BRONX, NY - A bittersweet transition is taking place under the roof of Baldor Specialty Foods. The distinguished food distributor recently unveiled the retirement of longtime President and industry icon Michael Muzyk, announcing he will be stepping down at the end of 2023.
"I don't reflect much on the past, because I've always been so focused on the future, but looking back, I do see my fingerprint all over Baldor, and I'm proud of what we've done," Muzyk stated. "In the last few years of his life, Kevin [Murphy] and I spoke often about the future of the company, and I committed to doing everything I could to make Baldor and TJ successful. I think I've lived up to that promise. I'm grateful for the trust and support I received from the team and our customers to enable my success."
Muzyk joined Baldor in 1996 as a Sales Representative when the company was still in its early days, operating out of a modest 25,000-square-foot space in Maspeth, Queens. Growing alongside the company, he became the indispensable "right-hand man" of Baldor Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Murphy, eventually taking on the role of Vice President and then President.
In 2013, Muzyk had the challenging task of helping the company move forward following Kevin Murphy's untimely death and assisting Kevin's son TJ Murphy to assume the CEO and Owner position, which he continues to hold today.
"I've known Michael most of my life, and I can say that his dedication to Baldor over the years has been astounding," commented Murphy. "His career here has been defined by his huge heart and his unwavering commitment to our customers, vendors, and employees. He's touched thousands of lives and careers, including my own. I'm personally so grateful for his many contributions and his help transitioning this company from my father to me, and I wish him the best on a well-deserved retirement."
According to a press release, Muzyk also played a pivotal role in the company's expansion and success, helping Baldor establish its 290,000-square-foot headquarters in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, and then expand service from Maine to Virginia. For more details of the leader's impressive accomplishments, click here.
Cheers to Michael Muzyk on a successful career of nearly 30 years!
