
- Now Playing
Chris Karssiens of Hoshizaki America sat down with Nation’s Restaurant News during the 2023 NAFEM show to discuss how the newly formed Hoshizaki Alliance — including Hoshizaki America, Lancer Worldwide, Jackson WWS and Macom — stays in tune with the needs of today’s restaurant customer. Hear how the group leverages its diverse expertise in ice makers, refrigeration, beverage dispensers and commercial dishwashers to make equipment that optimizes space, cuts energy use and puts maintenance info right at operators’ fingertips.
Chris Karssiens
Chris Karssiens, President, Hoshizaki Americas Region, also serves as president of Hoshizaki America. The Americas Region, also known as the Hoshizaki Alliance, is made of members Jackson WWS, Lancer Worldwide, Hoshizaki America, and Macom. Although Karssiens joined Hoshizaki America, Inc. three years ago as SVP of sales & marketing, he has held leadership roles in several foodservice organizations throughout his long history in this industry. Creating a unified Alliance is one of the key strategies for Hoshizaki Group worldwide and Karssiens is leading the way with global enterprise perspective, strength and vision.
Marlon Gordon
Marlon is Founder & CEO of NxtGen Network, a creative marketing agency that’s passionate about relationships, telling stories, and empowering others through innovation. He partners with those in Child Nutrition, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and also has an international philanthropical project called NxtGen Cares. Marlon is the co-creator and co-host of First Taste TV™, a show dedicated to connecting companies with their audience through video. Creator and host of Next Up, a talk show that focuses on thought leadership, lead generation, and live engagement. Creator of Ignite, a live hybrid networking and educational event. Host of the Next Up Podcast and Urban School Food Alliance Podcast, And co-creator of digital publications such as Served Digizine and Indulge. Marlon is a visionary, a team builder, and is fueled by a faith that helps him do things others think are impossible.

The Hoshizaki Alliance is a group of independent companies in the Americas united by the common goal of meeting the needs and demands of our customers through original products with exceptional quality. Multiple companies united by shared geography and mission—creating trusted high-quality innovations for evolving customer needs. We are diverse in origin—each company having its own unique story, culture, and services—yet we all contribute to the evolution of Hoshizaki as a whole with products and services that enhance the lives of our customers.