About Us

In 1928 the FM Turner Company was founded in Cleveland, Ohio as mason jars emerged as a solution to commercial packaging needs. Since that time, the industry has evolved tremendously and so has FM Turner. Still privately owned with headquarters in in Cleveland, FM Turner remains dedicated to our historic core values, while embracing continual evolution.

FM Turner Timeline

1928

Fletcher M. Turner utilizes his generational family history of glass making, and founds the F. M. Turner Company in Cleveland, Ohio as an agency to connect emerging manufacturers to a diverse supply chain, specializing in foodservice and consumer goods related markets.

1940's

As commercial demand evolves, FM Turner becomes a leading industry connection to rapidly advancing aluminum canning technologies, enhancing both manufacturer and consumer capabilities.

1950's

The end of World War II sparked a new era of consumer expression and demand for convenience. Material innovation and diverse market investment leads to novel product categories. FM Turner is the front line for manufacturers understanding market needs, realizing obstacles, and over time building new supply pipelines.

1980s

Decades of growing supply channels leads to the beginning of standardization and realized efficiencies of scale. New geopolitical frameworks set the stage for eventual offshoring to less quality, higher margin production. FM Turner embraces for unavoidable changes, but remains committed to our trusted independently owned, domestic manufacturing partnerships.

2000's

FM Turner see’s the problems posed by non-sustainable foodservice practices and makes a concerted decision to be at the forefront of industry change. Knowing that championing “Earth Friendly” will be a long, painful and often harshly rejected pathway, a new trajectory was set focusing on grass roots collaboration, educational advocacy and pursuit of learning how we can do better as an industry. We begin painfully slow habit changing and new distribution channel building.

2020

The world is blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight the foodservice industry is completely shut down. FM Turner remains calm, focusing to first to help our core partners pivot; for Operators consulting novel to-go system enhancements while in person dining was banned, supporting our Distributors to secure new regular supply during waves of disruption, and with our Manufacturer partners expanding our territory footprint to service the Mid-Atlantic states, a new large milestone.

2024

As FM Turner approaches 100 years of operations, company stock is acquired by the next family generation, who is well prepared and energized to challenge status quos and reach new levels with our partners… Let’s get to work!

Territories Served

Headquarters & Showroom:

901 Canterbury Rd unit F, Westlake, OH 44145

Great Lakes Region:

Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Mid-Atlantic Region:

Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C.

Buckeye

Blue Grass

North Shores

Erie

Mid-Atlantic

Meet Our Team

T.J. Godlewski
President

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Kent State University, T.J. served as an account manager at Premier Paper, Inc. focusing on janitorial and foodservice street sales in Columbus, OH. Following his father Tom, Sr’s footsteps, T.J. joined FM Turner in 2012 working in Sales, eventually covering first hand all FMT territories at some point in his career. During COVID T.J. was afforded the opportunity to expand FM Turner’s presence to the Mid Atlantic, and with careful planning, moved to Baltimore, MD in 2021. In 2024 T.J. acquired FM Turner from Tom, Sr. When not working, he enjoys playing ice hockey, dead lifting and learning.

Simon Foote
Vice President

With more than 20 years of foodservice industry experience, Simon joined FM Turner in 2023. Prior to his current position, he was regional territory manager for the Wasserstrom Company, where he worked for 10 years. Simon began his career at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, cooking, sports and boating.

Tom Prentice
Sr. Territory Manager: North Shores Region

Tom has more than 30 years of experience in the foodservice, grocery and janitorial markets, serving in a variety of sales and management roles throughout his career. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, he established his remarkable reputation and acomplished resume holding positions with Adair, Cascades Pro, Acosta Sales & Marketing, and Janico before joining FM Turner in 2022. Tom enjoys boating, golf, traveling, cooking and spending time outdoors, and mentoring the next generation at FM Turner.

Tim Bishop
Territory Manager: Bluegrass Region

Tim joined FM Turner in 2024. Having worked in foodservice much of his life, Tim brings over 20 years of professional experience to our Team, holding successful roles with Key Impact, JR Simplot, and Rizwitsch Sales before joining our team. His expectational work ethic and deep industry knowledge have helped to establish a remarkable reputation and interpersonal network.

Katina Lombardo
Territory Manager: Chesapeake Region

***Bio coming soon for our newest Team member!***

Megan Carlson
Inside Support, Manager

Megan has worked at FM Turner since 1995. Prior to joining the company, she was employed with Dean Supply for nine years. As Manager of our Inside Support Department, Megan’s knowledge, leadership and trouble shooting skills are invaluable to our organization!

Lisa Reynolds
Inside Support

Lisa began her career at Sun TV & Appliance in 1992, eventually becoming regional service manager in the company’s Kentucky location. She then worked at GMAC, Telamark Concepts, and the Cuyahoga Group, a local food supply vendor, before joining FM Turner in 2017. Lisa brings deep systems knowledge to our team, as well as enthusiasm and positive energy every day!

Find Your Custom Solution

We want to hear from you. Contact us today and schedule a consolation.