Better visibility produces better bottom line

The Scarmardo family in Bryan, Texas, know that image can make or break a foodservice business. So the company recently invested in updating the fleet graphics for its delivery trucks that haul fresh produce and foodservice products in a 100-mile radius from the heart of Aggieland.

The investment in new vinyl graphics covered with bright images of fruits and vegetables paid big dividends, because shortly thereafter Scarmardo Foodservice Inc was awarded an exclusive produce contract with Texas A&M University — home to more than 45,000 students, which makes it the eighth largest university in the United States.

“We can't be completely sure if the new graphics on our trucks were the deciding factor in the university's decision to award us the contract, but image and perception in our industry are very important,” says Greg Scarmardo, company owner and president. “The new graphics have increased public awareness of our company as well as attracting some new business.”

Scarmardo Foodservice operates 11 straight trucks that distribute fresh produce and more than 1,000 foodservice items to restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Drivers load the trucks at the company's 22,500-sq-ft warehouse. The company chose Endagraph, a company outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to install the new graphics on the trucks.

Carrier Transicold Supra 844 and 944 units keep food inside the trucks at the appropriate refrigerated and frozen temperatures, even during those sultry summer days in Texas. W&B Service Company mounted the reefer units on 22-ft Morgan truck bodies. Scarmardo selected International 4300 trucks. One 28-ft trailer is dedicated for produce delivery to Texas A&M University.

In the early 1970s, the Scarmardo family saw the need for fresh, quality produce in the Brazos Valley area. That vision became a reality in 1974 when they opened the doors to the Farm Patch, a fruit and vegetable stand that included all types of food products, flowers and bedding plants, which is open seven days a week for retail business.

Over the next several years, the Farm Patch continued to grow to become a leading source of produce in the Brazos Valley. With offices next door to the Farm Patch, a sales force made up of family members and friends began servicing a customer base of up to 100 miles from Bryan/College Station. Word spread quickly that they were capable of delivering the same quality products as what was available at the Farm Patch retail location. Their customers had entrusted them with their growing need for quality fresh produce, and the Scarmardo family continues to make that customer service the number one priority in their business.

Fleet logistics —

• Scarmardo Foodservice Inc,
  1289 N Harvey Mitchell Parkway, Bryan TX 77803 Local delivery company with 11 trucks and one trailer delivering fresh produce and foodservice products within a 100-mile radius from Bryan/College Station TX.

Graphic service provider —

• Endagraph, 9000 Corporate Circle, Export, PA 15632

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