In this episode, Michelle Korsmo, National Restaurant Association President and CEO and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) speaks with the NRAEF’s former Chair Kent Walrack and current Chair James Fripp about the continued success of the foundation’s programs in another installment of Order Up's CEO-hosted miniseries. 

Kent Walrack, retired executive from Lyons Magnus, joins Order Up for the first time to discuss the growth of programs like ProStart, HOPES, and more over the last five years. Returning to Order Up, James Fripp, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Yum! Brands International shares how the mission of NRAEF continues to inspire and the continued diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that are essential to an industry that nurtures its workforce. 

• (03:55) – Introducing Kent Walrack
• (07:37) – Re-introducing James Fripp
• (08:59) – Building and nurturing a sustainable workforce
• (10:35) – Growth of the last five years
• (14:08) – ProStart
• (20:13) – Industry professionals getting involved in NFRAEF
• (22:27) – What’s next?
• (25:13) – Creating opportunities and recruitment
• (28:35) – A commitment to the NRAEF in retirement 
• (30:40) – A shift in perspective

Resources to learn more:

• The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
• HOPES | Hospitality Opportunities For People (Re)Entering Society

Related Episodes:

• Ep052: Building Trust through Authentic Relationships with James Fripp from Yum! Brands
• CEO Series: Political Advocacy in the Restaurant Industry, featuring Michelle Korsmo and Golden Corral President & CEO, Lance Trenary
• CEO Series: Creating a Culture that Attracts and Retains Talent, featuring Chef Kisha Hunter, founder and owner of That Jerk Spot LLC and Roz Mallet, CEO/President of PhaseNext Hospitality 

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes, and nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to create or grant any rights to any third parties. The views expressed by the guest speakers in this podcast are solely those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the National Restaurant Association (Association) and its affiliates. The Association does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information offered. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consider the applicability and suitability of the information provided for their own individual circumstances. 

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Podcast episode production by Dante32.