Field Supervisor, Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service, Englewood, Colo.

“It’s surprising how many backyard mechanics are out there — and electricians and plumbers that don’t realize how something should be installed.”

Although he now has almost three decades as a service tech under his belt, Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service’s Kevin McCaw got into the business through his love of cars.“My neighbor across the street got me into hot rods. I went to automotive school after high school, then worked for a couple of shops,” he says.

Cliff Baker has worked for Singer Equipment Company’s M. Tucker Division for more than 20 years. He is also the founder of A Need We Feed, a nonprofit volunteer-run organization. Volunteers cook food in commercial kitchens, package them in individual portions and then deliver hot, fresh meals to first responders and others in need.

Joe Christina, CEO of Church’s Chicken discusses the variety of changes to this quick-serve restaurant chain in the last few years. Church’s Chicken now has more than 1,600 restaurants in 27 countries  and international territories.

Continuing FE&S’ focus on industry veterans engaged in philanthropic activities, this month John Spicer of Crest Restaurant Equipment & Supplies in Virginia Beach, Va., discusses Camp Grom. The expansive adventure park and recreation center was built specifically for children with disabilities and their families, as well as for wounded warriors, fallen warriors and their families. It opens this month.

When John Varner joined EMR in January 1978, his industrial background was well-suited for the company. As the company transitioned to specializing in foodservice equipment, Varner found himself installing the first conveyor oven in a large pizza chain back in 1983. “Although the foodservice equipment segment was foreign to me initially, as time went on, it became a great fit, and I’ve been here ever since,” he says.

As the principal, creative director and guiding force of DMAC Architecture P.C., Dwayne MacEwen builds beautiful, functional spaces. Notable restaurant projects include Chromium at Chicago's Midtown Athletic Club, the upscale ambience that comes with fine dining at Michael Jordan's Steak House and the eclectic contemporary presentation that fits the menu at Roka Akor.

Aaron Yohn was working on cars for a living just seven years ago when a friend told him about an opening at K&D Factory Service Inc. (KDFSI).

Ahuge fan of alliteration, Jeff Sinelli came up with the Which Wich name during a brainstorming session. He notes that many of the most iconic brands incorporate alliteration, such as Coca-Cola, Dunkin' Donuts, Best Buy and American Airlines. Since founding Which Wich in 2003, the chain has expanded to 430 locations and should come close to having 500 U.S. stores by next year. While the chain does have a few corporate locations, the operation primarily runs through a franchisee network.

After working as a bank teller and broker by the age of 25, Ashley Morris may have only envisioned a career in finance. But, after brainstorming business ideas with longtime friend Jason Smylie, who was looking to partner as entrepreneurs, he found himself in the restaurant world. The duo became franchisees of one Capriotti’s Sandwich Shopin 2004, where they frequently flocked during college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. They purchased the chain outright in 2008. Since then, Morris has guided the brand as CEO, more than tripling it in size, with plans to open 500 locations nationwide by 2025.

Steve Roane has made a lifelong career in the foodservice industry, but it has taken some twists and turns along the way.

Chef Frederick Buchanan serves Cura Hospitality, which manages the foodservice at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. A 34-year veteran of the industry, with 21 of those years spent in contract foodservice management, Buchanan has worked to enhance resident and patient satisfaction through innovative food programs.

Kirk Rodriguez worked his way through the ranks at Texas Tech University throughout the past 24 years. He started as a hospitality student and climbed the ladder of the foodservice department to managing director of hospitality services.

It’s a heck of a business to be in, and I really enjoy it. I especially like the hands-on work and that the job has new challenges every day.

Restaurateur Amy Morton, daughter of Chicago restaurant legend Arnie Morton, has more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. She learned the business from the ground up, working nearly every position at Morton's, from server to director of recruitment and training, before her father sold the restaurant in 1987. She also oversaw staff at her father's other restaurants, Arnie's Restaurant, Morton's Market Place, Arnie's North and First Street Pier.

A Q&A with A Service Pro You Should Know: John Orr, Technical Service Manager, CFESA master technician and certified refrigeration trainer, RSI, Dallas. 

Chris LaRocca opened the first Crushed Red Urban Bake & Chop Shop location in Clayton, Mo., just outside of St. Louis, in February 2012. The chain has six locations with extensive plans to grow.

A Q&A with Joe Schmitt, who has led the 80-year-old Rapids Wholesale Equipment for more than 24 years, helping expand the 56-employee dealership’s four locations and various divisions, including Chain Restaurant Solutions and Foodservice Contract and Design businesses.

After four years in the Army, Tim Lochel joined the National Guard in 1998 to pursue a civilian career. At the time, he wasn’t sure where he’d land. Lochel was soon hired by a company as an apprentice to learn foodservice equipment repair, which allowed him to utilize his mechanical skills.

Founded in 1995 in Homewood, Ala., Zoës Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant group serving made-from-scratch, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. As CEO, Kevin Miles has led Zoës Kitchen through an accelerated expansion plan since 2009, growing to more than 180 locations in 19 states across the U.S. today. Miles was recently honored with Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 Retail Award for the Southwest Region for his commitment to excellence and success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to the company and communities. Miles was selected as the award recipient by a panel of independent judges.