The Fortunate Part of our Business

In the past 30 plus years that I have been fortunate enough to work in the food industry, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the greatest people within it. This has also allowed me to create relationships that have lasted for decades. I have known and worked with Mr. Greg Atchley for 22 years, and somehow through all of our hectic schedules have we remained in touch with one another.

Greg was my chemical salesman when I was a Manager with Boars Head Provisions back in the 90's. I can not take credit for bringing him into the facility, that goes to Mr. Charlie Gold, but I was the one who reaped the benefits of learning the sanitation business and most importantly as a Manager, how to manage my costs when dealing with chemicals.

To say I was young and lacked knowledge in this discipline is an understatement, but Greg took the time with me to teach me and help me learn this basic skill needed by Plant Managers. For that I have always been thankful for our friendship and have brought him and The Vincent Group to several of my facilities to clean and manage chemicals.

As luck would have it, we both just happened to be in the same part of the country at the same time and we were able to enjoy breakfast together and talk about "The Old Times." I was grateful for that communion as well.

So, in conclusion, in your work-life, create those relationships and they will pay you back ten-fold. As managers, we need resources that we trust to bounce ideas off of and sometimes just talk. It is amazing how all of those friends will always have your back with great suggestions or put you in contact with someone else who can help.

Thank you again Greg for the breakfast and years of friendship.