Confessions Beyond the Food

What does it really mean to create a culture of learning? In Part 2 of my conversation with Michael Wolfe, Director of Learning & Development at SEFA, we move beyond training programs and explore how organizations create environments where people continue to grow long after onboarding. We discuss the balance between formal training and on-the-job learning, why leaders should expect mistakes as part of the process, and how creating a safe environment for questions and curiosity leads to st...

What if the biggest problem with training...isn't the training? In this episode of Confessions Beyond the Food, Nancy Ridlen sits down with Michael Wolfe, Director of Learning & Development at SEFA, to explore why organizations often misunderstand learning and what it really takes to develop people. Michael shares his unique perspective as someone who entered the foodservice industry just four years ago, offering fresh insights into an industry filled with long-tenured professionals. Toge...

In Part 2 of Confessions: Beyond the Food, the conversation shifts from winning… to what it takes to sustain it. After early success, the real test isn’t talent — it’s leadership, discipline, and how you show up when people are counting on you. Preston Nguyen opens up about what it’s like leading in high-pressure environments — from running kitchens at international music festivals to working alongside chefs from different cultures where systems, expectations, and communication all change. We...

At 18, Preston Nguyen didn’t plan on competing in the World Food Championships. He was going to volunteer. Instead, a last-minute opportunity put him in the competition — alongside his parents — going up against chefs with decades more experience… and they walked away as Rookie of the Year. In Part 1 of Confessions: Beyond the Food, Preston shares how everything changed — from a COVID pivot into cooking, to winning Rookie of the Year, to stepping onto Next Level Chef at just 19. This episode ...

AI isn’t the barrier in distribution. Culture is. In this episode of Confessions Beyond the Food, Nancy sits down with Ian Heller — AI expert and Chief Strategy Officer at Distribution Strategy Group — to explore what’s really slowing adoption across foodservice, sales, and manufacturing. They unpack: • Why this AI shift is fundamentally different from past technology cycles • The growing gap between leadership urgency and frontline skepticism • How AI challenges the traditional identity of t...

Foodservice sales has always been built on relationships. But what happens when intelligence evolves? In this episode of Confessions Beyond the Food, Nancy sits down with Dr. Elena Park, an AI strategist specializing in sales transformation, to explore how artificial intelligence is already influencing territory management, pricing strategy, commission models, and performance expectations across the foodservice industry. They discuss: • How AI is quietly shaping sales decisions • Whether reps...

Life can pivot on a single decision — sign the contract, board the plane, lace up before dawn. Shawn Porter’s journey spans a family legacy of military service, deployment to Iraq, and now leading one of the largest sales districts at Edward Don & Company. He shares what it was like returning home to a world that hadn’t changed — while he had — and how he learned to replace military structure with self-discipline in business. We talk about transition, backplanning success, thriving in unc...

In this episode, Nancy Ridlen sits down with Jeanette Brick, President of iSi North America, for a grounded, no-fluff conversation on leadership built on customer truth, mentor-driven growth, and disciplined listening. Jeanette explains why learning to sell before leading marketing keeps brands from talking to themselves - and how retail instincts translate into food service, where emotional connection meets operational reality. She reflects on the mentors who raised her standards, challenged...

When friends and colleagues get together, you’re bound to learn—and laugh. In this episode, host Nancy Ridlen, Principal at W3 Sales, sits down with Shannon Tallon, VP of Merchandising at Edward Don & Company, for a candid conversation about growth, leadership, and facing fear head-on. Shannon pulls back the curtain on the moment her promotion felt both surreal and deeply earned. Together, Nancy and Shannon explore what happens after the big win: navigating new responsibility, choosing co...

What does it take to build a national pastry brand without losing your soul—or your partner? Nancy Ridlen sits down with KRMA Foods co-founders Rachel Oostman and Marine Crile to share the real story behind their QVC debut, late-night spreadsheets, and the values that kept them grounded when things got tough. They unpack how their partnership evolved, the principles that shaped their culture, and the moments that nearly broke the business before they finally hit break-even. Rachel and Marine ...

From sales strategy to social influence — and a little bourbon in between 🥃 This week on Confessions Beyond the Food, Nancy Ridlen sits down with Anthony Salemi, VP of Strategic Sales at Ace Mart and the man behind Bourbon Badass. They talk about how the foodservice industry is evolving, what fuels his competitive spirit, and one powerful moment that brings it all back to what really matters. 🎧 Listen now — you’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you might even tear up.

