Salt Lake City: Livability in the 21st Century

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NICHOLAS & COMPANY
Right: William Mouskondis.
Far right: Peter Mouskondis.
Bottom, left: William and Elyce Mouskondis.
Bottom, right: The Mouskondis Family.
Founded in 1939 by Nicholas William Mouskondis and
now in its third-generation leadership, Nicholas & Company
has received many honors for the high quality of its
products, its outstanding service to customers, and its
relationship with team members. These include the Utah
Business Magazine “Best of State for Food Distribution”
in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, and
“Best Company to Work For” in 2005, 2011, and 2013.
“We have a business culture focused on creating mutual
success with our customers,” says Peter Mouskondis, the
company’s current steward. “Our team of food service
experts utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, cutting edge technology,
and exemplary food safety practices as we practice
“Philotimo,” a Greek word meaning the love of honor, every
day. We think this captures the true importance of hospitality.
We value our genuine partnerships and have a passion
for serving people. That’s our family recipe for success!”
Nicholas & Company was founded by Nicholas, who left
his home in Crete, Greece, to forge a better life in the U.S.,
“the land of promise and opportunity.” With an eighth grade
education, no knowledge of the English language, and a sign
on his back reading “Utah,” Nicholas began his long journey to
Salt Lake City. He started the business by collecting discarded,
dented cans at the railroad station. After he and his family
relabeled them, he sold them to customers on his bread
route. Bootstrap tenacity, long hours, and great fortitude kept
Nicholas and his wife, Anna, moving ahead, following their
vision and realizing the American dream.
Under the progressive leadership of its second president,
their son, William (Bill) Mouskondis, the company expanded
past Salt Lake City, joined buying groups for purchasing power
and distribution partnerships, and increased its customer base.
Working with his wife, Elyce, and many dedicated employees,
Bill secured larger facilities in the Salt Lake International Center.
He placed great emphasis on technology, and was the first
foodservice distributor to invest in computers for the delivery
fleet, upgraded office systems, and provided laptop computers
for the street sales team, receiving numerous awards for its
outstanding operations and business practices.
Peter Mouskondis and his wife, Nicole, third generation
leaders, have a strong commitment to customer partnerships
and the Nicholas & Company team. They invest in building
infrastructure and developing the tools needed for success,
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