As foodservice consultants, our clients often challenge us to provide an impactful return on investment, be it for a piece of equipment, a new design or even both.

Those calculations are easy and often impactful. But in other instances, calculating the return on investment may not be quite as clear-cut at first. Over time, though, that can change. Specifically, I am referring to donating one’s time to volunteer with foodservice-industry related organizations.

As my stint as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Foodservice Consultants Society International – The Americas Division came to a close, I began to reminisce and share with my team some of the lessons learned from my time as a volunteer leader within the organization.

My time involved with FCSI’s Board of Trustees just flew by. I say that somewhat ironically because what started out as a two-year commitment wound up lasting more than five years due to the COVID-related extensions. It was like the Gilligan’s Island version of volunteerism if you will. But the experiences that we shared and the circumstances we endured while working together on our own foodservice island, so to speak, made it even more rewarding. It was an honor to work with such a great group of professionals, both my fellow FCSI members as well as the organization’s headquarters team.

One huge piece that stood out as I served on this board is the passion and dedication the members of this group have for this industry and for the constituents that they serve. When anyone on the board was asked to jump, the question was not as to why, but rather how high do you want me to jump? Everyone on the board definitely has a servant attitude, and that approach carries over to the work with our clients. It reminded me that it is attitude, not aptitude, that determines the altitude you will reach.

As I was in my last meeting, I could not help but want to write, as soon as possible, this piece, as a sign of gratitude for the opportunity and hope that it will provide inspiration for others to serve.

If you are a member of FCSI, I highly recommend that you include somewhere along your journey, serving on the Board of Trustees. If serving on the board is not something you are comfortable pursuing, consider volunteering in other ways. There are plenty of opportunities to give back. The same applies to other members of the foodservice industry. If you are not a foodservice consultant, please consider looking into joining and becoming more active in the association that serves your segment of the industry.

So not only will it be personally rewarding, making you feel good in the heart, but it will also help your career and business growth. Doing the right thing in this instance truly does create a win-win for everyone involved.

I’ve been in the foodservice industry for more than 42 years. And I continue to experience the old cliché that the foodservice industry gives back multiples to what you give to it. This lesson became immediately apparent to me some 25 years ago when I formed what is now Profitality Labor Guru, an industrial engineering consulting company serving the foodservice industry. Every time I reach out my hand to the industry, the hands of more than 10 industry peers and colleagues reach back out in support.

The holiday season is one of giving. While that rightfully applies to supporting charities that do need our assistance, it also includes donating your time to industry groups. In both cases, doing so benefits the greater good. In my case, volunteering makes my heart full and as an additional benefit, it has helped my career and our company grow. It provides a great “return-on-investment.”