In this episode, Marlon sits down with Joe Guadagnino who shares his journey from the fast food industry to leading Cool School Prime, a program that enhances the K-12 food service experience through reward points and rebates. The discussion highlights the importance of nutrition in schools, the evolution of school meals, and the power of collaboration in the K-12 space. Joe emphasizes the significant impact of Cool School Prime, which has already provided millions in rebates and points to school districts, ultimately benefiting students and their meal programs. In this conversation, the speakers discuss innovative solutions for school districts, focusing on the value-added services provided by Buyers Edge and the introduction of AI technology in school nutrition. They share personal stories and reflections on faith, emphasizing the importance of community and support in their work. The conversation concludes with a look towards future goals for the Cool School Prime program, aiming to expand its reach and impact in the school nutrition sector.===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coolschoolcafeprogramInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolschoolcafe/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cool-school-cafe/Website: https://coolschoolprime.com/===========================Connect with us! ===========================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network Media Kit: https://the.nxtgennetwork.com/MediaKitServed Digizine December 2024 | Gifting Gratitude: https://nxtgennetwork.serveddigizine.com/view/674102441/===========================================Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================================➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz⏰ Chapters ⏰00:00 - Introduction

00:09 - Cool School Prime’s Impact

00:30 - The Inspiration Behind Cool School Prime

00:53 - Meet Joe Guadagnino

01:30 - Joe’s Backstory in Food Service

03:00 - Transition into the GPO Industry

05:24 - How Cool School Prime Came to Be

08:06 - How Marlon and Joe Met

10:15 - The Growth of NxtGen Network

13:01 - The Impact of ‘This is School Meals’

16:54 - The Birth of SERVED Digizine

19:18 - The Evolution of Marlon’s Career

21:55 - How Cool School Prime Works

24:46 - The Power of School Rebates & Points

27:15 - How Districts Earn Points & Rebates

28:48 - Cool School Points Making Business Easier

31:00 - Cool School Fresh: Revolutionizing Produce

32:51 - AI & Invoice Auditing for Schools

33:20 - Additional Benefits Like Chef Works & Shoes for Crews

35:49 - Should Buyers Edge Host a K-12 Event?

36:44 - The Power of AI in School Nutrition

38:15 - How AI is Transforming School Foodservice

41:40 - How Jen AI Supports Districts

44:44 - Future Collaboration Between Cool School Prime & AI

46:21 - The Idea of Custom AI for School Nutrition

47:25 - Personal Stories & Number Significance

49:11 - Sports Background & Passion for Athletics

54:38 - Final Thoughts on Cool School Prime

55:56 - Closing Remarks & Appreciation