Meet Ken Brine of Advanced Equipment Sales in Neponset Valley and South Shore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Brine.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ken. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from Boston College with degrees in Marketing and Finance, I pursued an MBA from Babson College. As a new graduate, I entered the world of banking as a commercial loan analyst for a large bank. This helped me to understand the financial aspects of running a business.

My introduction to retailing was launched when I went to work for a large grocery distribution company. It was during my employment at James Ferrera, that I was challenged to introduce checkout scanning into their corporate stores. At this time, checkout scanning was the beginning of a new retail trend!

This accomplishment led me to a sales position with Almor Corporation, an industry leader in the manufacturing of check stands and shelving systems in New York. I was their National Sales Manager when Almor was sold to a large European company. This was the impetus, along with the coaxing of my wife, Rita, to inaugurate Advanced Equipment Sales, a manufacturers’ rep group.

In 1993, the company was launched and 25 years later we represent a number of top manufacturers in our industry. We have a range of product offerings that allow us to be a vital supplier to most retail and wholesale organizations in our marketing area.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the AES early years, we were a two-person team. My administrative assistant was key to managing and distributing information to our customers and vendors. As a “road warrior”, it was difficult yet necessary to spend so much time away, meeting with vendors and customers, knowing I had two young sons, Lee and Cory, along with my wife Rita at home. I made every effort to be there for all important activities and sporting events my boys participated in, though it wasn’t always easy.

Now, I see the same thing with my older son, Lee and my grandson, Dylan. Although his son is only 20 months old, Lee works hard and has long hours but he tries to be home as much as possible in the evenings. I hope my strong work ethic and my sense of family has rubbed off on them.

Another difficult task during the start-up phase, was choosing the vendors that established the framework for the company we are today. Building and supporting these relationships come from time and trust. This can be a challenge but also rewarding. I always strive to choose manufacturers who, in my estimation, surpass the quality and customer service that our customers have some to expect. The lines we represent are a direct reflection on us, and vice versa. We are proud of what these companies offer and they are confident that we represent them at the highest level to our customers.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Advanced Equipment Sales – what should we know?
Advanced Equipment Sales is a Manufacturers’ Representative agency representing a wide variety of vendor’s products in the Grocery and Retail arena. For our vendors, we are their sales force for this territory….”the feet on the street” but not their direct employees. The biggest benefit for our vendors is the relationships we have with the major retail chain stores in this region. This covers all the major retail chains (both grocery and non-food), wholesalers who sell to all the smaller independent stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, refrigeration companies and distributors. With a variety of product lines, we are in constant contact with our customers.

We provide our customers, “one stop shopping” for sourcing their equipment and fixtures. Our goal: Our customers buy directly from the manufacturers with AES as the liaison from sourcing to preparing and presenting quotes to the actual sales and service.

Though still a small business, AES has grown through the years from just me and an administrative assistant to a team of six. Our current staff includes a Director of Operations/Inside Sales, two Regional Sales Managers, an Administrative Assistant, a Field Sales Tech and me, the President and owner.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Working with integrity. I learned at an early age that working hard and smart and treating people well is the key to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aesgroup.net
• Phone: 781-784-2731
• Email: kbrine@aesgroup.net

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