Ed Sepko
Operations & strategy
Danny Carberry
Packaging
A seasoned leader in the hospitality sector, possesses a rich background in brand strategy, culinary innovation, design, and operations. With a track record of driving transformative growth, Danny specializes in crafting unforgettable guest experiences through innovative packaging solutions. As the founder of re:Package, he leads a team of experts dedicated to modernizing packaging processes, enhancing sustainability, and delivering premium guest experiences. Danny's relentless passion for innovation and commitment to excellence push the boundaries of packaging in the hospitality industry, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.
Sandy McElfresh
Sales Leadership
A seasoned Sales Management Executive, has spearheaded sales teams at Nike Golf, Panera Bread, PF Chang’s, and CAVA. Notably, he played a pivotal role in propelling Nike's Golf Division revenue from $20M to $200M in 3 years. At Panera's Manna Development, his leadership led to a sales team outperforming national averages by 44%. Transitioning to PF Chang’s and CAVA, he replicated this success. Sandy excels in systems management, organizational structure, and technology adoption, notably leading the Nike Supply Chain redesign project for the USA and Asia Pacific. Passionate about nurturing talent, he resides in Charlotte, NC, cherishing family time and the occasional round of golf.
With 28 years of strategic leadership in the foodservice industry, Ed Sepko is a seasoned catering and off-premises expert, boasting a proven track record in revenue growth, team development, and operational excellence. As the VP of Catering Operations at Panera Bread, the largest caterer in the U.S., he spearheaded initiatives that streamlined processes and ensured quality and efficiency nationwide. Ed's collaborative approach and strategic vision propelled Panera Bread Catering to earn the coveted "#1 Caterer" status consecutively, underscoring his unparalleled expertise and leadership in the field.
Is a long-time restaurant operations guy that has played every role from server to VP of Operations. He has a strong passion for training and believes it’s the most important thing restaurants do. In 2013, Jim co-founded Stella Trainer, an innovative online platform tailored for restaurant training, seamlessly blending technology with service. Jim also applies his training expertise and experiences through his consulting company, Jim Slowin Consulting. Employing an engineer's mindset, Jim hones in on four key components of training: content, process, personnel, and execution, ensuring training yields consistent, sustainable results. If your goal is great training results, Jim is your guy.
Jennifer Parker
President & founder
Jim Rand
Ceo & founder
Jim brings over 40 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, with a passion for helping restaurants thrive. Specializing in Off-Premises, Catering, and Operations, he crafts winning growth strategies for restaurants of all sizes.
Having worked with Au Bon Pain, Einstein’s, and Metromedia Restaurant Group, Jim gained hands-on insight into operating multi-unit restaurants in diverse environments. His tenure at Panera Bread, as Franchisee, Operating Partner, and VP of Catering, saw him leading double-digit sales growth, achieving annual catering sales surpassing $350M.
Jim's leadership extended to P.F. Chang’s and ezCater, where he enhanced Off-Premises Dining and catering efforts. He also provided sales leadership for Act III portfolio brands like Tatte Bakery and Café, CAVA, and BJ’s Brewhouse.
As Principal of CaterStrat, LLC, and founder of the RandParker Group, Jim focuses on offering strategic advice and resources to enhance brand experiences, particularly in Off-Premises channels.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Jim is an avid Badger fan and Cheese-head. He resides in Bluffton, South Carolina, with his wife Sande of over 30 years, enjoying golfing, boating, and family time.
Courtney smith
Advisor
Is a long-time restaurant operations guy that has played every role from server to VP of Operations. He has a strong passion for training and believes it’s the most important thing restaurants do. In 2013, Jim co-founded Stella Trainer, an innovative online platform tailored for restaurant training, seamlessly blending technology with service. Jim also applies his training expertise and experiences through his consulting company, Jim Slowin Consulting. Employing an engineer's mindset, Jim hones in on four key components of training: content, process, personnel, and execution, ensuring training yields consistent, sustainable results. If your goal is great training results, Jim is your guy.
