Custom-Made Food Equipment on the Move

In 1958, Bill Sekora founded Custom Mobile Food Equipment, Hammonton, the only company in the world that manufactures custom-made mobile food service vehicles.

Sikora began his career path at the age of eight when he pulled a wagon serving flavored ice during Camden's hot summers. He derived

Forty-seven years later, the company is reporting sales of $14 million annually, and has a list of well-known clients, including: Disney World, with kiosks standing in the Animal Kingdom and throughout the theme park; Salvation Army; Breyers Ice Cream; Coca-Cola; Pepsi; and the U.S. government. It has shipped vehicles globally to Korea, Italy and England.

"Custom Mobile Food Equipment is the only company that works from the ground up," says Sikora. "We will specifically design a mobile food cart according to a customer's request, which is one reason we've been able to control the market."

Sikora's adaptability and "do it yourself attitude" is another reason he has cornered the market. "Over the past five years, we've tried to buy equipment from other people, but it was never delivered on time," says Sikora. "I got my men together and told them whatever we've got to do, we will. Now we manufacture everything on the premises.'' The customization of vehicles is done at the company's 54,000 square-foot facility.

Currently, the company employs welders, engineers and designers to ensure that all projects are completed on site and delivered to the customer on time.

Although Sikora believes the mobile food industry has not changed drastically over the last 50 years, he thinks that a company should be aware of trends in the marketplace. "For me, it's about noticing the changes, and striving to constantly develop fresh, exciting, innovative approaches to help a business' bottom line," he says.

The company also manufactures disaster relief vehicles, and has been involved in disaster relief efforts, including last year's Florida hurricanes and September 11, 2001. During the rescue efforts at Ground Zero, the Salvation Army had to feed the work crews, but they needed specially-designed mobile food carts that were capable of moving over the glass, cement and debris. "The Salvation Army paid for the cost of the equipment, but I didn't make any money," explains Sikora. "Also, since the carts were specifically designed for the site, they aren't useable now."

The other industries that use Custom Mobile Food Equipment products are: convention centers; arenas and stadiums (where kiosks, presentation stands and carts may be used); college campuses; golf courses; and the film industry at onsite locations.

Sikora believes in old fashion business practices. "It's still a 'people' business - people want a great product at a fair price, and they want to be treated with respect," he says.