Here to help you
Through years of experience, our sales and customer service representatives have come to understand your needs. With their own unique skills and qualities, each of them is ready to answer your questions and determine the products and services that will work for your business.
A.J. George
Sales Representative
A.J. has been working with Big Erics, specializing in the food service side, for 18 years. He started part-time in 1993, while still in high school, and continued working while attending Saint Mary’s University, where he attained a Bachelor of Commerce. He started working in the warehouse, moved to the front desk, and now works in outside sales. He has received training certificates from various suppliers, and is most proud of his work with Callister’s Restaurant in Coldbrook, which was the first large project that he handled himself. A.J. will always do his best to ensure you get the best possible service from Big Erics, as well as from our suppliers. He will stand behind the products he sells and do everything he can to make sure that you are satisfied.
Halifax, NS ajgeorge@bigerics.com 902-452-7088
Brian Healy
Sales Representative
St. John’s, NL bhealy@bigerics.com 709-687-7842
Cathy Burton
Customer Service Representative
Cathy has been with Big Erics for five years and has 20 years of experience in customer service. She has a Certificate in Office Administration and is certified in WHMIS training. Cathy quickly establishes and maintains a rapport with customers and co-workers. She takes pride in doing a good job and does her best to provide customers with any help or information they may need.
St. John’s, NL cburton@bigerics.com
Chris Besso
Sales & Service
Chris’ main focus is service, an industry he has been working in for 33 years. He joined the Big Erics team two years ago, and also works as a Sales Representative. Most importantly, he takes care of installations, he is a factory trained Hobart Technician, is certified to service Tennant floor machines, and has numerous other certifications qualifying him to service most makes and model of food service equipment. Chris is safety-oriented, has great attention to detail, and possesses excellent trouble-shooting skills.
St. John’s, NL cbesso@bigerics.com 709-697-5031
Chris Hill
Sales Representative
Chris has been working in the janitorial/sanitation industry for 24 years, and 18 years ago he became one of the founders of Janitor’s Market. He specializes in janitorial and automotive sales, travelling the South Shore of Nova Scotia from Yarmouth to Cape Breton, and into New Brunswick as far as Saint John. He is WHMIS certified, and possesses a comprehensive knowledge of our products. In his spare time, Chris enjoys kayaking, camping, skiing, and, most of all, his family.
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS chill@bigerics.com 902-452-8855
Daniel F. Constantine
Sales Representative
Dan has been working in the food service industry for 26+ years, and has been with Big Erics for the last 17 years. He has won many top sales awards, and is most satisfied with his work on the concession areas and bar at Mile One Centre. Not only is he certified in ServSafe Food Safety, he is also a certified trainer/proctor. His previous experience working in/with restaurants has provided him with the extra knowledge that allows him to plan a kitchen from a chef’s point of view. Dan possesses the knowledge, ability, and hands-on experience to deliver top quality service.
St. John’s, NL dconstantine@bigerics.com 709-690-7618
David Green
Customer Service Representative
David specializes in food service equipment and supplies. He has been with Big Erics for 11 years, and has participated in Garland, Hoshizaki, and True sales training programs. David is trustworthy and consistently focuses on meeting your needs.
Halifax, NS dgreen@bigerics.com
Donna Bastarache
CSR Supervisor & Smallwares Purchaser
Donna has been working in the area of food service supplies with Big Erics for over 31 years and has worked in many different departments during her tenure. Her familiarity with both new and more traditional products allows her to provide customers with a reliable source of information, especially in regards to smallwares. Donna’s experience with all aspects of the company and ability to be helpful during every step of a customer’s experience with Big Erics makes her an extremely valuable asset to the company. This reputation has earned her the respect of her peers within the industry, who have come to enjoy seeing a familiar face at Big Erics.
Halifax, NS dbastarache@bigerics.com 902-442-5671
Earl Deveau
Customer Service Representative/Sales Representative
Earl has been working with Big Erics for 15 years. He works in janitorial and automotive sales. He has certifications in WHMIS, Forklift Operation, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and First Aid. Earl’s extensive experience renders him confident that he can find anything you may need.
