The Hode Group

What The Hode Group does

The Hode Group (HGI) is a private manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1993 and headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with a flagship 4,000+ square foot showroom in Chicago's West Loop/Fulton Market district (318 N Carpenter Street, Suite 200), co-located with one of Steelite's International Experience Centers. The company represents an approximately 40-brand portfolio of industry-leading manufacturers of disposable, janitorial, and tabletop products organized across nine categories — clothing/apparel (Chef Works, AmerCareRoyal), buffet supply (American Metalcraft, Steelite, Mogogo, RCP), commercial furniture (Trendler, Chicago Booth and Tables, Plantation Prestige, Trueform), compostable food packaging (Eco-Products, Leafware), kitchen supply and food prep (Dexter Russell, Daymark), cookware and bakeware (Hestan, Le Creuset), janitorial supply, food packaging, and dinnerware and glassware (Steelite, Luigi Bormioli, Le Creuset, Global Tableware). Its end customers are operators across the hospitality, foodservice, culinary, restaurant, and healthcare industries in the United States.

The Hode Group operates a sales-led go-to-market model via outside and inside sales teams, supplemented by the physical Chicago showroom (in-person and virtual appointments), an online sample-request portal, the HGI Resource Center (hgiresourcecenter.com), a 42-entry WordPress blog, and an active multi-channel social presence. Primary revenue comes from manufacturer representative commissions on sales of represented product lines, with a secondary revenue stream from program consulting engagements covering home meal replacement, sustainable packaging, and kitchen automation programs. Distribution reaches "thousands of operators" both directly and through a network of distribution partners. Notable validation includes Eco-Products' 2015 Broker of the Year at their National Sales Conference in Boulder, Colorado.

Underlying technology is intentionally light: no public APIs, no AI/ML capabilities, no proprietary software, and the represented technology offering (Daymark kitchen automation) is a third-party product. The principal "technology" assets are the digital sales tools — sample-request forms, product catalogs, the Micron-to-Mil Conversion Chart — and the physical showroom infrastructure. The company is privately held with no disclosed institutional investors, no funding history, no M&A activity, and no parent company; ownership and leadership appear family-held, anchored by principal Rich Hode. Operating geography is US-domestic only.

Name

The Hode Group

Legal name

The Hode Group, Inc.

Website

https://hodegroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Hode Group is a private manufacturer's representative firm representing approximately 40 industry-leading foodservice, hospitality, and healthcare product manufacturers across disposable, janitorial, and tabletop categories, reaching thousands of operators via outside/inside sales teams, a distribution partner network, and a 4,000+ sq ft Chicago showroom.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Crystal Lake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Manufacturer Representative Commissions: Operates as a manufacturer's representative firm earning commissions on sales of disposable, janitorial, tabletop, and foodservice product lines represented on behalf of partner manufacturers (e.g., Steelite, Le Creuset, Eco-Products, Chef Works, AmerCareRoyal, American Metalcraft). Sales support is delivered via outside and inside sales teams across represented product categories.
2. Program Consulting Services: Provides paid program consulting engagements to help foodservice operators create or enhance programs such as home meal replacement segments and sustainable takeout packaging programs, with the goal of spurring revenue growth and increasing customer revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Hode Group (HGI) is a manufacturer's representative firm that sells and promotes disposable, janitorial, and tabletop product lines from more than 40 industry-leading manufacturers (including Steelite, Le Creuset, Eco-Products, Chef Works, AmerCareRoyal, American Metalcraft, Hestan, and Dexter Russell) to foodservice, culinary, restaurant, hospitality, and healthcare operators. The firm combines outside and inside direct sales with program consulting, product placement advisory, and a 4,000+ sq ft Chicago showroom, and earns commissions on represented sales and fees for consulting engagements.

