In this episode, Tom Ferris shares his journey from a soccer-loving youth to a successful career in the food service industry. He discusses his early experiences in hospitality, his transition to food brokerage, and his current role at ES Foods. The conversation also delves into the importance of fitness and health, especially as life becomes busier with family and work commitments. Tom emphasizes the value of relationships in business and the foundational experiences that shaped his work ethic which ultimately led him to winning the Industry Member of the Year award with the School Nutrition Association. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the intersection of fitness, leadership, and the importance of school nutrition. They share personal anecdotes about their journeys, the significance of networking, and the impact of school meals on children's lives. The dialogue also highlights the innovations in school food products and the need for better communication about the quality and nutritional value of these meals to parents and the public.===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================FB: https://www.facebook.com/ESFoodsInc/IG: https://www.instagram.com/e_s_foods_inc/X: https://twitter.com/esfoodsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-s-foods-inc-/about/===========================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 and Soccer Passion07:50 Career Beginnings in Hospitality12:52 Transition to Food Brokerage16:48 Current Role at ES Foods19:36 Fitness and Health Mindset27:20 Balancing Family, Work, and Fitness28:34 The Mental Game of Fitness and Leadership30:20 Building Connections and Networking31:38 Recognition and Awards in the Industry33:52 The Impact of School Nutrition41:08 The Importance of School Meals46:18 Promoting School Meals to Parents51:31 Innovations in School Food Products55:11 Healthcare and College Nutrition Trends