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 …

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 l…

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 cla…

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 learn…

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 in…

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 t…

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'…

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 fr…

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…

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, Carol…

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 cu…

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 opportuni…

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…

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 th…

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 ch…

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. Ste…

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 he…

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 …

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 Okl…

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 in…

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, coa…

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 c…

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-openin…

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 relentl…

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 Compa…

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 …

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 throug…

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 d…

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-…

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.By Nancy Ridlen, W3 Sales

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.By Nancy Ridlen, W3 Sales

By Nancy Ridlen, W3 Sales