We’re pleased to add Josh Blitstein to our growing list of Top Young Tabletop Talent selections. The 29-year-old Josh founded The Action Group, Inc. 3 years ago to offer the Northern California/Northern Nevada foodservice market what it needs most: standout representation. Recently, Josh has partnered his group with another top Northern Californian agency to create an even more formidable sales agency, representing some of hospitality tabletop’s top brands.
Josh Blitstein started in this territory working as a sales rep for Libbey, Inc., and then continued his development as a successful manufacturers’ rep for 20 equipment and supply lines. His passion for superior service and his focus on relationship building are qualities that define Josh as a rep. Josh is a graduate of UCLA, with a B.A. degree in English.
A: I really owe it all to the woman that mentored me from the beginning and gave me my first shot in this industry, Lee Paulsen. I was fresh out of college, and Lee was my district sales manager with Libbey, Inc. in Northern California. I really knew nothing more about the job than it was with a big company that would be a good starting point, and that I would get to come back to the region where I grew up. Lee’s faith in me is why I am here today. She invested many hours and lots of patience in my development. Lee taught me how to maintain an organized office, how to interact with customers, how important the follow up is, and she always made sure I took care of myself outside of work. I didn’t plan on becoming a small business owner, but I couldn’t have done it without the lessons Lee instilled in me from the beginning. That foundation paired with a passion for cooking, dining out, and a creative approach to customer service has made for what will hopefully be a lifelong career.
Q: What motivates you to work in the very competitive hospitality tabletop industry?
A: The biggest motivators are the endless opportunities to exceed expectations – both our customers’ and our factories’. Whether it be ordering a sample for someone, recommending the right glass, answering a technical question for somebody over the phone right on the spot, or delivering an order for banquet china prior to the event, the goal is always the same: under-promise, and over-deliver. There are so many ways to come through for somebody, and the ability to offer creative and practical solutions time and time again keeps this industry fun. There is so much to learn and so much to share!
Q: There is such a lengthy list of tabletop companies that are available within the hospitality segment. When considering and selecting lines to represent, what criteria do you look for in a manufacturer?
A: Quality, consistency of product and service, opportunity to grow the line in our market, and whether or not I like the offering (you have to get behind the product) are the biggest determining factors. I try to stick with manufacturers that have a story and true value to the end-user that we can communicate, rather than those that focus on “cheap” products. Of course brand equity and volume play huge roles, but we have many lines in our portfolio that sold much less when we first partnered with them, and we were able to grow in our territory together. It’s really important that a manufacturer and a rep firm can work together to parlay their efforts into positive results. It really is a two-way street and the ability to execute together is extremely important when determining whether or not to join forces. We want to have the best relationships with our factories, so that we can reinforce all of our customer relationships, and vice versa.
Q: Although you are in the early stages of what appears to be a great career, what is a lesson that you have learned that might be helpful to other top young talents in our business?
A: It’s not about the size of the order; it’s about the strength of the relationship. Work hard, with integrity, and say no when it’s the right thing to do. No matter what, always give everyone you interact with a reason to trust you.
Q: Why should recent college graduates – even non-English majors – consider getting into the hospitality tabletop industry? How would you recommend they get started?
A: This side of the industry is something that few outsiders know about. The only thing I knew about the industry until I graduated college is that I wasn’t going to be a part of it, but that shows how much I knew. The industry needs to do a better job of advertising itself and recruiting, but I think the best place to start is at the operations level. My first job was a dishwasher at a friend’s restaurant, from there it was customer service until I graduated college and started with Libbey. There really is so much opportunity in the business across the board for young people. Whether you’re creative, analytical, sales, or operations oriented, the industry needs you and will take care of those that do well for it. 
A: No pun intended, but focus on what you bring to the table, and bring it. It’s all you’ve got. All I have ever strived to do is wake up, go to work, tell people I’m going to do something, and make sure I do it. If you can capitalize on those opportunities, you may not get the order but you still did your job and the universe will bring more opportunities for success your way. Yes it’s important to know about your competition, but it’s more important to know about what you can or cannot do to help somebody, because that is ultimately all you can control. Oh, and be patient. Good things come when you put forth your best.
Q: What role do you feel tabletop plays in the overall guest dining experience?
A: It’s huge. Perception of value is what lays the groundwork for a dining experience. Sheer-rimmed glassware promote a more expensive, second glass of wine. Unique plating looks more intriguing in a Yelp! photograph. The word experience is key. Guests want something to talk about the next day, something to share with friends and family. Customers are now the best promoters of hospitality destinations. Future guests decide whether to dine somewhere based on how the food looks in an online photograph. A tabletop concept that does not match well-thought-out food can create a confusing experience but the right tabletop can help solidify the chef’s intentions.
Q: The speed of change is accelerating in all industries, how do you see tabletop changing? Where do you see our category headed?
A: There are many, many manufacturers in the marketplace. I see some future consolidation if we don’t get more young talents in the industry, because we won’t have enough people to support these companies. Ultimately those manufacturers with the highest quality and best service will prevail. The leaders in tabletop will continue to be the innovators of new shapes, patterns, textures, materials, and production methods. Environmentally conscious and cost effective will continue to be a focus, however new, inviting, romantic, and design-driven product will always at the forefront. It’s all about creating that one item that when placed on a table, makes everyone’s heart beat a little bit faster.
Q: What does the future hold in store for Josh Blitstein? Where would you like to be in 10 years?
A: I’d like to be as passionate about the industry as I am now. My vision is to grow The Action Group, Inc. and build a team that is knowledgeable, well respected, and known as the most reliable, helpful rep firm in this territory. I take a lot of pride in those qualities. I hope that I will have a chance to give back to some other young newcomers in the business, and mentor them with the same care and patience that I received when I started. Oh, and maybe I’ll be married…?
Q: Everyone has a way to “get away” from the daily grind of business. How does Josh Blitstein like to relax and “get away”?
A: It’s tough to get away 100% from the business, but this time of year it’s definitely football. I’ve been a San Francisco 49ers fan my entire life and attending home games is one of my true commitments outside of work. I’ve been trying to travel and watch them play at opponents’ stadiums too – I was at last year’s playoff game vs. the Packers in -11 degree temperatures! That was awesome.
Super Bowl 49 has our name written all over it!
