Henry Singer Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Singer Equipment Co. recently celebrated the 100th birthday of Henry Singer, who served as president of the company for more than 50 years.

“Henry continues to inspire those around him through his leadership, compassion and genuine belief in the power of relationships,” the company states in a post. “His example remains deeply woven into Singer Equipment Company and the foodservice industry he helped advance.”

After serving in World War II, Henry attended Colgate University. In 1950, he returned home to join the family business and work alongside his father, Singer founder Frederick Singer.

When Henry first joined Singer, the company was a small, regional restaurant supply business. Later, as president, Henry expanded its sales organization, geographic reach, product offerings, facilities and transportation capabilities. He was an early adopter of computers and CAD technology and championed modern warehousing and distribution methods. He also helped establish Singer’s kitchen design and installation services.

Under Henry’s leadership, Singer grew from a local dealership into a regional leader offering foodservice supplies, disposables, janitorial and sanitation products, and kitchen design and fabrication services.

Henry also made an impact on the industry. He served as president of FEDA, and received the Doctorate of Foodservice Award from NAFEM.

Overall, under the Singer family’s leadership, the company has grown from a small business with fewer than eight employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue into a national organization generating over $1 billion in revenue and employing more than 1,200 people. It serves customers nationwide and remains privately owned and operated under its third generation of family leadership. Earlier this year, it acquired Alabama’s Bresco.