In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Kern Halls, Owner, and Chief Innovator at Ingenious Culinary Concepts. Kern discusses his journey in the foodservice industry, including his work in the school foodservice sector and helping schools increase revenue through cafeteria refreshes. Kern also talks about the power of discipline in your personal and professional life and shares valuable insights about how to make it to the top in this competitive field.  

QUOTES

• “I've had good mentors that tell me to do certain things. And then I take a calculated risk and we go after it and, and just make those opportunities work out as best as I can. They're not all going to work out, but I never want to look back at my life and think that I should have, could have, would have, or never tried anything.” -Kern Halls [24:28]

• “I have to learn myself to understand that not everyone is going to work at the same speed I'm going to. I have to have patience as a leader." -Kern Halls [45:30]

TIMESTAMPS

02:37 How Kern’s experiences in the military shaped his career

10:29 Transitioning from Disney to school foodservice

15:29 How cafeteria refresh improves the student experience 

19:24 Entrepreneurial success through partnership

42:25 Importance of discipline and teamwork

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT 

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

Kern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kern-halls-19874963