Grapevine, TX — July 8, 2026 — EPI, a rapidly growing manufacturer’s rep focused on commercial foodservice equipment, today announced a merger agreement with Paragon Marketing, a well-respected manufacturer’s rep firm operating throughout the Midwest.
The Paragon merger brings another high-caliber team into the EPI fold, deepening the company’s presence across Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Southern Illinois. Paragon has built a strong reputation over the years by putting relationships first and delivering consistent results for manufacturers and customers alike. The merged organization will integrate Paragon’s field expertise and deep relationships with EPI’s operational infrastructure and support systems, with the transaction effective August 1, 2026. Paragon’s leadership team will be staying on as part of the new EPI Mid Central team.
“We’ve been heads-down building something special, and days like today are the payoff. Paragon has exactly the kind of team and culture that fits what we’re trying to build. Their team knows the market, takes care of their customers, and shows up every day with the right attitude. And landing ITW in Chicago alongside the Hanna-Young team is a big win for EPI, our team and our customers! We’re just getting started.”
— John Merris, VP of Sales, EPI Kitchen
“Paragon has been a part of this industry for a long time, and we didn’t take this decision lightly. What we found in EPI was a partner that respects what we’ve built and has the infrastructure to help us grow it. The cultural fit matters as much as anything else in this business, and that’s what excites us for the future. I’m proud of what we’re becoming together.”
— Todd Jones, President, Paragon Marketing
