Distributor Growth Accelerator Mentorship Program

EDA’s Distributor Growth Accelerator Mentorship Program (DGAM) connects established and emerging leaders in foodservice equipment distribution to exchange knowledge, share perspectives, and learn from one another.

Through one-on-one mentoring relationships, participants explore real-world business challenges, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and gain insights they can apply to their businesses. The program fosters connections across generations of industry leadership, helping preserve valuable knowledge, encourage innovation, and support the long-term success of foodservice equipment distribution.

Program Overview

DGAM is designed as a structured mentoring experience that gives participants time to build relationships, establish goals, and make progress on their professional development priorities.

• Get connected. FEDA brings mentors and mentees together to begin their mentoring relationships.
• Set goals. Participants identify development priorities, establish expectations, and create an action plan.
• Share knowledge. Mentors and mentees meet approximately every four to six weeks to discuss experiences, challenges, opportunities, and progress.
• Put insights into action. Participants reflect on what they learn, work toward agreed-upon goals, and adjust their priorities as needed.
• Build for the future. At the end of the program, participants reflect on their progress and may choose to continue their mentoring relationship.

Who Should Participate?

DGAM is designed for professionals in foodservice equipment distribution who are involved in leading, owning, or preparing to take on greater responsibility for a distribution business. The program brings together individuals at different stages of their leadership journeys who are eager to share their experience, learn from others, and contribute to the industry's continued growth.

• Mentors: Experienced industry professionals interested in sharing their knowledge, lessons learned, and leadership perspectives.
• Mentees: Emerging leaders looking to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and learn from experienced industry leaders.

Both mentors and mentees contribute valuable perspectives, creating a meaningful, two-way exchange of ideas and experiences. Mentees gain access to the insights of industry leaders who have navigated the challenge of growing a business in a highly competitive market. In turn, mentors reinforce their standing as industry thought leaders while renewing their understanding on the ideas, challenges, and opportunities that will define the industry’s future through their interactions with emerging leaders.

Interested in DGAM?

FEDA anticipates launching its second DGAM cohort in mid-2027 and welcomes interest from professionals who would like to participate. Whether you’re interested in serving as a mentor, being matched with a mentor, or learning more about the program, we invite you to complete the form below.

DGAM Interest Form

FEDA takes an intentional approach to matching participants, considering their experience, goals, and areas of interest to help establish meaningful and mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. Submitting this form does not guarantee placement in a future cohort or constitute a commitment to participate.

For questions about the program or application process, contact Director of Industry Programs and Professional Development Ashley Mueller at ashley@feda.com.