What happens when a chef known for speed, standards, and scaling brands decides to flip the script and live “God first, family second, work third”? We sat down with our friend John Franke—chef, leader, and founder of Franke Culinary Consulting—to talk about faith in a high-pressure industry and how convictions hold up when tickets are firing, clients are waiting, and home life is loud. John opens up about the long arc from kitchen chaos to steady leadership, including a season when work paus...

What happens when a civil engineer discovers his true calling isn’t in concrete and steel—but in cast iron and cornbread? Meet Myles, the founder of Myles Comfort Foods, who traded spreadsheets for skillets and built a frozen food brand that’s shaking up supermarket aisles. In this episode, Myles shares his extraordinary journey from corporate burnout to Food Network competitor to bold food entrepreneur. For him, the dinner table was always sacred—a place where southern comfort classics broug...

Nancy Ridlen shares ten hard-earned lessons for women in foodservice, sales and entrepreneurship, drawing from her 25 years of experience navigating spaces that weren't always built for women. These personal confessions offer a roadmap for staying authentic while confronting biases and building successful careers in any industry. Embrace Who You AreKnow You Will Face ChallengesUnderstand Communication PerceptionAddress Harassment and Microaggressions Head-OnBe Kind and Uplifting to Other Wome...

What separates a top-tier sales rep from the rest? Jason Morgan, DSR of the Month at Edward Don & Company, shares how a customer-first mindset, operational insight, and strategic problem-solving helped him earn one of foodservice’s highest honors. In this episode: • How Jason uses his restaurant background to anticipate customer needs • Managing multiple roles: sales, logistics, credit & more • Navigating industry shifts: price transparency, e-commerce & AI &nbs...

10 Real Things to Make the Job Fun So let’s be honest, work is work. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring, stressful, or something you just ‘get through’. At W3 Sales we believe that fun isn’t just a perk, it’s a part of the process. From inside jokes to team banter to real vacation and Think Tanks that spark some really crazy ideas we found that building a connected, energized culture makes everything better. So today we are sharing 10 real things we do to make the job fun. And spoiler...

In this episode of Confessions Beyond the Food, listeners are taken behind the scenes with restaurant industry veteran and creative powerhouse Mark Brezinski—author of Fork Fight and the visionary behind some of the country’s most iconic dining concepts. From the early days of Macaroni Grill to the launch of Pei Wei and collaborations with brands like Pizza Hut and Velvet Taco, Brezinski has left a lasting mark on the foodservice landscape. This conversation explores the emotional and often u...

Want the real deal on what it takes to build a successful food service business? Nancy Ridlen keeps it honest, sharing a decade’s worth of hard-earned lessons they don’t teach in business school. After landing two dream clients, she thought she’d made it—but real growth came from the unexpected twists, tough decisions, and learning to lead with clarity over people-pleasing. As an Enneagram Three “Achiever,” Nancy admits she used to run at 150 mph. But building W3 taught her that sustainable...

On this episode of Confessions Beyond the Food, Liz Oba takes us on a deliciously personal journey—from hospital dietitian to Real Food Mission Ambassador at Thomas Cuisine. Her story is filled with food love, health revelations, and plenty of myth-busting along the way. Food Was Her First Love: Growing up with adventurous-eating parents, Liz learned to try new foods without fear or pressure—whether it was a funky veggie or an exotic dish. Her Dad Was the Food Police: When her physici...

Bill Burden and his daughter Jennifer Rolander explore the deep connections of family, legacy, and leadership that define their business journey. Their conversation reveals how childhood experiences shaped their professional paths and the critical importance of mentorship in family-run enterprises. • Bill's journey in Burden China from childhood involvement • Jennifer's early influences and desire for the family business • The significance of family values in business pract...

Just in time for Valentines' Day! 😍 The Real Life Willy Wonka of the Midwest, Dan Abel Jr joins Nancy Ridlen on the latest episode. Dan shares how he scaled the family business without sacrificing quality. What is so fascinating about the company history is that the Bissinger's roots go back to 1668 in Paris, France, and revolve around King Louis the XIV & Napolean Bonaparte! For over 200 years, the company had the distinction of being Confectioner to the Empire. Once a brand ...

Jennifer Rolander's journey through the food service industry reveals the importance of passion, connection, and mentorship in achieving success. Her experiences highlight the value of lifelong learning and the profound impact of fostering relationships, especially among aspiring culinary professionals. • Jennifer’s early experiences in her family's pottery business • Transitioning from restaurant ownership to corporate roles • Pursuing an MBA later in life for personal and...

Celebrating 10 years of W3 Sales provides a platform for reflection, growth, and valuable lessons learned. Nancy delves into the importance of learning from mistakes, nurturing team culture, adapting to market challenges, and embracing failure as part of the journey. • Reflecting on the past as a critical step for growth • Importance of learning from mistakes to avoid the insanity cycle • People-centered approach as the company's DNA • Establishing and maintaining a strong ...

