Meet Our Team

Co-Founder & Consultant

Neal Balkowitsch

Co-Founder and Consultant

After establishing himself in the food and beverage industry of Minneapolis, Neal Balkowitsch moved to Boston in 1989 to manage Pine Brook Country Club in Weston. Under Neal's direction, Pine Brook established itself as a premier private club with its well-appointed care of membership and highly praised food and beverage operation.

Neal's attention to detail and impeccable taste became indispensable in all aspects of the special events operations at Pine Brook. Along with Dan Mathieu in 2000, Neal co-founded MAX Ultimate Food.

Neal currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Huntington Theatre Company, Corporation of Perkins School for the Blind, and the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Work Center.

Our Amazing People!

Bobby Perino

General Manager

Merry Berman

Assistant General Manager

Brad Balster

Finance Manager

Ilona Spiro

Creative and Beverage Director

Alexis Davis

Director of Sales at MAX Ultimate Food

Maxwell Davenport

Sales Manager

Sheldon Gray

Sales Manager

Matthew Thompson

Sales Manager at Boston Children's Museum

Bill Doane

Director of Sales at Museum of Science

Sage Sarkis

Sales Manager at Museum of Science

Richard Trimarchi

Back of House Manager at Museum of Science

Jamie Schiappucci

Facilities Manager

Kristin Otto

MAX Out Operations Director

Amanda Lomax

MAX Out Director of Sales

Shamus Sullivan

MAX Out Expeditor

Lucy Fernandes

Recruiter

Jennifer Anderson

Director of Hospitality and Training

Mary Cochrane

Service Director

Kasey Ryan

Staffing Director

Izzie Gerber

Staffing Manager

Ethan Paige

Executive Chef

Brian Benton

Executive Sous Chef

Marcos Carneiro

Executive Sous Chef

JP Cooper

Managing Chef of Museum of Science

Charlotte Grimm

Executive Pastry Chef

Melissa Motta

Pastry Sous Chef

Nancy Mathieu

Purchaser

Eddie Gaffney

Receiver

"I just received my party box and could not have been more surprised and pleased. While I was expecting yummy food, as always, the presentation in the glossy black boxes, tied up with ribbon, with the treats all nestled in the fun confetti and tied up with more bows, made it all seem so special and fun. Just what we needed to get us excited about a quiet night at home. You guys have been such a godsend to me this year. By far one of the best parts of my 2020. We have so enjoyed all your wonderful meals and the break from cooking that your MAX at Home service has allowed." ...
Sarah
"I am sending this email to express my delight and appreciation for the best night of my life. Your food was beyond sensational. Equally important and noticed by just everyone was the marvelous staff. One friend told me she felt as if she were the only guest because every wish she had whether it was food or drink of whatever else there was always someone at her elbow like magic to meet that desire. I have been having calls and texts and emails with unstoppable kudos. I do not know what more I can say except that I am indebted to you forever for making it the happiest event anyone ever had!" ...
Sherry
"The party was great and your team was amazing a true set of professionals that kept the party moving and well stocked with food and cleaned up. The food and cleaning was all done smoothly and with no interference with the guests. Such a joy all around." ...
Ropes & Gray
"What a fabulous evening! We just love Max and you! The food was FABULOUS, the service impeccable. Thank you ever so much. Until next time!" ...
Charles Bank
"Party on Saturday night was especially great! Your team was top notch and the food was raved about as usual." ...
Mary
"Your team did a wonderful job and people raved (yes, raved) about the food. A guest told me not only was the food delicious, but also beautifully crafted." ...
North Bennett
"Thank YOU for everything. Not a single thing to critique on my way end. That is from beginning to end of not only the night but the entire planning process. I was thinking to myself yesterday about how much I love working with MAX. I have said this after every single one of our events together, and I say this to all of my clients when making their choice of caterer-Of course the food is phenomenal and creative, but the real star of MAX is the staff-each and every encounter that I had with your staff was so impressive, with everyone going above and beyond to make the night a success. Thank you for everything!” ...
Ivy
"Wanted to make sure you heard from us first thing today: everything last night was perfect. Not just the food and service, which were exceptional as always, but the ease at which it all happened was indescribable. What started off as what should have been one of the worst days ever, ended up as one of the best. "Thank you" only scratches the surface as an expression of our gratitude for jumping in on short notice and saving the day.” ...
Ron & Mimi
"Thank you for your huge part in making Monday’s luncheon such a memorable day. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that every single attendee commented on how delicious the food was! Your staff is stellar. They were professional, inviting, attentive and warm. Bravo to you my dear." ...
Andrea
"Thank you again for everything last night! Your staff were stars as always and we hit a homerun with the meal! EVERYONE raved about it! Everyone! Even our carnivorous veterinarians. Thank you again. There is no team as easy and as fun to work with as yours!” ...
Dana
"What can I say . . . we did it again. Honestly, I couldn’t do it without you all! You do make the party! Obviously, it’s the best food – and everyone comments on it year after year. Also, the staff is so amazing – they couldn’t be more efficient, warm, friendly…. I feel like I am working with family." ...
Gail