Member Spotlight

Sapphire Manufacturing Inc.

Member since: 2019
Industry: Commercial kitchen equipment
Website: http://www.sapphiremanufacturing.com

When and how did your business get started?

About seven years ago when our founder and owner, Yuda Zafir, was working for a New York area dealer, he saw a need in the New York market for quality, affordable stainless-steel work tables and sinks. Yuda began investigating these products and joined forces with longtime friend, Michael Friedman, to start Sapphire Manufacturing. Sapphire has continually grown over the five years we have been in business, which is quite an accomplishment since the stainless-steel products are moving towards commodity products.

What do you love most about the foodservice E&S industry?

The people! From dealers and manufacturer reps to end-users, this industry is full of great people with a passion to bring the best products and services to those they serve.

“From dealers and manufacturer reps to end-users, this industry is full of great people with a passion to bring the best products and services to those they serve.”

What do you find most challenging about the foodservice E&S industry?

It can be challenging to show customers why one product is more beneficial than a similar product, especially in a highly price-driven industry. The foodservice equipment and supplies industry is pretty big, and crowded product categories mean working a little bit harder to get noticed.

What excites you about joining NAFEM?

We’re excited to get our brand out there, and to show dealers and users how and why we’re different from other manufacturers in our category.