Fitz, Vogt & Associates founder dies

Oct. 7—Carl F. Fitz, Jr., cofounder of Fitz, Vogt & Associates, died unexpectedly Aug. 2 near his home in New London, N.H. Fitz was 68.

Fitz began his foodservice career with Saga Foods at the University of Pittsburgh and later served as foodservice director at Windham College in Putney, Vt., where he met Roy Vogt, business manager of the college. When Windham College announced its closing in 1977, the two formed Fitz, Vogt & Associates, which is now one of New England’s largest foodservice management companies.

The pair’s first account was at the Thompson House, a nursing home in Brattleboro, Vt. Thompson House remains a FitzVogt client 33 years later. Fitz was president in charge of operations and Vogt was secretary/treasurer.

In 1989, Fitz purchased Vogt’s shares of the company upon Vogt’s retirement. Fitz retired in 2006, when the company had 165 accounts and was doing $45 million in business. Today, FitzVogt has 180 clients from Maine to Virginia and as far west as Indiana with projected annual sales of $50 million.

“Carl’s attitude was, ‘Provide good food and good service and everything else will follow,’” said Jim Hecker, current president and COO of FitzVogt. “The greatest thing about working for Carl is that you weren't afraid to make a mistake. He'd shrug and say, 'Just don't do it again.' He didn't hold a grudge or point fingers, he'd just say, 'We'll do it better the next time.'"

Fitz was buried at Walpole Cemetery in Walpole, N.H., not far from the corporate headquarters of the company he cofounded.