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS edeveau@bigerics.com
George Butland
Sales Representative
George has been working with Big Erics for 34 years and specializes in janitorial and sanitation equipment and supplies. He is ServSafe certified, has participated in Diversey courses, Phoenix courses, a Garland food equipment course, numerous courses on floor care equipment, and various carpet cleaning courses. He has received an Employee of the Month award and an Appreciation Award from the Eastern School Board. He is most proud of his work with Hibernia in Bull Arm, the Eastern School Board, various fish plants, and with contract cleaners. George is very knowledgeable, and he truly enjoys meeting customers and helping them solve their problems.
St. John’s, NL gbutland@bigerics.com 709-690-7616
Gordie Richard
Sales Representative
Gordie is a janitorial/sanitation specialist with over 20 years of industry experience. He developed the retail floor care program for Sobeys and continues to assist in its implementation. As well, he has worked closely with the Sobeys Director of Food Safety for Atlantic Canada in the monitoring of the food safety program in their fresh departments.
Moncton, NB grichard@bigerics.com 506-866-3730
Greg Clark
Sales Representative
Halifax, NS gclark@bigerics.com 902-476-2926
Greg Cole
Sales Representative
Bishop’s Falls, NL gcole@bigerics.com 709-486-0027
Jason Whalen
Sales Representative
Jason has been working in the janitorial & food service industries for 26 years. He is ServSafe Food Safety certified, extremely knowledgeable, hard-working, and approachable.
St. John’s, NL jwhalen@bigerics.com 709-690-7612
Jim Quinn
Sales Representative
Jim has been working in the janitorial/sanitation industry for 31 years, and continues to serve some of the customers he had when he began in the industry. His strengths are in the areas of floor care and health care, and he has completed courses in both areas from S.C. Johnson and Buckeye Products.
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS jquinn@bigerics.com 902-441-2335
John Craig
Sales Representative
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS jcraig@bigerics.com 902-452-6803
John Harris
Sales Representative
John specializes in janitorial and sanitation products. He has been working with Big Erics for 38 years, and is WHMIS certified. He has previously received the Supplier of the Year award for Big Erics from Hotel Newfoundland. Throughout his years of experience he has always continued to learn in an ever-changing world. John is sports-minded, a community volunteer, and an outdoors person.
St. John’s, NL jharris@bigerics.com 709-690-7613
John Kays
Sales Representative
Charlottetown, PEI jkays@bigerics.com 902-393-7869
Keith Preston
Contract Sales Manager
Keith has been working in the food service industry for 26 years. He started as Food and Beverage Manager of ski resorts, hotels, and chain restaurants. From there, he then owned and operated a small café/bistro for five years, and later spent six years with Cassidy’s Ltd. Keith also has a construction background, and is in the process of updating his drafting skills through AutoCad training. He is Hobart certified, and also has a Hotel Management Diploma from BCIT. He has been with Big Erics for the last 12 years, and is an honest, reliable, and hard-working individual.
Halifax, NS kpreston@bigerics.com
Ken Crane
Sales Representative
Ken has spent the last 37 years with Big Erics servicing the institutional, hospitals, senior homes, fishing industry, laundry, and the offshore industry. He is certified in WHMIS, Dangerous Goods Transportation, and the Basic Survival Training (BST) course for the oil industry. His favorite part of the job is meeting so many new people. Due to his extensive knowledge, Ken knows which problems can occur, your basic needs, and, of course, how to save you money. If you have a concern or problem with cleaning or sanitation, Ken is here to work with you.
St. John’s, NL kcrane@bigerics.com 709-690-7614
Martin D. O’Brien
Sales Manager
Martin has been working with Big Erics for 22 years. Prior to this, he worked for 9 years in hotel management. He is most proud of his work with Shannex Health Care. Martin’s truism is “Look after the teaspoons and the rest will come to you.”
Halifax, NS mobrien@bigerics.com 902-880-1250
Melissa Sherwood
Sales Representative
Prior to joining Big Erics in 2011, Melissa had been working in the janitorial industry for over 12 years. She is WHMIS certified, and the accomplishment she is the most proud of is obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree. Melissa is exceptionally knowledgeable and good-natured.
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS msherwood@bigerics.com
Patsy Kennedy
Customer Service Representative
Patsy has been working with Big Erics for 31 years, the past 12 of which she has been enjoying her position as a Customer Service Representative. Before becoming a CSR, Patsy worked in purchasing, reception, and Traffic and Claims. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable, Patsy takes care of customers that enter our building, and takes great pride in utilizing her knowledge and expertise to assist existing and new customers with their every request.
