Introducing: New Management Team for Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters!

Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters is the leading regional roaster of high-quality coffee, offering a wide selection of roasts, blends, single origins, and flavored coffees. The company has been providing coffee and cafe products, along with exceptional service to local cafes, restaurants, universities, schools, grocery stores, farm markets, churches, offices, and country clubs throughout the Finger Lakes, Western, and Central NY regions. After 27 years, Larry Werges and Bob Cowdery, the entrepreneurs who started Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, have sold the company to a local, family-oriented investment team. This strategic move sets the stage for many exciting new opportunities!

The local family and friends’ team that acquired Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters on April 25^th is led by CEO Gary Andalora. His full-time team includes Krista Berg and Jeremy Fiebelkorn, and other active team members without full time roles working behind the scenes. The group has many collective years of owning and operating businesses and have been colleagues and friends for more than 10 years. Having been born and raised in and around Rochester and Buffalo, the group is highly dedicated to the local region and to the Friends of Strong Organization.

Their core mission is to get people from “I want a cup of coffee” to “I have a cup of coffee,” summed up with the simple phrase “Cups Up.” To be successful, they aim to deliver a positive customer experience, to achieve “Cups Up” with as little friction as possible, and to do so in the quickest and most pleasant manner. They want their customers to leave feeling good about their experience, and to consider becoming loyal supporters of the Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters brand.

“We are grateful for the outstanding business and culture Bob and Larry have created over the last 27 years and plan to continue their legacy of delivering great coffee and unparalleled value to their customers.” – President & CEO, Gary M. Andalora.

Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters has been partnered with the University of Rochester for almost 19 years, offering great coffee at affordable prices. There are solid foundations between Friends of Strong, the University, and Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, and many new opportunities for growth. Gary and his staff have already begun working on continuing to grow the partnership and bring more benefit and value to Friends of Strong, hospital staff, patients, and their families.

There have already been several improvements to the three medical center locations, and many more are planned. They have made necessary repairs and invested in new equipment such as an ice machine, an espresso machine, and a cooler. Store hours have been expanded, and more seasonal items and specials will slowly be added to the menus. They aim to shorten wait times at the Main Lobby stand with new technology and operational solutions, and they hope to explore additional food options at MRB, as well as new baked goods and snack vendors. Current menu items will be updated and upgraded on what customers want by listening to feedback and analyzing sales trends.

Follow Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters on social media for updates and join us in celebrating the dawn of a new era. Thank you for being part of our journey!

 

Meet the Full-Time Team

Gary Andalora: President

Gary received his BA in Economics and his MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Rochester. He is a Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) and has completed training from the University of Buffalo’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Core Program in 2016. He was the CEO and CFO for MBMS for 32 years, creating, executing, and revising strategic plans and operational initiatives, while also leading financial planning, investment, and accounting policies for the company. Gary has been President and Chief Investment Officer for Financial Decisions USA, a boutique RIA Firm, for 31 years.

 

Krista Berg: Resource Services/Retail Operations Manager

Krista attended SUNY Fredonia for her undergraduate studies, followed by a postgraduate degree from Medaille University, where she obtained an MS in Education in Literacy in 2005. She has spent most of her career in elementary education, specializing in teaching grades K-6. Krista has dedicated her time and expertise to various charitable organizations and fundraisers, including notable names like Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Children’s Hospital, Roswell Park, and more. Her skill in planning and executing strategies, both within the classroom and outside of it, has made her a successful advocate for children’s causes, leaving an enduring impact on the community.

 

Jeremy Fiebelkorn: COO & Head of Marketing and Sales

Jeremy pursued both his BS and his MBA in Marketing & International Business at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, achieving this milestone in 2006. He has filled Senior Operations and Sales/Marketing roles at various companies including Coldwell Banker Commercial, HSBC Bank, Brady Corp, Fisher-Price Toys (a division of Mattel, Inc.), and SitusAMC. Jeremy’s career spans a diverse array of industries, encompassing banking, finance, consumer packaged goods, and precision manufacturing. He has managed teams of 6-20 across various domains, including Client Success Management, Business Development, Operations, Marketing, and Sales.

 

Interested in leaving feedback to help improve the three medical center locations? Visit the survey at this link! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5RQ83WX

Emily A. Teitsworth | 9/6/2024