MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ASSOCIATE: Kelly Cain, SEFA - Oct/Nov 2023

Meet Kelly Cain, SEFA:
Change the status quo.

Name: Kelly Cain 
Company: SEFA
Title: VP of Sales
Years in "The Biz": 7
Interviewed by: James Mincks, Principal, Kelly-Mincks

Kelly Cain, SEFA, is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving strategic change and impressive growth across various industries. With expertise in technology, manufacturing, and service delivery, she has consistently delivered results by implementing cross-functional improvements to businesses. Known for building and leading high-performing teams, Kelly has a knack for unlocking full team potential!

1. What's your favorite non-work activity, and why?
   
   

   Although it has been a minute since I’ve played, I really love playing tennis. When I’m on the court, the rest of the world, melts away and I can just “play”. Tennis is so accessible…you can play just about anywhere and when playing, I can turn the game into an experience that can be highly social such as in a club setting, or a group tennis get-away. On the other hand, when I want to get in a workout or maybe just burn off some steam, I can be alone on the court. Just me and a ball machine going at it. 

2. Guilty Pleasure: What can you not live without?  (e.g, Reality TV, specific junk foods, 80’s hair bands, etc.)
   
   

   Wine. Wine. Wine. I love everything about it. I love to acquire it, taste it, consume it, pair it, learn about it (I’ll be taking my Level 1 Sommelier test later this fall). I’m a farm girl from the corn belt…visiting a vineyard and exploring the beauty of most wine producing regions, while nerding out on the growing conditions and how they impact the wine as an organic product, is fascinating to me.

3. If you could eat anywhere for your next meal, where would it be and why?
   
   

   It’s nearly impossible to be in our industry and not be a foodie. I love so many cuisines and have enjoyed incredible experiences and fares.  But that said, if I could eat anywhere, it would have to be “home”. And by home, I mean walking into my mom’s kitchen and being wrapped in one of those meals that warms your heart and fills your soul. No meal could top that in my book.

4. What’s one piece of advice you have for a young person in the industry?
   
   

   Challenge the status quo: use your voice, your perspective, and your influence to change the world around you. I’ve met AMAZING young people who leverage technology, social media, and digital connectedness to prospect, to build networks, to improve business practices and processes. We need you to help be agents of change.

5. What is your favorite foodservice trend that you see right now?
   
   

   The marriage of grocery outlets and restaurants. I love going to my local market, selecting my protein, and having them grill it for me. I’m able to offload the work when I don’t have time (or energy) to cook, I keep the cost down, and am able to make healthier selections. I’m not talking about hot bars and cold bars…I’m talking about fresh foods, prepared to order.

6. What’s your favorite part of being a MAFSI member?
   
   

   I love to find thought leaders in the industry and develop relationships with them. I have a busy brain and there is nothing better than engaging to learn, to share, to ideate. It inspires me and when kindred spirits unite, good things can happen! The time I spend with MAFSI members deepens my connection to the industry and strengthens our collective ability to thrive.

7. What’s an obscure fun fact about you?
   
   

   While it was no Yellowstone, I grew up on a cattle ranch in the Midwest – my early childhood days were spent herding cattle (on dirt bikes) and working the family farm. I’m the ORIGINAL foodservice industry employee!

8. What's something you have crossed off your bucket list?
   
   

   I took a solo trip to the South of France for a week. I experienced culture, history, food, wine, and made so many friends along the way. I’ve been to Paris and many other cities and countries across the world, but this was the first time I really leaned into a solo adventure, spending the days doing exactly what I wanted to, fearlessly, and in a place that holds tremendous appeal to me.

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.