About Us

Seven Decades of Excellence: TSBL Distributing Has Been Leading the Food Service Industry Since 1954

Minnesota’s Exclusive Taylor Distributor

Established in 1954, TSBL is a multi-generational company that has been at the forefront of the food service equipment industry for over six decades. Our roots trace back to the Taylor Company, which was founded in 1926. As the demand for specialized equipment and service rose, TSBL emerged to fill a crucial gap. We continue to grow alongside the ever-expanding food service sector.

Unparalleled Expertise in Equipment

At TSBL, we pride ourselves on being experts in food service equipment. We specialize in providing the best and most reliable equipment in the business. For decades, our commitment to quality has made us the preferred choice of numerous retailers. In fact, until recently, some of our equipment was exclusively available through select retailers.

Built on a Foundation of Service

Service is the cornerstone of our company. From day one, we have built our reputation on exceptional customer service. We understand the importance of keeping your operations running smoothly, and our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that your equipment is always in optimal condition. We are proud to say that we’ve received a number of awards over the years, a testament to our unwavering commitment to our customers' success.

Our Awards

Taylor

Quota Topper
Outstanding sales, service, marketing, and financial performance
Million Dollar Club

Broaster

Quota Topper
Specialist of the Year

Dairy Queen

Supplier of the Year

Exponential Growth and Expanding Reach

Just as the food service industry has experienced exponential growth, so has TSBL. We have evolved and expanded our operations to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Today, we proudly serve the entire state of Minnesota and a portion of Wisconsin. Our exclusive partnerships with Taylor and Broaster have solidified our position as the regional exclusive provider of their top-of-the-line equipment in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

Meet the Leadership Team

At TSBL, our leadership team is comprised of industry veterans who bring decades of experience to the table. Their collective expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping TSBL into the leading food service equipment provider it is today.

Our leadership team is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with our customers, providing unparalleled service, and ensuring that TSBL remains at the forefront of the industry. They lead by example and set the standards for our entire organization, ensuring that every interaction with TSBL exceeds expectations.

Justin LaVine

Owner/Sales Manager

Education and/or Work History

Graduated from Dunwoody College in 1996 and has been employed with TSBL since 1994

What is your favorite part of your job?

Dealing with customers and helping them succeed in an ever-changing business climate.

Do you have kids/pets?

I have 5 wonderful children that I am very proud of and one cat named Gary Laser Eyes.

What are you most passionate about professionally/personally?

I am very passionate about our business and often get goosebumps while describing what our equipment can do.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Winning the first ever Red Cape Service award from the Taylor Company in 2011.

Trent Tinder

Owner/VP of Sales and Operations

Education and/or Work History

38 years in the Food Service industry

What is your favorite part of your job?

Working with different customers daily and helping to solve problems.

Do you have kids/pets?

5 Kids, 2 Dogs

What would you do even if you didn’t get paid to do it?

Helping others.

Ron Goblirsch

Owner/Service Director

Education and/or Work History

Dunwoody for Heating and Cooling; Alexandria AVTI, TSBL for 36 years.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Troubleshooting a call with a customer and resolving the issue without having to send a service technician.

Do you have kids/pets?

I have two sons, Shane and Andrew, a daughter-in-law, Amy, and one grandson, Kiernan.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Becoming an owner of TSBL.

What’s something on your bucket list?

Spend more time traveling, seeing parts of the country I have not seen

Chad Norwick

General Manager

Education and/or Work History

I have a degree in Computer Science and have worked in the food/retail service industry for 25+ years.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy helping new customers find ways to grow their business along with sharing a laugh with my co-workers throughout our workdays.

Do you have kids/pets?

I have 3 children along with 3 pets.

What are you happiest doing?

I enjoy coaching/refereeing soccer matches for all ages.

What would be your personal motto?

Work hard and enjoy life!

Adrian Merino

Parts Manager

Education and/or Work History

Kennedy HS 1998, 12 years with TSBL

What is your favorite part of your job?

Helping customers get the parts they need to get their machines up and running.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

It’s very important to me that I address their parts concerns the first time.

What are you complimented on most in your work?

My efficiency and attention to detail.

Patrick Chavie

Service Manager

Education and/or Work History

Active Duty Army, owned a construction company, and I started with TSBL as a technician 11 years ago.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Getting up to go to work.

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

I loved living in and visiting Korea.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A carpenter.

What’s something on your bucket list?

To go to the Godzilla exhibit in Japan.

Jean Barry

Service Dispatch Manager

Education and/or Work History

Associate Degree in Accounting

What is your favorite part of your job?

Everyday is a different adventure.

Do you have kids/pets?

One teenage son.

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Sanibel Island.

What’s something on your bucket list?

Travel to Hawaii.

Matthew Chavie

Chief Operating Officer

Education and/or Work History

I have an MBA and bachelor’s in management and creative writing. I was Active Duty Army and deployed to Afghanistan. I have served and bartended in fine dining restaurants.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love the day-to-day variance my role provides.

What are you most passionate about professionally/personally?

I love writing music, working out and cooking.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Curiously, a garbage man.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

I help my employees remember their passwords.