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Columbus Fish and seafood’s humble beginnings date back to 1985. When one man, a truck and an upright freezer decided that the Central Ohio area was in need of a quality seafood wholesaler who believed, “No customer or order is ever too small” and “Quality at a fair price.” That man is Frank Gonzalez. He began in the seafood industry as a teenager in 1978. He worked and learned every aspect of the business from seafood processing, delivery, customer service, sales and purchasing, to food prep. After relocating from Northern Ohio to the Columbus area in 1985, he continued in the industry with a small company who specialized in large retail and food service accounts. When this company ceased operations in Ohio he saw the need for a company who was willing to work closely with some of the smaller accounts in the Central Ohio area. With the help of an excellent supplier, in 1995 he set out to market a few select frozen items, fresh shellfish and fresh-shucked oysters from a home office. Providing a quality product at a reasonable price helped insure the increased growth of Frank’s business. That growth facilitated the need for an additional vehicle, employee, cold storage facilities and a diversity of suppliers. Columbus Fish and Seafood is very proud of this early phase of operations. Frank was able to take a handful of customers and expand that base to over 50, and 1 supplier to 12. This one-man operation eventually reached proportions that required the help of an additional individual to move it to a new level. As a result in 2000 Frank made the decision to bring on a business partner. Sharon Martin came to Columbus Fish and Seafood with an extensive background in sales, marketing, and business marketing. From the start, Frank and Sharon decided that they needed a business plan to fuel the future success of the company. They implemented a program that would focus strongly on product procurement and supply diversity. With that said, they knew they would be able to greatly increase their market share. Perhaps the most significant change was the immediate need for our own warehouse facilities. Columbus Fish and Seafood, with great anticipation, moved out of the house and into a 1200 square foot building. We soon began construction on a new state of the art freezer and cooler. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the 1200 square foot facility would be outgrown in a matter of 6 months. Now with a two men plus operation, we proceeded to build the business at a very steady pace. It became apparent early on that we needed to expand into the fresh seafood arena to be competitive. It was obvious that what the Central Ohio market really needed was a fish and seafood wholesaler who could supply a full line of both fresh and frozen product. Consequently we bought our first 2 cases of fresh salmon fillets, 2 cases of fresh perch, and 2 cases of cod. The response was more than we could have anticipated. Today the fresh seafood program accounts for almost half of all our sales. Fresh seafood comes to us from around the world. We carry a complete variety of ocean and lake species, in filet, H&G, and whole form. Going back to our beginnings we quite naturally expanded our shellfish line to include shell oysters and clams from both coasts, and a shucked oyster product now packed under our own name. By developing strong relationships with our suppliers we are able to purchase the highest quality fresh seafood out there and have it trucked or flown in five days a week. And with strict quality control systems we are able to ship all fresh fish the same or next day after it arrives, guaranteeing the freshest possible seafood available. Through a uniquely designed customer order program we are able to tell our customers “If we don’t have it now, we’ll get it for you.” We order all of our fresh items to the customer’s specifications and allow our suppliers to do the processing. Columbus Fish and Seafood maintains that the less handling that the product must endure prior to the customer receiving it will only increase its quality and appearance. In 2001, Columbus Fish and Seafood became Columbus Fish and Seafood LLC. Columbus Fish and Seafood LLC in a little over two years has successfully brought on two outstanding outside sales representatives, two office individuals, and four drivers. Our sales reps continually improve upon the high quality standards we have set for them. We encourage the personal development between customer and representative so that a climate of mutual trust and understanding is always maintained. Our professional drivers are trained and knowledgeable about the fish and seafood products they deliver. Every aspect of operations at Columbus Fish and Seafood LLC has been designed to foster and nurture the relationship between supplier and customer. True to this day, “No customer or order is ever too small.” The year 2003, although only ½ way through, has seen us double our actual warehouse space to 2400 square foot and our freezer and cooler capabilities have also been doubled to accommodate the tremendous growth we have continued to enjoy. In a two and a half year period, we have proudly more than tripled our customer base and doubled our annual sales. At the present time a professional web site is under construction to further aid our customers in expanding their seafood knowledge and to simplify the ordering process. All systems are go in 2003 and we look forward at Columbus Fish and Seafood LLC to having yet another tremendously successful year. |
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info@columbusfish.com with questions or comments about this web site.
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