Foodservice Powerplant Podcast

Patricia Bible is the charismatic Founder & CEO of KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc., one of the fastest growing dealers in foodservice. Coupling her focused vision on the future of foodservice, unfaltering optimism and strong presence, she leads with unmatched energy and with her growing team produces incredible results. Her successes have not gone unnoticed, as this past week she was inducted into the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame.

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David Brewer has for decades contributed to our foodservice industry from its highest levels. In his roles as VP of Engineering & Global Supply Chain with YUM Brands, to the Chief Operating Officer of The Middleby Corporation (where he’s been since 2007) his progressive thinking and steadfast leadership have made him one of the most influential voices in all of foodservice. He’s as passionate and energetic of a person as I’ve met, thinks outside the box and here we enjoy a fun and thought-provoking conversation discussing how Dave defines personal wealth, the “3 C’s” and how there are really only...

Jeff Cook spent 40 years utilizing his passion for innovation to drive change and create growth through leading roles at some of our industry’s most iconic brands (McDonald’s, Burger King, Franke). He’s a fan of taking big risks, loves wild-ass innovation, believes it’s a misnomer to say that nice guys finish last (he didn’t) and today gives back in retirement through his sharing of Life Lessons on his LinkedIn page. Enjoy!

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Argyle Campbell, President & CEO of one of our industry’s most iconic brands, Cambro, is one of the most well-respected leaders in all of foodservice. For over 70 years, his family, he and team have remained committed to providing high quality foodservice solutions which build trust with their customers. He’s an avid and accomplished sailor who loves competing and pursues excellence in all he does. Join us as Argyle shares his story, his passion and his key elements of leadership in today’s unique landscape.

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Jim Zink is one of the most respected and impactful leaders in the industry. His professionalism, willingness to challenge the status quo and gift of thinking outside the box inherently pushes all of us consider the possibilities of tomorrow as opposed to dwelling on the way things have always been done historically. Jim is a managing partner at Zink Foodservice and founding partner of Paradigm. Bring a note pad, your questions and an eagerness to learn from one of our industry’s best!

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in...

Just 5 years into building her dream rep firm and dream team, Melissa Greenwald of Greenwald Sales & Marketing is the 2022 Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine Top Rep Achiever! A brilliant human with a law degree and incredible heart to serve, Melissa has been a servant leader on the MAFSI Board of Directors since I met her years ago. Join Melissa and I as we talk about dreaming big, maintaining energy as a rep owner and a mom, and what it takes to perform at our industry’s highest levels.

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As in almost any good story, Ari Cantor, the President of Insinger Machine Company, had no intentions of working in the family business. But when a need arose, and with it an opportunity to serve, he wanted to make sure he stepped up to help and found that he loved this foodservice industry he had stepped into. And today, with an incredible team and Board surrounding him, he’s the President of this 5th generation Philadelphia company. He’s one of our FSPN members who lives in an abundance of intentional FUN and brings his electric energy to all of u...

Alyssa Auerbach represents the what so many of us value about foodservice professionals. She began her career learning in a supporting role, and through hard work and a commitment to the industry, today, as VP of Member Services (and always learning) she leads. She leads through service; clearly driven by something larger than herself. She is an incredible listener, and provides thoughtful insights and offers wisdom beyond her years. Total Foodservice chose Alyssa as one of the Top 25 Women in Foodservice, and I couldn’t agree more.

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Christine Guyott, Principal at Rippe Associates, is an incredible partner for healthcare customers with her expertise both in design as well as a registered dietician. She has a blast in her role in the industry, is set to become the first female Chair of FCSI the America, and despite all her industry responsibilities, stays busy supporting her sons in all their sporting endeavors.

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in your journey.  Here are a few ways to connect to hear from more industry leaders and learn positive mindset t...

Morgan Tucker is the VP of Marketing at Steelite International. Chef Jamie Simpson is the Executive Chef of the Culinary Vegetable Institute, a sustainable vegetable farm that hundreds of Chef’s throughout the US use to source vegetables for their restaurants. They live on the farm/institute teaching Chefs from around the country how to reduce waste when using vegetables and just recently launched a new book; The Chefs Garden! As if that weren’t enough, together, they own a coffee shop in their rural Ohio town and are exploring ways to develop community.

We h...

As this year's Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine Dealer of the Year, there's been much to celebrate for David Ellingson and the entire Bargreen Ellingson team in 2025. David, a third generation owner and Bargreen's President, is smart, passionate and thoughtful. Each time we connect, his passion for LIFE is on full display and inevitably I come away having learned, both about David, and also about myself. David is someone whose curiosity and willingness to dive deep into what matters, often gives me (and many of us) permission to do the same. 

