Ed Seidenberg

Recently, Galaxie Coffee CEO Ed Seidenberg was kind enough to make time in his busy schedule to answer some questions. The resulting interview follows:

Q: Please explain the type of business this is, and the services/products you offer.

A: Galaxie Coffee is primarily an Office Coffee Service (OCS) company providing both coffee and coffee brewing equipment to a combination of corporate offices, schools, government agencies  and bagel stores and delis.  In addition to coffee, we offer a wide range of water, tea, soda, juice, snacks, cereals, paper goods and all the allied products that go along with coffee.  These include sweeteners, creamers, stirrers, etc.  We also offer many different types of cleaning and  floor care products as well as light bulbs.

Q: How did you get started in your business?

A: Galaxie Coffee was founded by Leonard Robbins and his son Neil, who is actively involved in running the business. The current management team of Joseph and Ed began their association with Neil in December 2005. Since then, Galaxie Coffee has more than tripled in size through organic growth, as well as the acquisitions of Regal Coffee and All Island Janitorial Supply. The acquisition of Regal Coffee in February 2008 enabled Galaxie Coffee to broaden its customer base in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The acquisition of All Island Janitorial Supply in November 2008 has allowed the company to significantly widen its product offering.

Q: Where is your business headquarters located? Are there any branch offices?

A: Our office and warehouse are located in Farmingdale, NY from where we can easily serve NYC, Long Island and Westchester.

Q: Who are your customers? What do they typically look for?

A: Our customers are primarily corporate offices who understand the benefits of offering high quality beverages and snacks to their employees.  We can tailor the coffee program to the size of the office as well as to the budget.   No office is too big or small!

Q: Why do your customers choose you, as opposed to your competitors?

A: Galaxie Coffee has built a reputation of providing excellent products at competitive prices.  However, it is our level of service that really separates us from the competition.  All of our employees are trained to go the extra mile and provide a level of customer service that goes above and beyond what the typical customer expects.

Q: How has computer technology impacted your business?

A: Over the years, we’ve updated our computer systems and website.  We try to use technology in conjunction with the old-fashioned human touch.  Many of our customers prefer to call their orders in and talk to our reps.

Q: Where do you see your business and yourself 5 years from now?

A: I’d like to think we can grow organically and through acquisition over this period.  The key will be to retain the attributes that allowed us to reach this point, and hopefully even improve upon them.  Offering a superior level of customer service is one of our core values and we will continue to make that a priority.  We will look at adding new product lines when they make sense for us and our customers.

Thanks for your time, Ed, and Happy Holidays!