Industry Magazine Commercial Kitchen Fall 2016 | Page 29

CFESA CERTIFIED

David
Duckworth
David Duckworth is the
Director of Training and
Development at Commercial
Kitchen Parts & Service in San
Antonio, Texas.

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED CFESA COMPANY?
THE Commercial Food Equipment Service Association
(CFESA) is a professional trade association comprised of
companies who perform service and distribute parts for
commercial foodservice equipment manufacturers. The
membership is comprised of companies all over the world, but
primarily located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
CFESA places importance on training, sharing of resources,
best business practices, and helping create the standard for
training used throughout the industry. Their goal is to drive
service excellence in the industry.
Of the over 400 members that make up the CFESA
organization, a select few have managed to reach the top
tier, becoming a Certified CFESA company. Only around 30
or so companies have reached this level of excellence within
the association. The process of becoming a Certified CFESA
company is stringent. Not only that, but a Certified company
will only remain at that level for 3 years before they need to
renew that certification. It is sometimes harder to maintain the
certification than it is to attain it.
Becoming CFESA Certified is not a simple task. There are a
number of criteria which must be met, all of which are graded
on a point system during the review process. To begin with,
75% of the business done by the prospective company must
be based around parts and service. Second, the company must
have been in business and in good financial condition for at least
72 months. The prospective company must also be a voting
member of CFESA in good standing before they are eligible to
begin the certification process.
The certification has requirements in 5 areas including:
financial, education & training, industry participation, industry
relations and professionalism. These criteria are measured and
calculated using a stringent point system. Here are some of the
criteria in more detail:
• Training and Education Standards – This area includes
levels of certification on electric, gas, steam, and
refrigeration. All technicians employed over 2 or more

FALL 2016

years must have at least 2 of these CFESA certifications.
At least 25% of technicians must be “master technicians”,
meaning that they have certifications in three or more of
the categories. Technicians must also complete a minimum
of two Manufacturer specific trainings within a 3-year
period.
• Participation Standards – This area includes regular
attendance at CFESA national conferences, speaking
at any of the industry conferences, and contributing
to the association on one of the various committees.
Additionally, contributing to the CFESA magazine and
membership on CFESA Board of Directors can also count
toward certification.
• Professionalism – A minimum level of insurance is
required, and the company must demonstrate it is in
sound financial condition. Each office must have a posted
mission statement. Stationary, vehicles, emails etc.
must have the CFESA logo included to help with brand
recognition. All work must carry a 90-day parts and labor
warranty.
• This list is far from complete, but goes to show the level of
commitment that a company must have in order to attain
and maintain the Certified CFESA status. Commercial
Kitchen has proudly been a CFESA Certified company
since 2004 and just completed the renewal process
earlier this year.
Commercial Kitchen Parts & Service is committed to providing
fanatical service and unrivaled expertise. Achieving and
maintaining the CFESA Certified company status is an example
of that commitment.

www.CFESA.com

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