We h...

Nick Cribb is the definition of a Foodservice Powerplant. He’s resilient and encourages his colleagues and industry peers to Embrace the Adversity in life, he’s a leader (President/COO of SAM Service INC Service as well as the Vice President of CFESA) and he’s a teacher/servant, willingly offering other industry pro’s the tools that have helped him grow throughout his career. A good man who our industry is so lucky to have as a model, Nick joined us to share his incredible story, some insight into the service side of our industry and what matters...

After an impressive 13 year career in foodservice on the manufacturer side of the business, in January of 2019 Chelsea Rae Stuck stepped out of the familiar to pursue her passion, offering marketing consulting and brand-building to multiple channels in the world of hospitality through her firm Craeve & Company. She and her team found a way, despite navigating a pandemic in their second year of business, to build an impressive client list, great industry recognition and to serve their customers with passion and incredible energy.

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Zee Moussa, also known as Zee The Cook is the Owner of ZeeTheCook Culinary Studio in Metro Detroit, a school offering enriching cooking and baking instruction to kids, teens, and adults. As a diverse, woman-owned business for 6+ years, Zee and her team host in-person and virtual Corporate Team-Building Workshops, Field Trips, Private Cooking Parties, catering services, and much more!

Zee is nationally recognized as a recent 2nd-year Rising Star through the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management and is the proud recipient of “Woman of The Year” 2022 in the State of Michigan, received the 2021 President’s Award for be...

Just 5 years into building her dream rep firm and dream team, Melissa Greenwald of Greenwald Sales & Marketing is the 2022 Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine Top Rep Achiever! A brilliant human with a law degree and incredible heart to serve, Melissa has been a servant leader on the MAFSI Board of Directors since I met her years ago. Join Melissa and I as we talk about dreaming big, maintaining energy as a rep owner and a mom, and what it takes to perform at our industry’s highest levels.

We hope you found a few ideas th...

Jim Zink is one of the most respected and impactful leaders in the industry. His professionalism, willingness to challenge the status quo and gift of thinking outside the box inherently pushes all of us consider the possibilities of tomorrow as opposed to dwelling on the way things have always been done historically. Jim is a managing partner at Zink Foodservice and founding partner of Paradigm. Bring a note pad, your questions and an eagerness to learn from one of our industry’s best!

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in...

Stephanie Gilbert CFSP is everywhere and adding incredible value to everything she’s apart of. From the many affiliate associations that ask her to help lead, to a career filled with incredible relationships and now in her newly created role of Executive VP, Corporate Growth Strategy at BSI, she is a trusted voice in foodservice. Add on top of that her heart for her colleagues and her unique ability to bring joy and fun to any experience, Stephanie has a role model for the industry.

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Sandra VanBuren, CEO of FS Foodservice Solutions, wears her passion for the industry on her sleeves. She’s full of energy, has a big WHY in her work and is inspiring many to do the same. Amidst her big role in the industry, she maintains balance in order to give her all to her family and serves kids in her local community in amazing ways.

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in your journey.  Here are a few ways to connect to hear from more industry leaders and learn pos...

From a global perspective, Host Milano, which takes place every two years in Milan, Italy is the foodservice industry’s largest show. Boasting 1345 exhibitors from 43 countries, this year’s Host show, taking place from October 13-17, will welcome over 110,000 visitors to learn about the latest trends in foodservice. Tommaso Cardana, President of Tomson Hospitality in Florida, an incredibly well-respected international distributor, is Host’s United States Ambassador and in my view, the foodservice industry’s international man of mystery. A family man whose work has him navigating multiple continents almost every month, he’s an example of what’s possible wit...

While John Hinman makes some of the best pies in all of Colorado, it’s his willingness to be real with his journey, and in turn allow others to do the same, which continue to earn he and his team at CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness) the gratitude and honor of an industry. Colorado Restaurant Association’s 2021 “Outstanding Philanthropist” Awardee, John recognizes the potential of his amazing pies to fill a physical and relational need. “The truth is, crafting pie and sharing pie has provided me with grace to do the next right thing, and meet the next right person.”<...

Christine Guyott, Principal at Rippe Associates, is an incredible partner for healthcare customers with her expertise both in design as well as a registered dietician. She has a blast in her role in the industry, is the first female Chair of FCSI the America, and despite all her industry responsibilities, stays busy supporting her sons in all their sporting endeavors.

