Skip to main content
Top of the Page

Young Industry Leaders

Mission

Formed to help identify and develop the diverse range of talent within the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders (YIL) seeks to engage dealer/distributor/manufacturer professionals serving in various leadership roles by offering leadership development training and opportunities to network with other young industry professionals.

History

YIL was founded by the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) in 2018. As outlined in the Association’s strategic plan, one of FEDA’s highest priorities is to elevate the status of young professionals within the Association and beyond. YIL serves as a vehicle to solicit feedback and guidance from this key demographic as well as to ensure YIL participants have an opportunity to play a more active role in shaping FEDA’s future.

Program Overview

YIL seeks to carry out its mission by organizing the following:
  • Two-day regional retreats designed for groups of 10 to 12. Meetings include presentations by notable industry veterans, leadership training, dialogue on the industry’s most pressing issues, and social/networking activities. 
  • More activities at the FEDA annual conference designed to increase the attendance of young industry leaders and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging. 
  • Use recruitment efforts and meetings as a vehicle to encourage diversity in association leadership and involvement.

Participants

Young Industry Leaders are nominated by the principals in FEDA member dealerships, distributors, and manufacturers. They are age 40 and under, serve in a variety of leadership roles within their companies, and must meet the following criteria to participate in YIL’s Leadership Development Program:
  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization
  • Manage people or manage a process
  • Make strategic decisions
  • Collaborate well with others

How to Participate

Industry professionals, age 21 to 46, interested in participating in FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders Development Program must be nominated by the principal in their dealership, distribution or manufacturing company and meet the following criteria:

  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization
  • Be responsible for managing people or a process
  • Have the authority to make strategic decisions
  • Play an active role in problem-solving and conflict management
  • Be a team player

Nomination Form [Word ] [PDF ] [Online Form]
Application Form [Word ] [PDF ] [Online Form]

Once the nomination form is filled out by the nominee’s employer, he or she is then required to fill out an application form and return both forms to the FEDA office for review. Upon completion, FEDA’s Communication Manager Tim O’Connor will contact the applicant.

Steering Committee


Heather Kogan
Co-Chair
Vice President of Sales
The Sam Tell Companies

Crystal Rinker
Co-Chair
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies

Kurt Maschari
Wasserstrom
AVP Specialty Equipment Sales Division

Drew O'Quinn
President
Singer T&L

Eric Schmitt
President
Rapids Wholesale Equipment
Back to Top