This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Mike Pilkington, CEO of KEY Sparkling Water, to discuss his diverse career journey from corporate management at Sysco Foods to entrepreneurship with Death Wish Coffee and now, KEY Sparkling Water. Mike shares insights on leadership, and resisting unionization, and underlines the importance of “beginning with the end in mind”. Listen this week as Nick and Mike discuss how strategic transitions within a company can lead to significant career advancements for entrepreneurs and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded and skilled individuals.

Quotes

• "In entrepreneurship, bet on yourself, as the days of corporate loyalty are dwindling." -Mike Pilkington

• "To me, experiencing success is the first stage to be able to bring other people along with you." -Mike Pilkington

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Mike Pilkington's Journey from Cisco to KEY Sparkling Water

(04:41) The Journey to Sobriety and Its Unexpected Challenges

(10:00) From HR to Sales Leadership at Sysco

(12:12) Leadership, Change, and Personal Growth in Business

(20:12) Entrepreneurial Journey from Coffee to Sparkling Water

(28:18) Entrepreneurial Success Through Community and Self-Belief

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT 

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com