“Every One Has A Story. Tap Yours!”

That’s the slogan from Chicago-based Bitter Pops, a craft beer-oriented establishment that’s a short walk from my home. Learning about the backstory of a beer or a brewery is one of the more intriguing aspects of quaffing a craft beer. And I think it’s a sentiment that applies to the recipients of the FE&S 2024 Top Achiever and Hall of Fame Awards. 

Indeed, each year I learn something from the people we profile on the pages of FE&S, and this year’s no different. Their stories are as diverse as their backgrounds, and the lessons I learn from the winners each year are truly inspiring.

For example, from Hall of Famer Rick Post, I learned it is possible to have it all, while maintaining one’s humility and staying humble. And you can do it without compromising your family values. Rick’s family provided him with an entry into the industry and helped establish a work ethic and a generous spirit that still defines him. 

From Top Achiever – Operator Jill Horst, I learned that the role of foodservice is not just to nourish the body but also the mind and the environment. She also reminds us that it’s OK to push some boundaries and take risks.

From Top Achiever – Consultant Orlando Espinosa, I learned that when it comes to inspiration, size does not matter. What does matter is listening and understanding what the customer needs. “Then, it’s being collaborative with them, presenting them with what you believe fulfills their ideas, plus options,” he says. Another lesson Espinosa shared was that learning is a two-way street. “I tell every client at the beginning of the relationship that this is a learning experience, that I want both sides to learn and to enjoy what we’re doing,” he adds. “I believe that approach makes better people of all of us.”

From Top Achiever – Dealer Marc Israel, I learned that at first it’s OK not knowing exactly where you want to take your company, but by continuing to move forward through thoughtful hard work, it won’t take long for a “vision to become clear” and the “transformational moves” will follow.

From Top Achiever – Service Agent Angela Petitti, I learned it can be a very good idea to blend the old with the new. As her company adds more young people, she’s teaching them about the business and how it operates all while the younger generation continues to introduce technology that helps propel the company forward. “As they do that, they make the different processes their own. That is great to see,” says Petitti.

From the late Larry Cantamessa, the Top Achiever – Manufacturers’ Representative, I learned that despite the win-at-all-costs mentality that dominates business today, it’s still possible to create win-win scenarios for everyone involved and that viewing a given business scenario through a long-term lens is often the best course of action. 

The one thing the recipients all have in common is their ability and willingness to make the people around them better through their leadership and compassion. 

Those were my takeaways from reading their stories, and I am sure you will have different ones. I’d love to hear what you learned after reading their profiles.