Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/799779
March/April 2017 33 The new SelfCookingCenter ® – now also in XS format. The compact-size professional. For more information go to: rationalusa.com The SelfCookingCenter ® . The perfect centerpiece for all American kitchens. Visit us at booth 3442 and in the Kitchen Innovations ® Pavilion. USA_Ad_NRA_7,5x4,75inch.indd 1 22.02.2017 14:10:46 continued on page 42 N&V: As you know, there's been a lot of talk about the challenges we face as an industry in recruiting new talent. In interacting with your team at SS Kemp, as well as others within the channel, what are you seeing in terms of demo- graphics? Eisenberg: I'm not sure if we're unique but Kemp has not been affected by this trend. We have a strong group of employees under 40 that are excited to be here and to learn. As far as the industry, of course there is a lot of young blood in the kitchens. There are always fresh faces and new people coming in and out, which is a refl ection of the food culture. The food culture is developing and growing and changing and morph- ing. That's why I think it's important to continue to provide opportunities for growth and learning as we bring in new employees. N&V: How has SS Kemp helped facili- tate your growth? Eisenberg: We're always in the test kitchen, doing demos and lunch-and- learns, and we do lots of offsite vendor training. Since I've been with the com- pany, I've gone to maybe four or fi ve around the country, which has defi nitely contributed to my excitement about the company and the product. N&V: Any particular training that stood out? Eisenberg: The program at Hatco. It's a three-day trip packed with information. I learned so much while I was there, and had lots of fun doing it. Their customer service is wonderful and that shined through in their training and their inter- action with us when we were there. N&V: What are your turn-offs when it comes to leadership? Eisenberg: Leaders who do not listen or empower their employees. The man- agement at Kemp really does listen and cares about its employees and that's why I was so drawn to the culture here. If I sensed in the interviewing process that • A Strong Diverse Culture • A Sense of Family • Longevity • Opportunities for Growth and Mobility • A Push toward Innovation "SS Kemp is pretty fl exible and favors change. In the past year, we've expanded our offi ces at our Willow facility. We're bringing in more people. Our jobs are growing and our business is growing." -Julie Eisenberg A Strong Diverse Culture 5 M U ST HA VE S . . .