Celebrating the Diverse Careers of Former Chefs at Foodbuy Canada

At Foodbuy Canada, we take this opportunity to highlight the incredible journeys of chefs who have transitioned from the kitchen to other roles within our organization. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the Foodbuy organization. They are helping to better serve our Compass operators and Members. Their stories are a testament to the diverse career paths available to chefs and the valuable skills they leverage both inside and outside of the kitchen.

Jason McMillan, an Account Manager at Foodbuy, shared that his background as a chef has been a significant factor in his success at the company. Jason’s extensive product knowledge, understanding of professional service needs, effective communication with operators and suppliers, and proficiency in time management have all been key skills to help him generate partnerships with operators and Foodbuy. His firsthand experience in the kitchen allows him to communicate with clients with ease and confidence, reassuring them that they are collaborating with a company and representative that understands their business.

For chefs considering a transition to other roles in the foodservice industry, such as procurement or management, Jason offers valuable advice. He acknowledges that adjusting from the on-your-feet environment of a kitchen to a customer facing role with differing interactions can take time. Patience in learning new skills, especially technology, is essential. However, he encourages chefs to embrace the change, highlighting the rewarding path of these new roles.

We also had an opportunity to speak with JJ Fraser, Business Development Manager, from British Columbia, who shared his own journey from chef to Foodbuy professional. JJ reflects on how his culinary career prepared him for his current role at Foodbuy. From understanding how distribution works to menu planning and sourcing products, his experience as a chef allows him to put himself in the shoes of Foodbuy members and better understand their needs.

JJ emphasizes the importance of specific skills he gained in the kitchen, such as managing order guides, purchasing, menu management, and building relationships with suppliers and vendors. These skills have proven invaluable in his work today, helping him navigate some of the complexities of the foodservice industry on behalf of his clients with confidence and insight.

For chefs considering a career transition, JJ advises focusing on the many hats that chefs wear—people management, purchasing, HR, and more. The skills developed in the kitchen are applicable in other areas of the foodservice industry and can create new opportunities. He encourages chefs to be open-minded, seek out learning opportunities, and network to explore roles that might interest them. Building people skills and relationships, he notes, is key to a successful career in any industry.

At Foodbuy, we are proud to shine a light on the diverse career paths our employees have taken. Their stories demonstrate that the skills homed in the kitchen can lead to rewarding careers beyond the stove, contributing to the success and the satisfaction of our valued Members.