Steven Spittle on industry talent
From FSPN Conversation w/ Steve Spittle: The Middleby Corporation · · Foodservice Powerplant
“We have completely failed as an industry to attract young talent. Everyone says the industry is old and lacks young people, but by and large, we haven't addressed it holistically. Trade associations can't solve this alone; it's up to every company and individual to take risks and hire young people outside their comfort zones instead of poaching from competitors or relying on recruiters.”
On , Steven Spittle, Chief Commercial Officer at MIDDLEBY CORP, spoke about industry talent during FSPN Conversation w/ Steve Spittle: The Middleby Corporation on Foodservice Powerplant.
About Steven Spittle
In a September 2022 interview, Steven Spittle, Chief Commercial Officer at Middleby, described his role as overseeing many of the company's commercial food service divisions in the US and Europe, with involvement in selling activities including chains, dealers, buying groups, and reps. He stated that no two days are the same and that his work includes financial aspects as well as engagement with sales teams. Spittle said that the food service industry has "completely failed" to attract young talent, arguing that trade associations cannot solve the problem alone and that individual companies and leaders must take risks by hiring young people outside their comfort zones. He attributed Middleby's culture to CEO Tim Fitzgerald, whom he described as "the smartest person I've ever met but never acts like it," and emphasized that the best way to maintain culture in a large company is to find, develop, and empower the right people in local divisions. Spittle also noted that he learned from mentor Dave Brewer the importance of balancing a demanding career with family life, and that he tries to be intentional about spending quality time with his family.