We explore the importance of relationships and a people-first culture in the food service industry with Jeff Griffiths, President of eSource Miller & our host, Nancy Ridlen. From employee empowerment to customer connections, this episode is packed with insights on creating a thriving business environment. • Discussing the journey and experiences in the food service industry • Importance of relationships and culture in business • Empowering teams by understanding individ...

What if you could transform a century-old company's digital presence while preserving its cherished traditions? Caroline Webre, Ben E Keith's innovative social media marketing manager, shares her inspiring journey of revitalizing this well-established brand's online footprint. With a focus on meaningful interactions over mere follower counts, Caroline reveals her strategies for aligning Ben E Keith's family-oriented, reliable, and friendly culture with modern content platforms like LinkedIn a...

How did Chef David Burke rise from a time when being a chef wasn't highly regarded to become an international culinary ambassador? Listen as we promise to reveal the secrets behind his remarkable journey. From his inventive cake pop creations to his travels across 30 countries, Chef Burke's story is a testament to passion and perseverance in the culinary world. Managing multiple restaurants across states is no small feat, especially with the intense work hours and extensive travel. Hear first...

What happens when you blend the precision of computer science with the heart of hospitality? Join host Nancy Ridlen in this insightful episode of Confessions Beyond the Food as she interviews Aaron Fish, CEO of Trestle Hospitality Concepts. Aaron shares how senior living communities are transforming with strategic growth, creative revenue opportunities, and elevated dining experiences to meet the demands of a new generation. Discover how innovative culinary approaches, smart regional expansi...

Join our host, Nancy Ridlen, as she sits down with Rebecca Dowda, CEO of More Than Mixology and iSi ambassador. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur in the world of handcrafted cocktails. She reveals her passion for fresh ingredients, expert mixology technique, and training the next generation of cocktail creators. Whether you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips and insights that will inspire your next creat...

Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Chef Bradford Thompson, a James Beard Award-winning chef, culinary consultant, and CEO of Bellyful Hospitality. Born and bred in New York City, Chef Bradford shares his experiences of raising a family in the heart of Harlem, where his kids have grown up with a love for cooking and an appreciation for the art of dining. From the bustling streets of NYC to opening over 40 restaurants across the country, Chef Bradford reveals the challenges and rewar...

In this episode, Chef Robbie shares the essence of his culinary journey, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, quality, and passion in cooking. From humble beginnings to mastering the art of cooking, Chef Robbie highlights the value of hands-on experience, teamwork, and consistency in the kitchen. He discusses the often-overlooked challenges chefs face, from meeting high diner expectations to managing the complexities and costs of luxury dining. Despite these hurdles, Chef Robbie's unwave...

In this episode, "The Human Approach to Selling," we dive into the art of building genuine connections in the sales world with Steven Rogers, the Southwest Regional Sales Manager for Inteplast. Hosted by Nancy Ridlen, this week's episode brings you insightful conversations and practical advice on fostering meaningful relationships with clients. Steven shares his approach to connecting with new prospects, from researching their business to leveraging resources for deeper insights. He emphasize...

Following "Hope in Hard Times: Faith Stories from the Trenches," Nancy and Brett dive even deeper into their journeys. In this part 2 episode, "Finding Light: Steps to Hope and Healing," they share the practical steps they've taken to find exactly that. Building on their raw and honest confessions, they outline the tools and strategies that have helped them overcome anxiety, addiction, and the pressures of life in the foodservice industry. Join them as they explore the tangible actions and s...

In this deeply personal episode, we pull back the curtain on the realities behind the food service industry’s shiny facade. Join Nancy Ridlen and Brett Smith as they share their raw, unfiltered journeys through anxiety, depression, and addiction, highlighting the often unseen battles faced by many. Discover how Nancy’s faith kept her afloat during the toughest times, even when she felt disconnected, and how meeting Brett during the chaos of 2020 led to a profound shift in her life. Dive into...

We're thrilled to introduce you to three dynamic women who are redefining sales in Central Texas and Oklahoma: Lori Cathey, Vina Finke, and Mallary Mann. These powerhouse sales leaders from W3 Sales share their unique insights, strategies, and personal stories that have propelled them to the top of their field. In this episode, Lori Cathey from Oklahoma discusses her approach to building strong client relationships and navigating the evolving sales landscape. Vina Finke and Mallary Mann, rep...