Product overview

The Hode Group (HGi) is a manufacturer's representative company with over 30 years of experience serving the foodservice, hospitality, culinary, and restaurant industries. It is not a single unified software product but a portfolio of represented product lines organized into modular categories that customers can engage with individually or in combination: Clothing / Apparel (Chef Works, AmercareRoyal), Buffet Supply (American Metalcraft, DW Haber, Lion's Wood, Mogogo, RCP, Steelite), Commercial Furniture (Chicago Booth and Tables, Lion's Wood, Mogogo, Plantation Prestige, RCP, Trendler, Trueform), Compostable Food Packaging (Eco-Products, Leafware), Kitchen Supply & Food Prep (AmerCareRoyal, Dexter Russell, Daymark Labeling Systems), Cookware & Bakeware (Hestan, Le Creuset), Janitorial Supply (AmerCareRoyal, Berry, Chicopee, Daymark, EcoSafe, Powers Paper), Food Packaging (AmerCareRoyal, Anchor, Durable Packaging, Eco-Products, OZZI, PBI, Specialty Box, Welcome Home, WNA/PolarPak), and Dinnerware & Glassware (American Metalcraft, Global Tableware, Le Creuset, Steelite). These line categories converge in the Chicago Showroom, a 4,000+ sq ft physical display and consultation space in the Fulton Market district, supported by complementary professional services including Program Consulting, Product Placement, Sales Support, and a free Sample Request program backed by sales tools such as the Micron to Mil Conversion Chart.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Clothing and Apparel Line Front-of-house and back-of-house culinary apparel represented by HGI from AmerCareRoyal and Chef Works Uniforms for foodservice and hospitality operators.
• Buffet Supply Line Buffet equipment, banquet furniture, and buffet presentation solutions represented by HGI from American Metalcraft, DW Haber, Lion's Wood, Mogogo, RCP, and Steelite for foodservice operators.
• Commercial Furniture Line Commercial and hospitality furniture represented by HGI from Chicago Booth and Tables, Lion's Wood, Mogogo, Plantation Prestige, RCP, Trendler, and Trueform Concrete Solutions for restaurants, hotels, and banquet venues.
• Compostable Food Packaging Line Compostable and plant-based food packaging represented by HGI from Eco-Products and Leafware for environmentally conscious foodservice operations.
• Kitchen Supply and Food Prep Line Kitchen preparation tools, cutlery, gloves, and labeling systems represented by HGI from AmerCareRoyal, Dexter Russell, and Daymark Labeling Systems for commercial kitchens.
• Cookware and Bakeware Line Premium commercial cookware and bakeware represented by HGI from Hestan and Le Creuset for culinary operations.
• Janitorial Supply and Sanitation Line Janitorial and sanitation supplies represented by HGI from AmerCareRoyal, Berry, Chicopee, Daymark Spill Kits, EcoSafe Compostable Can Liners, and Powers Paper for foodservice operations.
• Food Packaging Line Takeout and food packaging solutions represented by HGI from AmerCareRoyal, Anchor Packaging, Durable Packaging, Eco-Products, OZZI Reusables, PBI Boxes, Specialty Box and Packaging, Welcome Home Brand, and WNA/PolarPak for restaurants and home meal replacement programs.
• Dinnerware and Glassware Line Commercial dinnerware, glassware, and tabletop accessories represented by HGI from American Metalcraft, Global Tableware Collection, Le Creuset, and Steelite International for hospitality and fine dining.
• Chicago Restaurant and Hospitality Showroom A 4,000+ square foot physical showroom in Chicago's West Loop / Fulton Market district where customers can see, touch, and feel products across every HGI category, and schedule in-person or virtual appointments with a Hode Group representative. Co-located with one of Steelite's International Experience Centers.
• Free Sample Request Program Online sample and brochure request service that lets prospective and existing operator customers evaluate HGI-represented products, with optional direct shipping to the customer's location for team review.
• Program Consulting and Product Placement Services Consulting services offered by HGI covering product placement (identifying category and product-mix gaps), program consulting (creating or enhancing programs such as home meal replacement segments), and sales support through outside and inside sales teams for distributor and operator customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30+ years of continuous operation as a manufacturer's rep firm in the foodservice/hospitality industry
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Steelite InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteelite is one of HGI's principal represented ceramic tableware manufacturers for the global hospitality market. HGI represents Steelite across its buffet supply, dinnerware & glassware, and product line categories, and its 4,000 sq ft Chicago showroom is co-located in the same building as one of Steelite's International Experience Centers, providing customers direct access to Steelite's full tabletop range.
• Eco-ProductsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEco-Products is a represented manufacturer in HGI's compostable food packaging and janitorial supply lines. HGI was named Eco-Products' 2015 Broker of the Year at Eco-Products' National Sales Conference in Boulder, Colorado, citing outstanding performance and key distribution partner collaboration. Eco-Products co-exhibited with HGI at the 2016 National Restaurant Show (Booth #1848).
• Chef Works UniformscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChef Works is HGI's primary apparel/culinary uniform brand for both front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house uniforms (chef coats, chef pants, chef hats, etc.), showcased in the Chicago showroom where customers can try on styles and sizes; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #806).
• AmerCareRoyalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerCareRoyal is represented across multiple HGI categories — clothing/apparel, kitchen supply (gloves), janitorial supply, and food packaging — supplying disposables and gloves to foodservice and hospitality operators.
• Le CreusetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLe Creuset is represented across HGI's cookware & bakeware and dinnerware & glassware categories — high-end colorful enameled cast iron cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools and dinnerware since 1925, showcased in the Chicago showroom.
• American MetalcraftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Metalcraft is represented across HGI's buffet supply and dinnerware & glassware categories — "a leading provider of food presentation solutions, creative tabletop accessories, innovative kitchen and pizza supplies."
• Global Tableware CollectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Tableware Collection is a represented partner in HGI's dinnerware & glassware category — "offers partner brands access to resources, innovative go-to-market strategies and a strong support network into distribution channels enabling them to grow nationally in the hospitality industry."
• HestancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHestan is HGI's culinary cookware partner in the cookware & bakeware category, showcased prominently in the homepage logo wall and Chicago showroom.
• Dexter Russell KnivescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDexter Russell is HGI's kitchen-supply knife partner, "200 years of Made in the USA craftsmanship," and customers can test the knives in the Chicago showroom.
• Anchor PackagingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnchor Packaging is HGI's food packaging partner, featured in the showroom for designing home meal replacement and carry-out programs; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #5060).
• Daymark Labeling SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationDaymark's kitchen automation system is showcased in HGI's Chicago showroom — "Daymark's kitchen automation system can help you drive compliance in your prep kitchen, monitor temperatures in your walk-ins or on your line, and streamline your receiving operation."
• Sterno ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSterno table lighting products are featured in HGI's showroom for adding ambiance to dining rooms; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #7225).
• TrendlercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrendler is HGI's customizable chair manufacturer represented in the furniture category — "made-to-order, customizable chairs, tables, booths, and bar tops."
• Chicago Booth and TablescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago Booth and Tables is HGI's furniture partner, supplying made-to-order customizable booths, tables, chairs and bar tops.
• JM LifestylesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJM Lifestyles is mentioned in HGI's showroom description as a manufacturer of made-to-order, customizable chairs, tables, booths and bar tops.
• Plantation Prestige Outdoor FurniturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlantation Prestige is HGI's outdoor furniture partner; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #342).
• Mogogo Buffet TablesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMogogo is HGI's buffet-table partner represented across the buffet supply and furniture categories.
• RCP Buffet TablesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRCP Buffet Tables & Carts are represented by HGI across buffet supply and furniture categories.
• Lion's Wood Banquet FurnitureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLion's Wood is HGI's wooden banquet furniture and buffet-table partner across buffet supply and furniture categories.
• DW Haber Buffet EquipmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDW Haber is HGI's partner for buffet equipment within the buffet supply category.
• Trueform Concrete SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrueform Concrete Solutions is HGI's concrete furniture/buffet partner showcased in the commercial furniture category and the Chicago showroom.
• LeafwareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeafware is HGI's compostable food packaging partner within the compostable products category; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #9916).
• Berry Trash Can LinersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerry is HGI's trash can liner partner in the janitorial supply category.
• Chicopee WipesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicopee is HGI's wipes partner in the janitorial supply category.
• EcoSafe Compostable Can LinersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcoSafe is HGI's compostable can liner partner in the janitorial supply category.
• Powers PaperminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPowers Paper is HGI's janitorial paper partner in the janitorial supply category.
• Durable Packaging International (DPI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDurable Packaging International is HGI's foil/plastic foodservice packaging partner, featured in a dedicated product focus video; manufacturer of aluminum foil, aluminum containers and plastic foodservice packaging.
• OZZI ReusablesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOZZI Reusables is HGI's reusable food packaging partner in the food packaging category.
• PBI Boxes (PBI Sales)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPBI Boxes is HGI's packaging partner in the food packaging category; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #314).
• Specialty Box and PackagingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialty Box and Packaging is HGI's packaging partner in the food packaging category.
• Welcome Home BrandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcome Home Brand is HGI's food packaging partner in the food packaging category.
• WNA and PolarPakminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWNA and PolarPak are HGI's food packaging partners; WNA co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #1648) and was one of only five companies to make the cut in compostable cutlery disintegration trials (alongside Eco-Products).
• Royal Paper ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoyal Paper Products is HGI's partner for folded takeout boxes and the Rennovi scouring pad; co-developed the first-ever Green Restaurant Association-endorsed medium-duty scouring pad (Rennovi, made with REPREVE). Featured in a dedicated product focus video with Rich Hode.
• AardvarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAardvark is one of HGI's represented manufacturers that exhibited at the 2016 National Restaurant Show (Booth #8453).
• Bauscher HEPPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBauscher HEPP is HGI's high-end porcelain tableware and decoration partner (Modern Rustic, Avantgarde and Tafelstern collections) used in Deep Plate Exercises; co-exhibited at the 2016 NRA Show (Booth #5815) and Bauscher HEPP/HGI jointly congratulated Chef Lee Wolen (Boka) for the Chicago Tribune Chef of the Year award.
• Elite Global SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElite Global Solutions is one of HGI's represented manufacturers that exhibited at the 2016 National Restaurant Show (Booth #7457).
• GloPackminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGloPack is one of HGI's represented manufacturers that exhibited at the 2016 National Restaurant Show (Booth #340).
• Luigi BormiolicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuigi Bormioli is HGI's Italian glassware partner, with the Michelangelo collection (stemware and tumblers) featured in Deep Plate Exercises and category blog posts.
• WMFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMF is HGI's stainless-steel cookware/serveware partner (e.g., Mini Serving Pan), featured in Deep Plate Exercises and category blog posts.
• TafelsterncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTafelstern is HGI's premium porcelain partner (a Bauscher HEPP brand) featured in multiple Deep Plate Exercises with the Avantgarde and Ombre collections.
• U.S. Green CouncilminorOthersThe Hode Group displays a U.S. Green Council icon in its website footer, indicating an affiliation/credential with the U.S. Green Council (a sustainability-oriented organization). Nature of the underlying partnership is not detailed beyond the displayed credential.
• Green Restaurant AssociationminorOthersGreen Restaurant Association endorsed the Rennovi scouring pad launched jointly by Royal Paper Products and The Hode Group, enabling operators to earn green points toward becoming a certified green restaurant.
• Distribution Partners (HGI network)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor"Hode Group Inc. has 30 years of experience representing manufacturers that produce banquet tables and other event items ... via our network of distribution partners." Distribution partners are critical to HGI's channel of reaching "thousands of operators" and were explicitly thanked during the Eco-Products 2015 Broker of the Year recognition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• KJ Marketing: KJ Marketing is a manufacturer's representative agency serving the foodservice industry with a multi-category portfolio of represented brands. Directly comparable to HGI as a similarly-sized rep firm operating in the same channel and customer base.
• M. Tucker Company: M. Tucker is a foodservice manufacturer's representative and distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S., representing tabletop, smallwares, and equipment brands to operators and dealers. Most directly comparable to HGI in business model and customer base, with a similar multi-category rep-agency approach.
• S. Freedman & Sons: S. Freedman & Sons is a long-standing foodservice and hospitality manufacturer's representative serving operators and dealers across multiple categories. Closely comparable to HGI in business model, scale, and customer mix.
• Jordano Group: Jordano is a manufacturer's representative serving the foodservice and hospitality industries with a multi-category portfolio across the Western U.S. Directly comparable as a regional rep agency of similar size and structure, representing tabletop, equipment, and supplies.
• Boelter Companies: Boelter is a long-established foodservice/hospitality manufacturer's representative and supply distributor based in the Midwest, representing tabletop, equipment, and supplies. Highly comparable to HGI given overlapping Midwest geography, rep-and-distribute model, and foodservice operator customer base.

