The beginning

Tom Anderson began his career in the foodservice industry in the early 1970s as an employee of North Star, then owned by John Pafenbach. As a young father, Tom left North Star to start Lakestate Sales, representing a handful of top brands like Continental Plastics, Homer Laughlin China, Cardinal Glass, and Baxter Manufacturing.

Family Traditions

Tom Andersons' business philosophy was not too unlike his approach to life: treat people well, take nothing for granted and don't expect business to come to you. These principals were shared by his business partners and employees other the years, and were handed down to his son, Todd, who grew up in the business.

After attending college and seeing a bit of the world (he played professional soccer in England), Todd joined Lakestate Sales, eventually merging back with North Star and partner Jim Froelich in 2001. Todd arranged a buy out agreement of Jim’s shares and became full owner with his wife and company controller/CPA Krista Anderson in 2007.

The Future of North Star

North Star Agency continues to represent top manufacturers in the industry and continues to partner with the manufacturers they represent and the dealers they service all while not forgetting our history. 

Looking forward, Todd and Krista and the entire North Star team continue to add additional manufacturers they represent and, are active participants in local, regional and national organizations that support and grow the foodservice industry.  For example, Todd served on the MAFSI board of directors for 4 years representing region 19, the upper Midwest chapter and is active on various Rep councils.