On March 10, 1980, I joined Thermo-Kool as receptionist and a very frightened 17-year old girl. Now, 41 years later, I write this, my last issue of Turtle Tracks and announce my upcoming retirement at the end of June. My 41-year career has been nothing short of amazing because of my Thermo-Kool family, longtime industry partners comprised of reps, customers, consultants, operators and the many other industry friends and peers I have met along the way. The great mentors that have inspired and helped me over the years are too numerous to name, but they do begin with our Founder, Randolph W. McLaughlin, who took the frightened 17-year old girl under his wing and taught her about business, the foodservice industry, doing things right and most importantly, always taking care of the team, the reps and the customers. After moving through the ranks and taking advantage of the company’s ‘promote from within’ policy serving in supervisory and managerial roles, in 2007 our current President and CEO, Rand McLaughlin, had the confidence in me to serve in the role as Vice President and Sales/Marketing Manager which gave me the opportunity to travel throughout the foodservice industry to promote our great company, quality products, and excellent service that has made Thermo-Kool a leading brand for over 60 years. The numerous visits to your offices and showrooms, dinners shared together, industry boards and committees on which I have been privileged to serve, shows and events attended and so many other highlights in my career have given me many fond memories and amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. To simply say Thank You for the role you may have played in my journey over the years seems so minuscule as my appreciation is immeasurable. While I look forward to my retirement and what the next chapter in life holds, I will miss working with and seeing everyone, but know that you are left in very competent hands with the team here at Thermo-Kool.
My best wishes to you all,
Teri Brewer