Our Team

We’ve been in the foodservice industry for over four decades.

Karen VanPelt-Higgins

Principal, President Emeritus (she/her)
Karen VanPelt-Higgins

Karen Higgins is an industry veteran, having started her career as a registered dietitian and a food service director, with over 20 years of multi-unit food service management experience in the healthcare market. Karen’s knowledge and experience, coupled with her natural ability to connect with end user operators, led her to join 4 Star Reps in 2002. In 2009, she became a principal of the organization, and her systematic business approach, progressive nature, and growth mindset have shaped 4 Star into what it is today. Karen received the Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Top Achiever – Manufacturers’ Rep Award at the FE&S Dealer of the Year and All-Industry Awards Gala in 2019.

Erica Monaghan, CFSP

Principal, President (she/her)
Erica Monaghan

Erica Monaghan joined 4 Star Reps in 2013 to create a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management program, which continues to drive the team’s ability to manage the sales process and analyze sales opportunity data. Over the years, Erica has grown within the organization, serving as the information/marketing manager, business development manager, vice president, and now principal. Erica earned a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from Penn State University and has extensive experience in business organization and data management. Her goal oriented, team-based approach to success and attention to detail brings unparalleled professionalism to 4 Star and our manufacturers.  Erica is a Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP Level 1), a certified Intuit Quick Base App Builder, she’s ServSafe certified, and she is a member of MAFSI’s Board of Directors.

Steve Heraty

Sales Associate, End User Specialist (he/him)
Steve Heraty

Steve Heraty joined 4 Star Reps in 2019 to support our valued customer base. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and his diverse background includes experience in the foodservice and healthcare industries. While he’s most passionate about relationships, his solutions-based approach is a great addition to our customer experience and our team.  Steve is ServSafe certified.

Chef Greg Stephenson

Sales Associate, Culinary Director (he/him)
Chef Greg

Chef Greg is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and has previously worked as an executive chef and a general manager of dining in the fine dining and senior living market segments.  He joined our team in 2021 to expand our sales force and to serve as our culinary director.  With his extensive culinary training, experience, healthcare and hospitality relationships, he’s an invaluable resource to our team and our foodservice equipment customers.  We invite you to schedule time with Greg for a demonstration on our equipment; his passion for food preparation, stylish plating, and exceptional taste will be sure to WOW you!  Greg is a Certified Executive Chef, and he is ServSafe and RAMP certified.

Phyllis White

Senior Inside Sales Associate (she/her)
Phyllis White

Phyllis White joined the company in 2003 and has spent nearly two decades building her vast knowledge of foodservice equipment.  As the senior inside sales associate, Phyllis ensures that bids and contract quotations are completed with precision and proficiency, and her expertise supports 4 Star’s estimating endeavors, so our customers have the comprehensive product information they need. Phyllis is a team player and is deeply committed to customer satisfaction; her calm and professional demeanor communicates support to everyone who calls.  She began developing these skills when she worked in the medical and financial industries as an office manager.  Phyllis attended Alderson Broaddus University in Phillippi, WV where she studied Biology, and she is ServSafe certified.

Caralynn Reddig

Sales Associate, K-12 Specialist (she/her)
Caralynn Reddig

Caralynn Reddig joined 4 Star Reps in 2017 as an end user specialist, focusing on schools and institutions.  With an extensive background in education, a passion for culinary science, and upbringing tied to the foodservice industry, she excels at communicating product features and benefits, and providing the best options based on individual customer needs. After graduating valedictorian of her high school class, Caralynn earned a Bachelor of Science and has completed coursework for a master’s degree in economics at George Mason University.  She is also ServSafe certified.

Laura Reinhardt

Inside Sales Associate (she/her)
Laura Reinhardt

Laura Reinhardt joined 4 Star Reps in 2015, bringing 9 years of sales and customer service experience. Laura’s highly effective communication and personal skills, coupled with her degree in sociology from Penn State University, enable her to tackle any task that arises, providing our customers and manufacturers with an excellent asset for problem solving and customer support.  Laura is ServSafe certified.

Jordan Copelan

Procurement Specialist (she/her)
Jordan Copelan

Jordan Copelan joined 4 Star Reps in 2022 as a procurement specialist. Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Kennesaw State University. She brings with her experience and knowledge from both the hospitality and food service manufacturing industries. Driven by a customer first mentality, she takes a detail-oriented approach to her role, ensuring customer satisfaction.  In 2020, Jordan received the MAFSI Manufacturer Rising Star Award.

Rachel Bonaventura

Service & Demo Coordinator (she/her)
Rachel Head Shot

Rachel Bonaventura joined 4 Star Reps in 2017 bringing with her 12 years of combined customer service and data entry experience.  Rachel’s dedication to accuracy and organization greatly benefits the 4 Star team, in addition to her friendly and outgoing personality.  Rachel’s primary responsibilities include service issue resolution, CRM documentation, and inside support for our team and our customers.  Rachel is ServSafe certified.

Jenna Bruton

Inside Sales Support Specialist (she/her)
Jenna Head Shot

Jenna Bruton earned her master’s degree in organizational management from Wilmington University and joined 4 Star’s team in 2022 to serve as an inside sales support specialist.  She has more than a decade of professional experience with an extensive background in the healthcare industry, and throughout her career, she has focused on customer satisfaction and business organization.  Jenna prides herself on being a process driven, efficient, detail-oriented analyst.

Gina Bryce

Logistics Coordinator (she/her)

Gina Bryce joined 4 Star in 2021 and brings with her over 20 years of industry experience.  After completing her degree in Business Administration, Gina started her career as a bookkeeper, and eventually transitioned to the foodservice industry where she spent almost two decades working for one of the nation’s top foodservice equipment dealers.  She is adept at using AutoQuotes, and has experience with purchasing, tracking, data entry, service request resolution, project coordination, and assisting Project Managers.  Gina is ServSafe certified.

Ava Jolie

Marketing Assistant (she/her)
Ava

Ava joined 4 Star in 2021 to support the company’s marketing endeavors.  With an enduring passion for art and graphics, Ava promotes the exceptional products that we represent on social media, and she helps to maintain brand awareness for 4 Star.  She holds her own with noteworthy accomplishments, such as enrolling in college at age 15 to pursue a degree in psychology, completing her first year of college by age 16, and making the Dean’s List on numerous occasions.  Ava’s thirst for knowledge and her love of visual arts are a dynamic combination that help to keep 4 Star fresh and vibrant.  Ava is also ServSafe certified.