The only monthly feature that profiles the careers of the industry’s most accomplished foodservice equipment and supplies dealer sales reps by presenting their achievements, views on customer service and secrets to their success.
For some, the foodservice industry is more than a job — it's a lifestyle. This is true for Michael Wahl, who has worked in the restaurant industry since washing dishes in a military mess hall at age 13. Years later, he went on to serve as a district manager for a multi-unit quick-service chain.
Mike A. Miulli has always been in the restaurant business. His schooling in foodservice equipment and sales began when he worked in a Chicago wholesale pizza factory business.
For some, industry expertise can be parlayed into diverse careers. Rosana Greco has been involved in hospitality since moving to Miami from Venezuela in 2002. Greco first worked in a small firm, selling fabric and drapery to hotels, where she was initiated into the world of interior design. Five years later, she joined a company that supplied furniture for hotel rooms.
Gary Estes entered the foodservice industry in an untraditional way, on the chemical side. His first job out of college was with a large chemical company, where he rose through the ranks to become a sales manager.
It's always advantageous when skills from one job are transferrable to another. Such was the case with Steve Ruck who, upon the advice of his stepfather, a dealer/sales rep, moved from general contract work to join an independent manufacturer's rep firm.
Carl Casino likes to think he learned the foodservice business from the inside out. In his 20s, Casino went into the restaurant liquidations business with his father, purchasing used equipment from defunct operations, rebuilding it, then reselling it to operators.
After working for 14 years for a Northern California equipment dealer, Christine Stubbles joined Myers Restaurant Supply. She worked her way up from customer service and field sales support to become a foodservice equipment specialist.
In the foodservice industry, professionals can fulfill their career goals and aspirations in a variety of ways. Growing up in the family business, Michael Hanson worked his way up through Bintz Restaurant Supply into his current sales specialist position.
Starting a career in the foodservice industry during a recession may seem like a recipe for disaster, but it was perfect timing for Kevin Corral.
After touring as a bass guitar player with an indie rock band for two-plus years, Nason Frizzell realized it was time for a more steady and stable job.
When Terry Petrani’s husband Guido started a restaurant supply business with a friend back in 1987, she jumped at the chance to leave her waitressing job and join the dealership.