Jon & Jen Corto
Grocery, Convenience, & Specialty Retail Category
Buffalo Strive was founded by Jon, a former Buffalo Bills player, and Jen, a CPA with an MBA. Jon's transition from the football field to the business world was fueled by his and Jen's shared ambition to create something impactful. After Jon's sports career, the couple decided to channel their energies into building their own venture. Jen personally managed every financial aspect since day one. As a woman-led business, Buffalo Strive prides itself on empowerment and leadership.
The initial concept for Buffalo Strive emerged from Jon's involvement in community and health initiatives during his NFL days, leading to the introduction of high-tech vending machines in schools. Expansion into the Micro Market in 2012 was a significant milestone, allowing the company to offer a wider range of fresh food options and meet clients' needs more effectively. The company has over 65 dedicated team members, and continues to grow in various sectors, including markets, coffee, water, catering, and vending, establishing itself as the largest independent operator in Buffalo.
In Jon’s Own Words
What do you enjoy most about your career in foodservice?
I love creating value for the customers we serve. We are able to help people with their wellness goals and make it more convenient for them to get healthy options at work. We can provide an elevated market experience with bean to cup coffee machines, sparkling water coolers and a top-notch Micro Market experience that keeps employees both happier and healthier.
Tell us about a proud moment you’ve had along the way.
I would say one of our proudest moments was hearing that we won this award. It allowed us to take a minute out of the hectic day to day schedules and reflect on the business we’ve established.
Creating over 70 jobs and growing, is a huge accomplishment and rewarding feeling. It certainly has not always been easy and it started from very humble beginnings, weeks of grind and sleepless nights. I remember working out of a small office and trying to use it as our warehouse space as well with nowhere to store anything. Jen & I would have to fill every machine, unload trucks, stock & manage the warehouse while trying to do sales, accounting, and all other administrative tasks.
To be considered as a leader in our space and having created a company with a positive culture where people want to come to work every day is really what makes us proud.
What advice do you have for someone new to the foodservice industry?
Hard work doesn’t sometimes pay off; hard work always pays off. The Customer is always right (even when they aren’t) and so it is important to have a customer centric mentality because at the end of the day, you won’t be anywhere without customers.
What does being an IFMA Silver Plate recipient mean to you?
Winning this award is a huge honor. This is a testament to the hard work that Jen & I and all of the people at Strive have put forth day in and day out. This is an award that will be displayed in our showroom for all of our dedicated employees to see as a reminder of their efforts each and every day when they come to work. It allows others that are working toward a goal to recognize that hard work and resilience will someday pay off for them.
What is your favorite meal?
Jen- Penne Primavera
Jon- Filet Mignon
Jon & Jen Corto were nominated by Nestlé Professional