Step into the vibrant world of W3 Sales and Marketing as we introduce you to the dynamic duo behind the scenes in our latest episode. Join Nancy as she sits down with Macy and Alex, two powerhouse members of our brand team. Discover how Macy and Alex found their footing in the industry, from diving into the unknown to embracing the challenges of inside and outside sales, social media, and marketing. Get a glimpse into their roles at W3 and their creative processes, where they bring fresh per...

Kicking off a multi-series podcast to introduce the W3 team, Nancy Ridlen welcomes her first guests, Kevin Porter & Traci Hess. These three make up the leadership team at W3 Sales. Kevin, Traci and Nancy discuss what leadership looks like in today's ever-changing foodservice industry. They take a deep dive into what makes up a great sales team, coaching in sales, taking care of customers, creating a healthy team culture, and adapting to change. All of this, and how to have joy in the ever...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of Larry Lavine. Larry shares the evolution of his visionary journey - from the inception of Chili’s, to creating & working with some of the most well known restaurant brands, to what he is working on today. He always has a surprise up his sleeve! Discover the passion that drives Larry to build concepts that resonate with everyone, striving for quality and excitement tailored to each concept. Gain insights into the essential elements o...

In this episode, host Nancy Ridlen sits down with Denise Munion, Vice President of Culinary Services at Oakdale Seniors Alliance. Their discussion emphasizes the vital role of preserving residents' dignity through culinary offerings, ensuring that meals not only nourish the body but also uplift the spirit. Listen in on Nancy and Denise’s eye-opening conversation on the ever-changing healthcare and hospitality industries. From old school to new school, they highlight the shifts from tradition...

In this episode, host Nancy Ridlen is joined by Blair Michal from Better Earth to shed light on a topic close to their hearts: National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Both Nancy and Blair have grappled with the ongoing effects of endometriosis since their teenage years, and they bravely share their personal journeys with all of us. From the relentless pain to the emotional toll, they discuss how endometriosis has affected every facet of their lives. Despite the challenges, they combine perso...

In this special episode, we spoke with Dan Hinton, a true legend in the hospitality industry and whose wisdom and guidance have left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him. As we delve into his remarkable journey, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the world of sales and hospitality during his 30-year tenure at the Edward Don Company. Throughout this episode, we explore Dan's unparalleled insights into navigating the complexity of sales, uncovering the strategies and princip...

Join host Nancy Ridlen in a candid and insightful conversation with Danielle Graves, a multifaceted professional and devoted working mom. In this episode, Danielle shares her inspiring journey through various industries, navigating the complexities of balancing career and motherhood. From her firsthand experiences to the invaluable lessons learned along the way, listeners gain valuable insights into resilience, growth, and finding empowerment in the face of challenges. Tune in as Danielle dis...

In this episode, join us as we sit down with Jeff Castor, a seasoned sales professional with a deep passion for the hospitality industry. Drawing from his own experiences, Jeff understands the importance of recognizing the power of continuing to move forward. Whether it's making strides in his professional career or embracing personal growth through sobriety, Jeff believes that each incremental achievement contributes to a larger, more meaningful journey. By staying true to his values and ...

Join us as John Franke continues to share his journey of faith and self-discovery, revealing how he found a deeper sense of purpose and identity beyond his chef coat. We discuss his transition from one facet of the culinary world to another in a new role as a consultant, ultimately demonstrating that while our careers shape us, they don't have to define us. Tune in to explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating a career pivot, as Franke imparts valuable insights on starting on a new p...

Join us as we unravel the inspiring journey of John Franke, a culinary expert turned restaurant consultant. In this episode, we explore the challenges of balancing between passion and exhaustion, as Franke touches on building brands, teams, and striving for excellence in the culinary world. Explore the entrepreneur's mindset, the struggle for work-life balance, and the pursuit of identity beyond the kitchen. We reflect on embarking on a new journey, redefining success, and finding a purpos...

Bill Flannery, Managing Partner with M2 Reps (aka The DC Plate King) joins Traci Hess and shares how to get an audience engaged and get real results on social media. Bill jumped in and was an early adopter across all social media platforms and has built an impressive following. He continues to innovate in his own unique way.

Nancy Ridlen interviews Thad Smith on engaging training and presenting practices. Thad is an absolute rockstar in the industry and graciously shares his secrets for engaging with small groups, large training settings, virtual trainings and so much more. Thad is the Director of Brand Communications and Executive Chef with Sterno.

Traci Hess & Nancy Ridlen continue the conversation on the inception of W3 Sales. Nancy shares how she turned her passion for sales and the food industry into a career and eventually starting and owning her own business.

Traci Hess interviews Nancy Ridlen on how it all began. Turning her passion for sales and the food industry into a career and eventually starting and owning her own business.