by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
Susan Hartley has joined forces with her younger sister in a move to become the largest distributor of office breakroom supplies in Florida.
SunBelt Coffee & Water, already the largest single-source provider of breakroom supplies and services in North Florida and South Georgia, announced this week it had merged with Beverly’s Coffee Service, named for Hartley’s sister, Beverly Cleary. The merger was a part of what Hartley calls “The Better SunBelt Plan.”
“We are going from good to great and we are bringing on partners to improve our service,” said Hartley, president of SunBelt Coffee & Water.
Cleary and her husband Michael will serve as SunBelt vice presidents and partners.
“I am thrilled to be working with Beverly and Mike,” said Hartley. “We all bring different strengths to the company and share a commitment to provide great customer service and quality products.”
Hartley said the merger was done to establish a foundation for “aggressive expansion plans.” These plans include branching outside of Jacksonville, though the company’s headquarters would remain here.
“We are excited about our plans,” said Hartley. “Jacksonville is poised for significant economic opportunities and we’re making SunBelt ready for those opportunities.”
SunBelt Coffee & Water offers a vast array of services for office breakrooms. Janitorial products, coolers, vending machines, coffee and coffee makers, catering and equipment sanitation are just a few of the services provided by the company.
Besides working to expand SunBelt, Hartley serves as a commissioner with the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, has been involved with the Small Business Division of the Chamber of Commerce and has served on United Way’s board of directors. Hartley has also been Women Business Owners of North Florida president.
“I have a passion to help small businesses expand,” said Hartley. “I truly believe the economy relies on small businesses for its survival.”