Episode 3

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Published on:

14th Dec 2022

Scaling: From CA to First Nationwide Food Broker with Dave Lyons

In this episode of the Titans of Foodservice podcast, host Nick Portillo speaks with Dave Lyons, former President and Owner of Food Sales West, one of the largest regional brokers in the country. As one of the original architects of the nationwide broker footprint model, Dave brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. Dave and Nick talk about Dave’s career journey and the importance of taking risks and asking questions to achieve success in the food service industry. 

QUOTES

  • “The pandemic has advanced technology at a rapid pace in food service. It has changed the way we do business in food service. People are working from home now more than ever.” - Nick Portillo [47:55]
  • “You’ve got to be hungry. If you are going to commit to something, commit to it one hundred percent.” - Dave Lyons [52:34]



TIMESTAMPS

  • [00:27] Intro
  • [01:34] Dave’s background
  • [11:01] Food Sales West technology
  • [16:10] Thinking outside of the box
  • [20:36] Expanding
  • [28:25] Attributes of sales team hires 
  • [39:16] Coast-to-coast
  • [44:44] Reflecting on Dave’s career
  • [48:30] Post covid adjustments in food service
  • [51:04] Dave’s advice for individuals starting in food service
  • [54:35] Defining moments in Dave’s career



RESOURCES

Portillo Sales



CONTACT

Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lyons-926bab49/

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About the Podcast

Titans of Foodservice
Nick Portillo shares with you the things he has learned on his own journey of building a successful business in the food service industry.

About your host

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Seth "Creek" Creekmore

Seth Creekmore, or “Creek,” as he is known by most of his friends has been studying the Enneagram for almost 10 years now. Having completed training under Lynda Roberts & Nan Henson, he continued learning the Enneagram through a smattering of other teachers and books and eventually completed the Awareness to Action program. He was one of the original founders of the popular Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast and now serves as the resident Millennial for the Awareness to Action Podcast. He creates Cinematic Folk music under the name Creekmore and enjoys, hiking in cold places, cooking in warm places and traveling to all the places.