NAMA recently announced that Pete Tullio has begun his one-year term as chair of the association’s board of directors. Tullio, chief financial officer of Gourmet Coffee Service in Southern California, is an industry and board veteran who was named the association’s 2013 Industry Person of the Year at the 2013 NAMA OneShow.
“Pete has shown tremendous leadership overall in the industry and with this association,” said Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, in a prepared statement. “I’m confident that his knowledge, expertise and reputation will allow him to excel in this role and I thank him for the many years of hard work he’s put into NAMA and to moving the industry forward.”
“I’m excited to chair the board of NAMA, an association that has done so much for me throughout my career,” Tullio said. “With our dynamic, talented board of directors and the NAMA leadership team committed to success, the future for both the industry and NAMA is bright. I’m fortunate to be a part of it. I would like to thank my predecessor, Mark Dieffenbach, for his dedication and vision -- I have big shoes to fill.”
Tullio was working as an attorney in Chicago in 1978 when his father, Peter Tullio Sr., moved to Southern California to start World Wide Vending. Pete’s father convinced him to move west and join the business. Pete’s brother, Bob, soon joined the partnership, as did their friend Larry Deagon. Along with World Wide Vending, in 1994 Jon Fishman joined the company and together they founded Gourmet Coffee Service. The family legacy continues with Pete’s son, Paul Tullio, who manages Gourmet Coffee Service’s Orange County branch.
Both World Wide Vending and Gourmet Coffee Service are known for their generosity in the greater Los Angeles area. They contribute to Ranch San Antonio; Shay Youth Center at Shepherd of the Valley Church in West Hills, Calif., and the Ronald McDonald House in Orange County, Calif., as well as other charities. Tullio has served as a leader for many years in the California State Council as well as within NAMA.
