Pine Tree Food Equipment has been providing quality repair service for commercial cooking equipment since 1989. The company has grown over the years and is now operating in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. Our service technicians are state licensed in gas, steam, refrigeration and electric appliance service and installation and have remained current in the industry by attending manufacturers training all over the United States.
OUR CORE VALUES:
PARTNERSHIP – We understand the value of treating employees, customers and suppliers as partners and will continue to assist those communities where we live and do business.
TRUSTWORTHY – Doing what it takes to get the job done while obtaining and preserving our customers trust.
FAIR – We are open and honest with our internal and external customers and strive to improve communications with integrity.
EXCELLENCE – We commit to seek excellence in all that we do, investing in on-going education and training for all our personnel.
- Gary Potvin, founder and former owner of Pine Tree Food equipment, explains why he started this company and why they are always looking to hire skilled technicians.
- Dan who started out as a teenager fixing microwaves and, through hard work and determination, is now Vice President of Operations.
- Rudy who never knew about this career path, and now loves the challenge of solving customers’ problems.
- Joni who worked as a manager at McDonalds, found herself fixing their equipment, liking it and decided she found her niche.
- Eljin who explains why he enjoys being a technician at Pine Tree Food Equipment and what benefits they offer.
- Jeff who worked as a cook for years and found his career change into refrigeration repair very rewarding.
“If someone is willing to work really hard and do their job, and just be part of a team, they are going to thrive here.” ~Gary Potvin, Founder and former owner Pine Tree Food Equipment
Pine Tree Food Equipment
You will hear from Gary Potvin and each featured employee in this company profile video. If you are curious about fixing things or want to learn about a career path that many people don’t know about, this is a good place to start!
Video credit: Mike Boucher, Sonic Pictures
“I was able to learn the business as a whole because I wanted to grow in the company.” ~Dan
Dan Poulin, Vice President of Operations
Dan started at Pine Tree Service Equipment as a teenager, fixing everything from microwaves to ovens. He worked his way up to Vice President of Operations the good old fashioned way…hard work and determination!
Learning Profile: Interpersonal, Visual/Spatial, Hands-on
Rudy, Food Equipment Technician
Rudy explains how he never knew about this career but now that he is in it, he finds the problem solving he does everyday – addicting!
Education Required: Maine Gas License, CTEP Certification, On the Job Training
Learning Profile: Interpersonal, Hands-on, Visual/Spatial
“You learn something each day. It’s a constant puzzle. It keeps you going.” ~Rudy
Jeff, Refrigeration Technician
Jeff explains the equipment he works on, why his job is important to his customers and how he worked his way into this career.
Education Required: HVAC-R Associates Degree, On the Job Training
Learning Profile: Interpersonal, Hands-on, Visual/Spatial
“Knowing I have insurance and my family is covered gives me great peace of mind.” ~Jeff
Eljin, Food Equipment Technician
Eljin explains why each day is different, how technicians are set up for success and how he really appreciates the benefits he gets.
Education Required: Maine Gas License, CTEP Certification, On the Job Training
Learning Profile: Interpersonal, Hands-on, Visual/Spatial
“This is a good career path for someone who likes to problem solve, get their hands dirty, and work the issue out.” ~Eljin
Joni, Refrigeration Technician
Joni explains what she does as a refrigeration technician, why this is a recession proof career, and why this is a good fit for her.
Education Required: HVAC-R Associates Degree, On the Job Training
Learning Profile: Interpersonal, Hands-on, Visual/Spatial
“I like to problem solve. I like to dig into something and have the satisfaction of being able to fix it.” ~Jonie
Dan recently joined Pine Tree Food Equipment when he acquired the business upon Gary Potvin’s retirement in June 2019. Dan has been an active member of the industry since he became the 3rd generation owner of a K&D Factory Service, Inc. in Pennsylvania, Inc. which was founded by his great-uncle in 1945. He is involved in many of the food service associations including CFESA and is currently a board member for the NSC, additionally he was awarded the Young Lion’s Award from FER Mag in 2019. Dan and his wife, Courtney, have been married since 2003 and have two sons. He and his children enjoy snowboarding, and he and his older son are a part of a snowboard race team together.Hiring Technician Commercial
WONDER WHY YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN FOOD EQUIPMENT?
Jan from Pine Tree Food Equipment explains why below⇓
Interested in a career as a Food EquipmentTechnician? Explore the career resources below!
Check out the Programs at one of Maine’s 27 Career and Technical High Schools
Check out the HVAC-R programs at Maine’s Community Colleges, MEMA Technical Education Center and Northeast Technical Institute
Wonder why retirement benefits matter? Watch this short animated video to find out!