the creation of Lehigh Food Service Equipment Company on the Bowery in 1927, transitioning to one of the industry’s first rep firms, Al W. Kaufmann Co. in the 1940s. The next step was made by Jud Kaufmann, Al’s son who started a rep firm with a partner in the 1950s, Kaufmann Goldberger. Jud went out on his own with Jud S. Kaufmann Inc in the early 70s. In 1981 Adam Kaufmann joined his father and Kaufmann and Associates was born. Today, with 4th generation Kaufmanns now fully entrenched in the business and with plans for growth, Succession Reps was established.

4. OUR PURPOSE

BUILDING A LEGACY OF FAMILY AND FOLLOWERS

We are driven each day to continue to build upon life-long relationships within our organization, with our manufacturers, customers, and collaborators as our family did before us. Those relationships that are built on trust, honesty, and friendship.

Core Values

Cultivating a Legacy

We keep in mind each day that we have a deep history in our industry built through trusted business practices by family developing lasting relationships. We strive to continue to honor those traditions that started in 1927.

Fueled by Opportunity

We are energized by all opportunities; personal and professional growth, providing solutions for customers, and meeting all our and our partners’ shared goals.

Forging Trusted Connections

We thrive on mutually respectful relationships. We understand that real bonds are based on trust, respect and bringing real value to the table. We treasure the longstanding ones that we have with our, partners, customers, consultants and collaborators. We never stop meeting new contacts and hope to turn them into long-standing relationships.

Owning It

Taking individual responsibility, holding each of our team members accountable and working towards a positive, successful outcome for all. Owning it is also demonstrating honesty and integrity with everything we do. If we make a mistake, we own it and make it right. If a partner makes a mistake, we pitch in and do our part to make it right.

Don’t Quit

Vince Lombardi said. “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Succession Reps demonstrates persistence and perseverance at every turn. When the chips are down, we stand up and work harder. We just keep doing the right things and it has proven to pay off and we will prove that over and over.

Key Personnel

Adam Kaufmann

Principle

With over 33 years of experience, Adam brings a depth of passion and expertise in brand solutions and project management to a diverse portfolio of End-Users, strategic Dealer partnerships, Architectural firms and Consultants. He holds a Bachelors of Science, Marketing with primary oversight of Business Operations.

Mark Kaufmann

Principle

With over 31 years of experience, Mark has a critical understanding of the Dealer to End-User network including distribution of factory products with excellence in sales and growth management. He holds a Doctorate in Law, with primary oversight of the Business Finance.

Jenn Anderson

Administration

With a tenured background in customer service, accounting and management, Jenn oversees day-to-day office management, customer service support, quotations and order/invoice reporting. She has over 20 years of Foodservice industry administrative experience including holding positions in the fast casual segment and in representation operations.

Bradley Kaufmann

Administration

4th generation Kaufmann in the business! Bradley is a graduate of Rider University and holds a BS in Marketing and Sports Management. Bradley’s ability to interact effectively with customers allows him to develop unique and intriguing marketing campaigns in addition to creating a welcoming retail atmosphere. The communication skills gained through his work experience enable him to be a successful salesperson who builds long-term relationships with customers.

Daniel Kaufmann

Administration

4th generation Kaufmann in the business! Daniel is a graduate of Monmouth University and holds a double major BS in Marketing and Management. Daniel’s diligence, hard work, and charisma allows him to serve customers promptly. Experience in marketing endorses his ability to effectively promote and sell in all segments of the industry, making him an asset to any team.

Marisa Giuliano

Sales Support Specialist

Marisa Giuliano has foodservice in her DNA. Growing up in her family’s pizzeria—proudly serving their community for over 34 years—she developed a deep appreciation for the industry and the people behind it. In 2015, Marisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health, furthering her understanding of how food and community intersect.

In August 2024, Marisa joined Succession Reps (formerly Kaufmann and Associates) as a Sales Support Specialist. Her hands-on experience and passion for foodservice bring valuable insight and dedication to supporting our team and partners.

When she’s not answering emails, calls, or tossing pizza dough with her parents, you can find Marisa crocheting her next masterpiece or getting lost in a good book.