5 Questions with Nick Cribb

1. Who has influenced you most in your career?

I really owe everything to Curt Scott, our CEO. In 2013, I was at a pretty low point in my life, and looking for a fresh start, when he and I worked together on a renovation project at my church. After seeing my leadership skills and enthusiasm, he offered me a job as a dispatcher at SAM Service. Curt is one of the most courageous decision-makers I know, as evidenced by his willingness to take a chance on me. He’s not afraid to try new things and trust his instincts. He’s also always there to encourage others. By nature, I’m a person who wants to be doing things with my hands on the steering wheel. From Curt I learned how to empower other people to drive—to inspire and influence them.

2. What skills helped you find success as a leader?

Our business model at SAM Service is set around making goals that build off our core values. And I’ve learned over the years that it’s one thing to set goals; actually meeting them takes discipline and accountability. This is where my ability to relate to people really kicks in. I learned at a young age that I just really enjoy people, and am able to relate to others and make people feel comfortable opening up to me. I also have a God-given talent to fire people up and inspire them as a leader. I’ve been able to take those skills and apply them in the workplace. When someone is facing challenges, something that might interfere with meeting their goals, I work with them to figure things out. People appreciate that honesty and openness.

3. As you close out a two-year term as CFESA president, what are you most proud of?

I took the same strategy we’ve used at SAM Service, of analyzing our values and setting goals, and applied it to my work at CFESA. We all agreed that what we needed was more people attending courses and completing certificates, so we set a goal of 33,000 completions by 2033. Then we got to work. We are enhancing our learning management software, building relationships within the industry both here and abroad, and exploring setting up more sites for training opportunities. I was excited to sign an agreement with the Foodservice Equipment Association in the U.K., which will create new learning opportunities abroad. I’m proud to have had a hand in our organization’s global growth.

4. What excites you most about the future of the service industry?

I’m excited to see where AI can take us. The technology and features on foodservice equipment have evolved and advanced so much over the years, it’s almost impossible for someone to stay on top of it all. But with using AI tools, you can input the type of equipment and the issue you’re having and get a few possibilities to lead to a solid diagnosis of the problem. It helps improve efficiencies out in the field today, and who knows what it will help us do in a few short years.

5. What advice do you have for young people entering this profession?

Everyone dreams of success, whether it’s becoming a CEO or another leadership role, but the only way to get there is by putting in the work. No matter what job you have, whether you’re a technician or a dispatcher, do your best every day, and doors will open for you.