Broad incumbents

• TriMark USA: TriMark is one of the largest U.S. distributors of foodservice equipment, supplies, and tabletop, with a national footprint and design-consulting capabilities. A much larger incumbent serving the same operator customers as HGI.
• Edward Don & Company: Edward Don is one of the largest U.S. foodservice equipment, supplies, and tabletop distributors, serving operators nationwide. A broader incumbent that competes with HGI's represent-and-deliver value proposition but at significantly larger scale and with owned distribution infrastructure.
• Restaurant Depot: Restaurant Depot (Jetro Holdings) operates a national cash-and-carry foodservice supply warehouse club network. A broader incumbent in the same end-customer space, competing on convenience and price rather than rep-driven consulting.
• Hubert Company: Hubert is a multi-category foodservice and retail supply distributor covering equipment, supplies, and tabletop. Broader incumbent comparable in end markets (foodservice/hospitality operators) but operates via catalog/digital channels rather than rep-led sales.

Emerging players

• Tundra FSS: Tundra is a digital foodservice supply distributor serving restaurant and hospitality operators with a streamlined online ordering model. Emerging player that overlaps HGI's operator-customer base but bypasses the traditional rep relationship with a self-serve digital channel.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thehodegroup
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIDJ9Citi9BUMHINoHmJNSw
• Facebookfacebook.com/thehodegroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-hode-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/thehodegroup
• Pinterestpinterest.com/hodegroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Hode Group