Case Studies Food and Beverage

John Neal III’s path to becoming the owner and president of JN3 Construction is a story of seizing opportunities, navigating challenges, and building a business from the ground up. When he left his stable job at AriZona Beverages on September 1, it wasn’t a leap into the unknown but a calculated step forward after years […]

As the director of construction and development at South Block, Phil Singh is pivotal in driving the brand’s ambitious expansion plans. South Block embodies the mission to make people feel awesome. Founded in 2011, the company has quickly become a beloved fixture in the health-conscious community. It focuses on providing fresh, high-quality juices, smoothies, and […]

Jannet Chagoya-Romo’s leadership at International Gourmet Foods is shaping the future of one of the East Coast’s most respected food wholesale distributors. As the executive director of operations, Chagoya-Romo plays a vital role in keeping the company running smoothly while driving growth through key initiatives in facilities management, safety, and warehouse operations. International Gourmet Foods, […]

Nestled in the heart of southeastern Michigan, Busch’s Fresh Food Market is a local gem. Known for its homegrown flavors, premium-quality products, and community-first ethos, it’s a place where shopping becomes an experience. And behind the seamless operations, pristine stores, and thoughtful renovations is Aaron Preston, the director of facilities who has dedicated his career […]

Owned by Corner Table Restaurants, The Smith is renowned for providing superb food and beverages in a casual, friendly, and welcoming environment. With four locations in New York City and additional restaurants in Chicago and Washington, D.C., The Smith consistently delivers a vibrant dining experience. Each location is thoughtfully designed to ensure guests feel positive […]

Zeek Szidon wasn’t necessarily having a career crisis at Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods Inc. However, he wasn’t happy with his third-shift job in milling and bagging operations because he disliked the hours and the dust aggravated his asthma. This was in 1996, and after Szidon gave two weeks’ notice, he had a conversation with […]

Adopting a child is a life-changing decision. So is opening a business. But they don’t often go together as they did for Rob and Emily Webb of Just Love Coffee. In 2009, Rob Webb was on a flight to Ethiopia as the couple prepared to adopt two daughters. While on his adoption journey, he had […]

She didn’t know it then, but when JoDee Johnson was a little girl growing up in Michigan, borrowing Uncle Jim’s binoculars and using them to study houses across Portage Lake, she was on her way to becoming a design and construction manager for some of the biggest restaurant brands in the U.S. “It’s funny how […]

John Neal remembers many moments where his Boise State University lacrosse teammates relied on him to put the ball in the net or to make a big defensive play. That was six years ago, and while he’s retired his lacrosse stick, he says he’s kept the leader mentality. Case in point: in 2017, Neal took […]

According to David Owen, by 2030 the number of skilled trade employees in upstate New York factories is expected to dwindle—if not disappear completely. It’s information gleaned by Owen, the director of corporate maintenance and facilities at LiDestri Food and Drink, a contract and private label manufacturer of food and beverages based in Fairport, New […]