MEMBER SPOTLIGHT REP: Eric Reed, Midwest Professional Reps - June/July 2023

Meet Eric Reed, Midwest Professional Reps:
Be inspired by a thoughtful communicator.

Name: Eric Reed
Company: Midwest Professional Reps
Title: Territory Manager/Corporate Chef
Years in "The Biz": 5
Interviewed by: James Mincks, Principal, Kelly-Mincks

Eric Reed, a valued member of the MAFSI community, serves as an Outside Sales Representative at Midwest Professional Reps in St. Louis, MO. With a strong background in sales and a passion for the foodservice industry, Eric has made significant contributions to the growth and success of his company. As a Midwest Professional Reps’ team member, Eric is dedicated to building solid client relationships and providing exceptional service. Through hard work, Eric has established himself as a trusted sales professional in the Midwest region.

Q&A with Eric:

1. What's your favorite non-work activity, and why?
   
   Being outdoors with my family — hanging out outdoors, going for hikes, or going to the pool.
   
   
2. Guilty Pleasure: What can you not live without?  (e.g, Reality TV, specific junk foods, 80’s hair bands, etc.)
   
   Gilmore Girls.
   
   
3. If you could eat anywhere for your next meal, where would it be and why?
   
   There’s a small Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany with a Chef named Claudio where I spent a week in culinary school learning from him. I would go back and do one of his tasting menus in a heartbeat!
   
   
4. What’s one piece of advice you have for a young person in the industry?
   
   Lead with kindness. Let’s have open and honest conversations when things go wrong and solve problems together. 
   
   
5. What is your favorite foodservice trend that you see right now?
   
   My favorite has to be restaurateurs understanding that people need balance in their lives. The number of establishments that I’ve seen picking days to close so that their staff has consistent time off and time to relax is wonderful. . 
   
   
6. What’s your favorite part of being a MAFSI member?
   
   I love the open sharing of information and knowledge — how different reps, different companies, and different manufacturers are finding success. Not everything will work for every individual, but new ideas and sharing knowledge will help us all become more successful. 
   
   
7. Last concert you went to?
   
   Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, Static-X, and Powerman 5000. Yes, that was one concert. It was a phenomenal show. Absolutely incredible!
   
   
8. Which natural talent do you covet?
   
   Not necessarily a talent, but not allowing issues/conflict to bother me. It never helps to just sit and think and worry about problems.  

As we all know, there’s considerably more to MAFSI members than being a rep or manufacturer, and we want other members to know about it!

Are you passionate about a particular philanthropic cause? Are you a huge foodie? Maybe you’re an avid skydiver? Whatever it is – we want to know about it — and SEE you doing it!

If you’re interested in participating, or nominating a fellow member, click here.