Ben Shaffer & Associates has been proud to represent major, high-quality manufacturers of park and playground equipment throughout the state of New Jersey for more than 85 years.  We pride ourselves on personalized service, and want to offer you all the assistance you require to help make your planning and purchasing decisions easier.

In 1921 an ambitious young man named Ben Shaffer decided to open a sporting goods store in Jersey City, New Jersey. The first day he opened his shop, he could not have imagined that his small store would eventually grow into one of New Jersey’s largest and most respected distributors of commercial Playground Equipment, Sport Goals, Bleachers, Site Amenities, Safety Surfacing, Park Equipment, Steel Shelters and Clock Towers.

Over the years Ben Shaffer employed some very competent people, Jerry Ritzer and Eileen Herberger were two standouts. Jerry and Eileen worked with Ben in the Jersey City office until Jerry purchased the company in the early 1970’s. Over the years Ben Shaffer, Inc. continued to grow as more and more people learned about the company’s top-notch service and high-quality products. Eileen Herberger was an important part of this growth as the Office Manager and sales representative. Eileen learned the business inside and out, and upon Jerry’s 1995 retirement, Eileen and her husband George purchased the company.

Eileen considers herself the third generation in a family-run business. As the president of Ben Shaffer & Associates, Inc., Eileen has tried to instill in her staff the same attitude and beliefs about customers that Ben had instilled in Jerry and herself.  In a nutshell, it’s the Golden Rule: you treat others as you expect to be treated; and what you give to others, comes back 10-fold.  Ben Shaffer believed so strongly in the camaraderie between himself and his customers that he initiated annual luncheons for his customers to provide a forum to discuss challenges and solutions among peers.  These luncheons were so popular, that NJRPA (New Jersey Recreation & Park Association) formalized them into the monthly District meetings many of its members participate in today.

George Herberger, CPSI, came to work for Jerry Ritzer in March of 1991, and has gone on to become the Vice President.  George continues to set an example for others in the industry as a considerate and knowledgeable partner who truly cares about the children he is designing for and the needs of the customer he is working with.  In addition to sales and design, George is currently serving as chair for NJRPA’s commercial section and serves on the board for Downtown NJ .

In 1994, Debbie Lopez was hired as an office assistant and has since been promoted to Office Manager.  Over the years Debbie has mastered most of the product lines (quite a feat given all of the products Ben Shaffer & Associates distributes!), and the administrative responsibilities involved in running a busy office.  Debbie does it all with a smile and a GREAT sense of humor.

Caroline Stokes joined the company in 1995 and mastered the bookkeeping end of the business in a very short time.  She has a memory that “boggles the mind” of the rest of the staff.  Caroline also does in-house sales and provides customer service.

Jaye Joyce, C.P.S.I., has been with us since October of 1998, as the sales associate serving Central and Southern New Jersey .  Jaye is a certified Park and Recreation Professional and has ten years experience in municipal recreation.

Ida Smith came on board in June of 2004 and rapidly took pressure off the office staff.  Ida quickly learned receivables and customer service; and handles most initial requests for information from our website.

Scott Tumminello, C.P.S.I., joined the team in March of 2009.  Scott currently covers the New Jersey Territory north of Route 78.  As a prior business owner, Scott brings knowledge and understanding of the daily functions of the business.  He became a Certified Playground Safety Inspector within months of joining the team.  Scott and his wife Pat have three children providing Scott with firsthand knowledge of what kids want.  He has quickly mastered the basics of our product lines.  We all enjoy what he brings to the table and hope you will get the opportunity to work with him on upcoming projects.

We are very blessed to spend our workdays with such great people who strive to make your job easier.

Thank you for stopping by and meeting our "Team".  We hope to have the opportunity to make you feel right at home with us!