Vader and Landgraf

We represent the strongest foodservice equipment brands in the industry in the Upper Midwest
We create solutions for equipment based issues for dealers, consultants, and the end users
We actively promote and support our brands in Minnesota, the Dakotas, and western Wisconsin
We continually educate our clients on equipment applications and operation
We build relationships with segment leaders
We match key end users with dealer partners
We have a strong foundation built on a past legacy of excellence, while looking forward to, and building for, the future!

Find out about our 50th anniversary prize winners!

1960

Company was founded by Harold Okinow, son of Sam Okinow, General Manager of a St. Paul dealer, Joesting and Schilling.
Okinow Sales started the legacy of sales in refrigeration, cooking, steam appliances, and stainless fabrication.
The original line list included Delfield, Duke, Franklin Products, Koch Refrigerators, Legion Kettles, and Shelley Manufacturing.

1967

Gene Vader joined the company after a successful career with Koch Refrigeration, which allowed Okinow Sales to expand their reach to North & South Dakota and increase their knowledge and expertise in refrigeration.
Frymaster and Wolf Range joined the portfolio.

1972

Toby Landgraf was hired from Toastmaster. Continuing the legacy of strong sales expertise, Toby brought in-depth knowledge of heat transfer and family history in the industry. His father was an owner of Minneapolis Restaurant Supply.

1976

The company was incorporated as a result of the purchase of Okinow Sales.
The product line expands with the emphasis focusing on heavy equipment, engineered systems and strong customer service.
The industry underwent a transition from large institutional sales to strong growth in the restaurant and QSR segments.
This growth added to the agency expansion including personal and product lines including Dormont, Fisher and Salvajor .

1984 - 2003

A pivotal time for Vader and Landgraf; Toby died suddenly of a heart attack as the company was gaining national recognition through industry organization leadership by Gene Vader, and manufacturer consolidation.
Several corporate holding companies solicit Vader and Landgraf to represent their “package” of lines and it is determined that the company would continue with their existing brands while adding Advance Tabco, Cres Cor, Cleveland and Merco Savory to the portfolio.

2003 – Present

The company ownership transfers to Dennis McGuire and Paul Slack.
Industry consolidation continues with Vader and Landgraf representing the Welbilt brand of lines adding Garland, Varimixer to the line list. ~ Welbilt changes the corporate name to Enodis (Latin for “Solutions”) and the firm adds Jackson, Lincoln, and MerryChef to the list.
Industry changes occur with manufacturer consolidation, dealerships opening “satellite” offices throughout the country; dealer roll ups creating new mega dealers and buying group purchasing influencing the marketing and sales strategies for all with-in the “sales channel”.
The Enodis Company is purchased by Manitowoc. Vader & Landgraf adds Kolpak to their current portfolio.
Industry sales boom with strong growth from all segments; VL participates by adding an inside sales team consisting of project coordinators and product specialists. World class customer service and brand growth continue to be the core mission of this firm as we strive to gain share for our manufacturers during the next 50 years.