Tracy and Dave Scalen celebrate the expansion of Regional Distributors, Inc. at 1281 Mount Read Blvd. Pictured L-R: VP of Sales Charlie LaRocca, City of Rochester Senior Economic Development Specialist Carolyn Baker, VP David Scalen and President Tracy Scalen with their son Matthew Scalen, NYS Senator Joseph E. Robach, City Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, and Director of Operations Mary Deacon.

From the time our first trucks rolled out in 1994, our growth and accomplishments have stemmed from a dedication to upholding the company's mission and core values, passion for exceptional service and an understanding of effective teamwork. When our President & CEO, Tracy Scalen, started Regional Distributors, Inc. with support from her husband, David Scalen, Executive Vice President, they had one truck, one driver, and a small warehouse. Within the decades since opening, Regional Distributors, Inc. has grown into a multi-million dollar business by focusing on strong partnerships with leading suppliers, numerous strategic acquisitions and recruitments, and dedicated support to and from our hometown of Rochester. While our NYS Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and SBA Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) has grown significantly in size, our one purpose - to deliver service beyond expectations - has remained constant.
 

On September 15, 2011, City Neighborhood and Business Development  Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada and Senior Economic Development Specialist Carolyn Baker joined Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, New York State Senator Joseph E. Robach, and owners Tracy and David Scalen to celebrate the expansion of Regional Distributors, Inc. at 1281 Mt. Read Blvd. The expansion is the result of $2 million in investments that Regional put towards acquisitions and renovations prior to the new opening. The City provided $40,000 in grants toward its continued growth, $30,000 for renovations, and $10,000 for security enhancements. Additionally, in 2005, the City helped Regional relocate from Greece to Rochester by assisting with site selection and providing a $100,000 loan toward equipment purchases. “The City of Rochester’s Department of Neighborhood of Business Development assisted us through the entire process of this project, from zoning and planning right through to working with the County and Canandaigua National Bank,” states Tracy Scalen. “The assistance that the City of Rochester provided was invaluable and we are beyond grateful for their support so that we may give back to our community through economic advancement and employment opportunities.”
 

With support from customers, suppliers, team members, friends, family and the City of Rochester, Regional was able to move operations to the space needed to support the company's significant and continuous growth. Since then, Regional has grown into a multi-million dollar NYS Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), and proud Rochester Top 100 company and Rochester Top Workplace, dedicated to giving back to customers and the local community. "We never really dreamed of growing to where we've grown. We set out with a clear vision of really just taking care of our customers, sticking to our values, and giving back to our veterans and local community - and we're successfully doing just that," shares Tracy Scalen. 

Regional Distributors, Inc. also accounts its successful growth to strategically planned company acquisitions and recruitments. Regional absorbed several smaller local companies from 2004 to 2006 including Rochester Janitor Supply (RJS), Paper Distributors, Inc. (PDI), and Green Oaks Janitor Supply that strategically expanded the company’s portfolio. Many of those distributors' owners are still with Regional today bringing a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the company. "We've been able to put together a team of a lot of owners and take everything they know, the lessons they learned, and years of experience and blend that together to make Regional as successful as it is today," shares David Scalen. One of the most valuable owners Scalen recruited to the Regional team is Charlie LaRocca, Regional’s Vice President of Sales. Prior to joining Regional, LaRocca was a sales manager and partner at Oken Distributors. Scalen recruited LaRocca in 2003 after working with him at Oken and recognized him as a vital asset needed to support and advance Regional’s growth. Leveraging an expert team of dedicated, enthusiastic, and experienced staff, Regional has become one of the largest and fastest growing distributors of paper, packaging, janitorial, commercial warewashing, laundry and hospitality, food service, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and green products in Western and Central New York.

Regional Distributors, Inc. owes our long tradition of success to satisfied customers from a diverse range of markets who trust us to deliver the efficient solutions they need and the exceptional service they deserve.