Company History

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THROUGH OUR EYES

TIMELINE

1987

With stock in their home's garage, foodservice operators Tim and Patricia Bible establish KaTom with the goal of providing fast, reliable service with a personal touch.

2001

Despite skepticism from many in the industry, Tim enacts his dream of taking KaTom online. Sadly, he unexpectedly passes away just weeks before KaTom.com goes live with Patricia at the helm.

2000s

KaTom expands beyond catalog and ecommerce sales with a contract and bids team that begins earning government contracts for the 100% woman-owned company almost immediately.

2012

After expanding its first, 6,000-square-foot facility multiple times, KaTom relocated to a new headquarters on a 20-acre campus with plenty of opportunity for growth in Kodak, Tenn.

2010s

KaTom's growth keeps it on the Inc. 5000 list for the entire decade, pushes it into the top 10 in industry rankings, and fuels multiple physical expansions and ongoing staffing growth.

2023

The distribution center doubles in size with a massive expansion as KaTom celebrates 15 years on the Inc. 5000 list and recognition as a champion for young professionals.

OUR BEGINNINGS

KaTom Company History

KaTom Restaurant Supply's story starts in the 1980s in a residential garage with two foodservice entrepreneurs motivated by a desire to make it easier for others in the industry to get essential equipment and supplies. Patricia and Tim Bible named their company KaTom, an amalgam of the middle names of their two young children, Paula Kathryne and Charles Thomas.

Founded on a traditional catalog and phone sales model, the company grew modestly in its early years, but Tim saw opportunity in the emerging area of ecommerce. Overcoming skepticism of the medium in the industry and Tim's sudden passing, KaTom went online in 2001 and began innovating how people shop for foodservice equipment and supplies.

ENGINES BEHIND THE MACHINE

Patricia Bible, KaTom's founder and CEO, is involved in almost every part of the operation. From making decisions on stocking position to meeting every candidate for employment and serving as president of the Board of Directors, she is the engine that drives KaTom.

Patricia Bible

CEO, Board Chair

Paula Chesworth's strategic insight and deep understanding of the digital marketplace continues to enhance KaTom's award-winning online presence and user experience.

Paula Chesworth

President, e-Commerce

Charley Bible's keen eye for detail and a strong track record of project management help him oversee custom solutions designed to serve KaTom's expanding client base.

Charley Bible

President, DESIGN + BUILD

James Rogers' commitment to operational excellence and deep understanding of systems optimization helps deliver on KaTom's promise of rapid, reliable delivery and industry-leading service.

James Rogers

President, Operations

TIMES ARE CHANGING