HRI Announces Ownership Transition and Next Phase of Strategic Growth

HRI, Inc., a leading foodservice equipment representative agency serving MAFSI Regions 6 and 7, today announced a planned ownership transition designed to ensure long-term stability, continuity, and sustained growth for its factory partners, dealers, consultants, and end users.

“As a company, we have always been focused on long-term stability,” said Tim Christianson, managing partner of HRI. “This plan has been in place for more than a decade. It ensures continuity for our factories and channel partners, preserves our culture, and allows the next generation of leadership to step forward at the right time.”

As part of this transition:

  • Mitch Reilly, founding member of HRI, will remain involved in the business, continuing to oversee financial strategy while serving as a mentor to the leadership team.
  • Tim Christianson, Managing Partner will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations and overall company leadership.
  • Steve Amos, Senior Partner will expand his leadership role and continue strengthening HRI’s operational and strategic capabilities.
  • Rob Reilly and Matt Buchanan have been added as new partners, broadening the ownership group to reflect the depth of experience and leadership within the organization.

“This transition reflects the way we have always built HRI — thoughtfully, intentionally, and with the future in mind,” said Mitch Reilly, founder of HRI. “I’m proud of the leadership team we’ve developed and confident in the direction of the company. This structure ensures continuity for our business partners while allowing the next generation to lead with confidence.”

Under the expanded ownership structure, HRI continues to operate with a relationship-driven, consultative approach, emphasizing long-term partnerships over transactional selling. The firm’s leadership team remains deeply involved in the field, working alongside dealers, consultants, and operators from project inception through completion and beyond.

“This expanded ownership model positions us to continue to support our factories, serve the field, and provide reliable, knowledgeable service grounded in deep equipment expertise,” said Steve Amos, senior partner. “It sets HRI up for sustained success.”

In conjunction with the ownership transition, HRI is unveiling a refreshed brand identity and new website, supported by significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and team development. These efforts reinforce the company’s long-standing market position as The Equipment Experts, while aligning the organization with the evolving needs of the foodservice industry.

HRI operates multiple locations with two fully equipped test kitchens located in Detroit and Indianapolis supporting factory training, product demonstrations, and operator education. The company’s additional offices are located Columbus, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, further strengthening regional reach and hands-on field support.

“Our test kitchens represent one of our largest investments, aside from our people,” Christianson said. “They allow operators, dealers, and consultants to disconnect from day-to-day pressures and make informed decisions by truly experiencing the equipment, supported by our team and our chefs.”

“I am both humbled and honored to lead HRI into its next chapter,” Christianson added. “We are building on that foundation with modern systems, fresh energy, and a clear vision for the future — grounded in the same Experience. Expertise. Exceptional Commitment. that has defined HRI for decades and continues to be lived out by our team every day.”