In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Laura Chute, Vice President of Sales for Custom Culinary. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Laura shares her passion for helping customers optimize their businesses and create positive outcomes. She discusses the importance of rest and recovery in a high-stress industry, the art of influence in sales, and her vision for impacting the food industry in a way that supports both human and planetary health. Nick and Laura also discuss how to pioneer sales strategies and coach sales teams to be solution-focused connectors. 

Quotes

• "As sellers, we need to have a varied interest, right? Because we connect with people. And one of the best ways to connect with people is to find common ground. And if all you do is work, how are you going to find common ground around activities, interests, restaurants, and other things that you do?." -Laura Chute [18:06]

• "I always tell people within our company that work is always going to be there. But you need to prioritize your family, and your friends first, because that's such an important part of your life. I can only make you so happy coming to work every day." -Nick Portillo [20:28]

TIMESTAMPS

(01:22) Fiery Five Food Service Questions: Dinner with Anthony Bourdain

(08:47) Laura's background and entry into the food service industry

(16:45) The importance of rest and recovery to avoid burnout 

(22:02) Leading the sales team at Custom Culinary 

(27:08) Qualities of a good salesperson 

(30:14) Finding the right fit between candidate and company 

(32:17) Importance of feedback in a learning culture 

(34:31) Impacting the food industry for human and planetary health 

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT 

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com