Mentor: noun; an experienced and trusted adviser.

Tom Mitchell, Principal, TLC Marketing CalgaryWhen asked to write this article, I sat down and wrote a page of insights discussing sustainability, the future of the foodservice industry and more. I then decided to set that aside to write something more personal.

From my first day in the foodservice industry, I have been fortunate enough to have a number of really incredible mentors. These people had been in the industry for a number of years before me, and through thoughtful hard work, they learned what it took to be successful in their various roles within the foodservice industry. Being president of the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry the past few years has afforded me the wonderful pleasure of seeing the future of our industry, namely the young men and women who have entered the rep business.

As with all industries, foodservice needs more talent. One key ingredient in attracting and retaining young talent is through mentorship from the people who have spent a lot of time in the industry making it the wonderfully dynamic place it is.

I will make two statements. First, if you are a young person looking for a fulfilling career, find yourself some mentors. Look for people with a lot of experience and who are leaders in their fields. Find the people who make it look easy, and learn from them. Second, if you have been successful and want our industry to be successful, mentor someone. “Star Wars” advises: Teach the ways of the Force.

As mentioned earlier, I was fortunate and had some heavy hitters teach me the ways of foodservice, and I would like to offer a few examples of what they shared with me.

Jack Grubee was the senior vice president of Wolf Range in Los Angeles, and he taught me that you have an obligation to give back to the industry that feeds your family. Join industry groups, regional restaurant associations and more. He set the example, and his career was successful because of it.

Lee Pulos, PhD, who was a practicing psychologist and was the founder of The Old Spaghetti Factory in Canada, taught me the power of positive thinking and to trust my instincts. If you really want it, your mind can carry you there.

Keith Smith, the national sales manager for Keating of Chicago, taught me to know your stuff and learn everything you can about the product you sell and the people you are selling it to. Anyone can sell on price; knowing your product and how it will be used is the key to success.

Andrea MacLean-Holohan, senior dietician for New Brunswick Healthcare and alumni director at St. FX (St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia), taught me leadership was important, and if you have a talent for leadership, you should use it. Bringing that talent to volunteer organizations was not only important but necessary.

Each of these mentors has since passed away, but their lessons continue to shape my approach. And, really, the people who influenced my career by sharing their knowledge are too many to name here. Suffice it to say, though, I have been fortunate. I love this industry, and I especially love the people I have met along the way. The ball is in your court now.

Tom Mitchell, Principal, TLC Marketing Calgary, Alberta, Canada This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.