St. John’s, NL pkennedy@bigerics.com
Peter Lee
Sales Representative
Although he recently joined the Big Erics team this year, Peter has worked in food service and paper packaging sales for 12 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business, and is committed to providing quality customer service at all times.
St. John’s, NL plee@bigerics.com 709-764-2552
Rachel van Bommel
Customer Service Representative
Rachel specializes in food service equipment and supplies, and she has completed the Basics.fst Food Safety Training course. Rachel has been involved with customer service and inside sales for over eight years, and has been with Big Erics for almost two years. Rachel obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of King’s College and a post-graduate diploma in Business Geographics from the Centre of Geographic Science. She has hands-on experience in commercial food service management, which has given her insights into the needs of customers. She always seeks solutions that are useful and cost-effective, allowing customers to make the most of what we have available at Big Erics. Rachel says one of her favorite topics is food and cooking, and she offers this tip: A little treat goes a long way with the sales staff at Big Erics!
Halifax, NS rvanbommel@bigerics.com
Robert Flemming
Customer Service Representative
Robert has been working, in every area from delivery to sales, with Big Erics for over 25 years. His specialty is food service equipment and supplies, but he also has some knowledge of the janitorial industry. He is happy to have had the opportunity to be taught by Eric Joy, Big Eric himself. Robert is certified in WHMIS, a handling food safety course, and First Aid. He takes pride in being able to see projects from an empty room to the first meal served. Robert is reliable, hardworking, knowledgeable and will strive to give the customer the best value for their dollar. He will not knowingly be undersold, and will always be honest.
Halifax, NS rflemming@bigerics.com 902-407-4638
Roger Freeman
Sales Representative
Janitor’s Market Division Dartmouth, NS rfreeman@bigerics.com 902-220-1168
Roland Gallant
Sales Representative
Roland has over 19 years of experience in restaurant operations, and has been with Big Erics for a year. His extensive experience has taught him the importance of getting the right equipment to fit a restaurant’s needs at the best price possible. Roland is Hobart certified, and he is dedicated to building his clientele by providing superior customer service at all times.
Moncton, NB rgallant@bigerics.com 506-380-4566
Tina McAllister
Sales Representative
Tina has been working in the food service industry for 16 years, and began working for Big Erics in 2011. With a personal knowledge from working in/with restaurants, Tina is able to plan a kitchen from the point of view of your staff and you. Tina possesses the knowledge, ability, and hands-on experience to deliver consistent, top quality service.
Moncton, NB tmcallister@bigerics.com 506-866-1240
Tina Walsh
Customer Service Representative
Prior to joining the Big Erics team in 2011, Tina had worked in customer service for 23 years. Tina is proud of her family and her strong work ethic. She is incredibly friendly and is committed to providing excellent customer service to help you better.
St. John’s, NL twalsh@bigerics.com 709-778-2750
Todd Pennell
Western Regional Sales and Service Manager
Todd is new to Big Erics, having previously owned and managed his own company for 27 years. His company won an award of excellence for 17 consecutive years. Todd’s excellent problem solving skills and ability to think outside the box were what enabled him to run a successful business for so long. Todd will make sure to get you the best pricing and service, and will continue to be there for you when the sale is done. Todd is also a Certified Automotive Inspector. Even with the success of his previous company, Todd’s greatest source of pride is his two children.
Corner Brook, NL 709-640-0605
Tom Griffin
Sales Representative
Prior to joining the Big Erics team as a foodservice sales representative in July 2012, Tom worked for 14 years in food and beverage management at major Halifax hotels. He was impressed with the products and services provided by Big Erics over the years so when the time came for a career change, Tom jumped at the opportunity to join the Big Erics team. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University as well as certification in WHMIS, ServSafe, First Aid and Food & Beverage Management. Tom’s attention to detail and innovative thinking enable him to recommend/deliver the right product for the application.
Halifax, NS tgriffin@bigerics.com 902-225-1833
William Fudge
Sales Representative
William has been working in the food service industry for 20 years, and joined the Big Erics team in 2012. He possesses a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in French, from the University of Quebec and is a Chef de Cuisine. William bears vast knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry; he’s worked as a chef and an owner. He worked as a chef on private yachts for ten years and has co-owned and operated several night clubs. Yet, the achievement of which he is the most proud is his daughter.
St. John’s, NL wfudge@bigerics.com 709-699-2372