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in your journey.  Here are a few ways to connect to hear from more industry leaders and learn positive mindset tool to support y...

Stephanie Perry has an uncanny ability, in the midst of her many roles of servant leadership, to carry a quiet and genuine confidence. Her ability to create a thoughtful and calm environment (in the midst of what certainly is an abundance of decisions) creates a space that feels safe for those around her and makes her someone who is easy to want to learn from and follow. 

She's an incredibly gifted human, meaningfully impacting various industry leaders along with her team at Permul Ltd. and her rep friends at Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI). 

Paul Angrick is one of our industry's most consistent, thoughtful and kind leaders.  With a storied 40+ year career in foodservice and now leading NexGen, Paul shares the qualities that define great leadership and why true success isn’t measured by money—but by passion and impact.

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in your journey.  Here are a few ways to connect to hear from more industry leaders and learn positive mindset tool to support you:

Michael Keck is one of the most genuine and honest people I know. He’s as thoughtful as the day is long, cares deeply that everyone involved in opening restaurants are able to win, and as President of Concept Services out of Austin, it’s these qualities that have made him and his organization a valued partner to so many regional and national chain accounts. Enjoy our conversation as we talk relationship, trust and learn about his pet donkey… “Donkey”. 🙂

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Fred Singer, President & CEO of Singer Equipment Company, the 2023 Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine Dealer of the Year, continues to inspire. He’s one of he finest and most articulate orators I’ve met. He shows up each day in an endless supply of energy and passion for our industry. In an abundance of gratitude, he’s quick to highlight the importance of relationships and his appreciation for his Singer teammates and for so many colleagues whom he calls friends.

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Chris Reeves is a person whom his customers trust to provide the best product and service while always doing so with passion and heart. As a VP of Sales at Southbend & Crown Steam Group (companies in the The Middleby Corporation portfolio) he’s someone his team trusts as a leader and motivator. He’s also someone whom his home town community knows will be there to serve and lead anytime there is a community need and his efforts to combat food insecurity are inspiring. He’s a shining example of servant leadership and of living life full of HEART and we...

Deirdre Flynn has been the Executive Vice President of North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) for 19 years. She’s led NAFEM through many unique times and none quite like 2020. Deirdre’s role is to ensure that the organization runs smoothly and successfully. She loves making her colleagues and manufacturer partners shine and is committed to elevating the value and services NAFEM brings to its members through education, training, industry relations and of course, The NAFEM Show.

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Matt Rigney has been a “force for good” in Foodservice for over 25 years. Matt’s passion for food can be traced back to his childhood, cooking with his Dad every holiday and spending significant time cooking for his 5 brothers and sisters. Matt has worked in many aspects of the foodservice industry from a Chef in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Village to managing the Events and Catering Department for the NYC Zoos. As Culinary and Business Development Manager with Panasonic North America he works developing culinary dishes that are easily made in the line of Panasonic products. Matt has an incredible person...

Bill Caruso is nothing short of a consulting legend. President of his new consulting firm CS Enterprises, and formerly the President of the firm he founded, WC & Partners in Denver, Bill is the only person to be elected twice as President of both FCSI the Americas and FCSI Worldwide Board of Directors. Bill is known for his incredible work ethic and willingness to have fun as well. He’s a gifted storyteller and I know every time we connect that I’ll learn something new, be mesmerized by a story and I’m sure to laugh.

W...

Steve Don, CEO and President of Edward Don & Company is one of the most respected individuals in foodservice. Having navigated his company the last 25 years to incredible service levels and growth, he’s shown what’s possible with big vision and strong culture. Enjoy this great conversation where we talk about how Steve defines success, overcoming incredible challenge and what’s next for this industry icon.

We hope you found a few ideas that might benefit you in your journey.  Here are a few ways to connect to hear from more industry leaders and learn positive mindset tool to...

In this episode, host Jason Wange sits down with Sharon Eliatamby, Senior Project Manager at the World Bank Group, to discuss the experiences that shaped her career, the power of leadership through service, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

From early career moments to building relationships and leading with purpose, Sharon shares insights that inspire personal and professional growth.

Join us for this uplifting conversation and be part of a community focused on inspiration, connection, and growth.

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It’s all about the people for Maureen Slocum. The day she decided to create the company that she always wanted to work for, the founder & CEO of Zoomba Group, which publishes Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine and restaurant development + design magazine, made a commitment to surround herself with the best people… who would think different, be original content creators and with whom she could call friends.

She was gracious enough to share her story, insights and wisdom as she looks back on on incredible journey, and with an abundance of energy, leans into Zoomba's continued service to the...