Foodservice

At the Watercooler with Brad Ellis of Ruiz Foods

Ruiz Foods' Sales Director Brad Ellis discusses his career path, industry trends and personal values, emphasizing customer focus and the importance of teamwork.

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Photo: Networld Media Group

January 21, 2025 by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Describe your current role.

I lead our Traditional Foodservice and Vending/Micro Market Sales & Broker Teams for USA and Canada

What was your first-ever career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?

I started my career in foodservice customer service (with a large CPG company). An important lesson learned was EVERY customer no matter how big or small is a vital piece of the puzzle to a companies overall success.

What inspired you to work in your industry?

I was very fortunate to get a job with a Global CPG company and start working in foodservice right out of college. It's been 20 years now and I couldn't see myself in any other industry.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Working with a great sales and cross functional team that all have the same vision/goals. Also, having best in class broker, and customer partnerships that allow Ruiz Foods to be the company we are today!

What's a common misconception people have about what you do?

How complex the foodservice industry is. Most think the product is made and delivered to customer. Once you start breaking down the segments, processes, distribution, etc., it definitely becomes an eye opening discussion.

What is one career achievement you're most proud of?

Getting to see people I manage today or in the past get promoted. Foodservice is a small industry and its always great seeing everyone you know have success.

Who is/was your mentor and what's one important lesson you learned from them?

My father Donald was and still is my biggest mentor. Always put 100% effort into everything you do whether its personal or professional and you will have a successful life!

What industry trends do you think are currently over-hyped and why?

I don't believe in over-hyped trends. Those specific products are there for a reason and have a specific need in todays market.

What industry trends do you think don't get enough attention and why?

The new technology in the foodservice and vending segments is amazing. Seeing what the capabilities are today and what's on the horizon for the next 5-10 years could change the entire industry of what we think of foodservice.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Listen, learn, be patient, and work hard with positive attitude and you will have a very long and successful career in foodservice.

If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?

My wife is a school teacher and I have so much respect for what they do on daily basis. I most likely would have ended up a history high school teacher.

What do you do to have fun outside of work?

Spending time with my wife and three kids. All of my kids are very active, so we do a lot of running around (which I love). Also, I coach my sons travel ice hockey team, and I still play Adult League Hockey every week.

Are you involved in any charitable organizations that you would like to tell people about?

The Ronald McDonald House, Spina Bifida Association, and Ruiz 4 Kids are all wonderful charities that help many communities and thousands of people nationally every year (I have a personal connection to all of them).

Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?

I grew up in a town called Munhall outside of Pittsburgh PA. The town was very blue collar, and once was the center of the steel industry for U.S. Steel. I was a 4th generation steel mill kid and was always taught: family first, work hard, try to be the best at whatever you do, and help those in need. I still use that same mindset today!

What's one interesting thing about you that even the people you work with every day probably don't know?

I am a big collector of vintage sports cards and memorabilia. With all of this technology today there is something to be said about how cool a 50+-year-old piece of carboard can be!

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or your company/organization?

Ruiz Foods is still a family owned company and just celebrated our 60th anniversary. We appreciate everyone's support of our El Monterey and Tornados Brands!

About Sandra Carpenter

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Sandra is the editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. She has been working in editorial and research roles for over a decade and has experience in print, blog, social media and peer-reviewed publications.

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