Our Story – Ventana Distributing

Our History

Ventana Distributing was founded and incorporated by the ownership of Taylor Freezer Sales of Arizona (Taylor) in 1986. Taylor became one of Hoshizaki America’s original distributors when they entered the United States ice maker market in 1984.

A Window Into Our Past

At that time, Hoshizaki was the world’s largest manufacturer of ice machines, but had no presence in North America. Hoshizaki opened their first manufacturing plant in Peachtree City, Georgia in 1984. The reception to Hoshizaki’s ice makers in the marketplace was extremely positive which influenced a dramatic expansion of their product line.

Taylor experienced this same dramatic growth in Arizona, and the sales growth of the product line was such that Taylor was compelled to form a wholesale distribution channel under a separate corporation named Ventana Distributing.

The name and logo of Ventana, which means “window” in Spanish was chosen to reflect a Southwest theme and the Hispanic culture of the Southwest, and Arizona in particular.

New Growth

Ventana’s sales growth in Arizona has far exceeded the state of Arizona’s growth.

Ventana is proud of its involvement during its early years with many new projects at that time in Arizona including the Princess Resort, US Airways Center (formerly America West Arena), and Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark).

We are proud of our relationships with numerous sports arenas, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Phoenician Resort, Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Xanterra, Grand Canyon National Park, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Bashas Grocery Stores, just to name a few.

Our Team

Paul Hodges

President and Managing Partner
Ventana Distributing Company

“I officially joined Ventana Distributing in January 2019 but have supported the Principal, Steve Rice for several years in a consultant role. Prior to joining Ventana, I held various executive roles in large corporations and start-up ventures. I have spent most of my career in a Technical or Operational role, supporting companies to improve bottom line performance. I am a “Lean Practitioner” and focus my teams on Continuous Improvement in every aspect of the business; from Sales, Finance/Administration to Warehousing, all to ultimately enrich the customer experience.”

Jordan Sawyer

Business Development Associate

Originally from Boston Massachusetts I graduated from Framingham State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. I joined Ventana Distributing in April of 2023 to help support their business development and marketing. Before joining Ventana I worked at a Hoshizaki Distribution Center as a CSR aiding in order fulfillment and client relations. Helping clients with food-service solutions tailored to their needs brings me tremendous joy. With the industry leading ice machines and refrigeration Hoshizaki has all your needs met. Call us today and ask for Jordan!

Randy Drummond

Vice President, Sales and Marketing

“For many years, I worked for an Anheuser-Busch distributor in Michigan and moved to Arizona in 1981. I joined Taylor Freezer Sales of Arizona in 1983 and soon after moved into a role with Ventana Distributing. I have seen many changes over the years and truly enjoy selling the world’s best ice machine and refrigerated equipment. It gives me a great deal of pride knowing that our customers are getting the best equipment in the marketplace and I love getting positive feedback from my customers! I love the company so much that I thought about changing my name to ‘Ice Cube’ but unfortunately that name was taken!”

Courtney Enders

Accounting Assistant

“I began working at Taylor Freezer Sales of Arizona in 2013. In 2016, I accepted a position with Ventana Distributing. I am truly passionate about my job and strive to ensure operational excellence in every aspect of my job. On a personal note, I moved to the Phoenix area in 2006, from Germantown, Wisconsin and a huge Green Bay Packers fan!”