General Info

Basic Marketing Services was founded in 1974 by Arnold Meltzer. In 1978, Arnold partnered with Spencer Harrison. Their diverse experience and market knowledge, paved the way for making Basic Marketing Services what it is today, a highly respected sales and service organization specializing in the foodservice and jan/san industries. Basic Marketing has undergone many changes over the last 32 years, with Ed Meltzer joining the company in 1986 and later, in 1988, becoming a full partner as Arnold phased out his responsibilities. In 2001, Spencer Harrison retired, making Ed the sole owner of Basic Marketing Services. But through all of the changes one thing has always remained true; Basic Marketing Services is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships throughout the supply chain by providing service with integrity, organization, clarity and most importantly, results. People of Basic Marketing Edward Meltzer, President. Ed joined Basic Marketing in 1986. Prior to joining Basic Marketing, Ed worked at L&P Converters, brokers and converters of printing paper. During his time at L&P, he developed new territories throughout the United States and increased sales in new territories to an annual level of $5 million. With that drive and determination, he came to Basic Marketing with a strategic plan to diversify Basic Marketing's penetration into the marketplace. This was accomplished with a combination of end-user focus and DSR sales support, a practice commonly employed by today's successful reps. In addition to his leadership role Basic Marketing, Ed is an active member of both the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and New England Disabled Sports (NEDS). He has served on the Board of Directors for the BPO since 1996 and NEDS since 2008, where he is also Chair of the Marketing Committee Greg Huffman, Senior Sales Executive. Greg came to Basic Marketing Services in 1994. Greg brought with him years of experience in the food service industry. He worked at both James River and Amoco Foodservice for a combined total of eight years. During that time, he gained extensive experience working with full line paper distributors, broad liner food houses and numerous end users, focusing on special print programs as well as stock programs. Greg has proven to be a valuable member of our selling team. During him time with Basic Marketing Services, Greg has formed very strong relationships with some of the key distributors in his region making him an integral part Basic Marketing sales team. Russ Pacino, Senior Sales Executive. Russ comes to Basic Marketing Services after having spent his entire professional career in the food service industry; primarily with Sweetheart/Solo for twelve years followed by Innoware, as the Northeast Regional Sales Manger. Russ has extensive knowledge of supermarket distribution, bakery processors and multi unit chains. Russ will utilize this knowledge and focus on the development of key distribution as well as end user business development. Russ has worked closely with Basic Marketing during his two year stint with Innoware, demonstrating hard work and impressive results. Melissa Abdou, Sales and Marketing Associate. Melissa began her career with Basic Marketing in 1997 as a Customer Service Representative focusing on inside sales and service. Melissa's excellence in assisting our sales team with end user detail work, DSR training, and coordination of distributor tradeshows has brought a new level of service to our customers and our company. In 1999, Melissa was given selected accounts which have grown under her management and supervision. Her dedication and proven ability have made her a valued asset to Basic Marketing Services. Amanda Ellis, Office Manager. Amanda joined Basic Marketing Services in 1998 as a Customer Service Representative. Her exceptional customer service skills and attention to detail aided in her promotion to Office Manager in September of 2000. In this capacity, Amanda oversees the entire operat