Jim Slowin
Learning & Development
Jennifer Parker, a North Texas native, has dedicated over two decades to the restaurant and hospitality industry. Prior to founding RandParker Group, she served as Sr. Director of Sales & Strategy at Jamba Juice, overseeing national marketing, sales programming, and business development.
Jennifer spearheaded the remarkable growth of Zoës Kitchen, leading a team that boosted revenues from $10M to $49M in three years. Recognized for her expertise in marketing and sales program management, she has transformed businesses of all sizes, from small companies to multi-million-dollar corporations.
In 2015, Jennifer co-founded Actual Innocence Review, a non-profit advocating for criminal justice reform in Texas. She has also launched, grown, and sold several small businesses, gaining valuable insights into SMB challenges. Jennifer brings her firsthand experience to lead business audits and strategic sessions for RandParker Group.
In 2017, Jennifer founded Impact Brands, a marketing firm specializing in business strategy, brand development and marketing communications.
Jennifer Parker, a North Texas native, has dedicated over two decades to the restaurant and hospitality industry. Prior to founding RandParker Group, she served as Sr. Director of Sales & Strategy at Jamba Juice, overseeing national marketing, sales programming, and business development.
Jennifer spearheaded the remarkable growth of Zoës Kitchen, leading a team that boosted revenues from $10M to $49M in three years. Recognized for her expertise in marketing and sales program management, she has transformed businesses of all sizes, from small companies to multi-million-dollar corporations.
In 2015, Jennifer co-founded Actual Innocence Review, a non-profit advocating for criminal justice reform in Texas. She has also launched, grown, and sold several small businesses, gaining valuable insights into SMB challenges. Jennifer brings her firsthand experience to lead business audits and strategic sessions for RandParker Group.
In 2017, Jennifer founded Impact Brands, a marketing firm specializing in business strategy, brand development and marketing communications.
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A seasoned Sales Management Executive, has spearheaded sales teams at Nike Golf, Panera Bread, PF Chang’s, and CAVA. Notably, he played a pivotal role in propelling Nike's Golf Division revenue from $20M to $200M in 3 years. At Panera's Manna Development, his leadership led to a sales team outperforming national averages by 44%. Transitioning to PF Chang’s and CAVA, he replicated this success. Sandy excels in systems management, organizational structure, and technology adoption, notably leading the Nike Supply Chain redesign project for the USA and Asia Pacific. Passionate about nurturing talent, he resides in Charlotte, NC, cherishing family time and the occasional round of golf.
Sandy McElfresh | Sales Leadership
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Justin has used his diverse skill set to innovate and optimize in the off-premises channel. He was a leader in developing the systems and processes that contributed to the exponential growth of traditional delivery and making Panera Bread the largest caterer in the U.S.. Justin’s partnership combines creating a shared vision of success with meticulous development of strategic systems, tools, and processes, enhanced by his analytics, financial modeling, trade area analysis, and market entry capabilities. Passionate about the industry and building relationships, Justin ensures his partnerships continue beyond implementation. Justin graduated from the University of Illinois and received his MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
Justin Sohl | Catering, Delivery & Analytics
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With 28 years of strategic leadership in the foodservice industry, Ed Sepko is a seasoned catering and off-premises expert, boasting a proven track record in revenue growth, team development, and operational excellence. As the VP of Catering Operations at Panera Bread, the largest caterer in the U.S., he spearheaded initiatives that streamlined processes and ensured quality and efficiency nationwide. Ed's collaborative approach and strategic vision propelled Panera Bread Catering to earn the coveted "#1 Caterer" status consecutively, underscoring his unparalleled expertise and leadership in the field.
Ed Sepko | Operations & Strategy
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Jim Rand | CEO & founder
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Jennifer Parker | President & founder
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Is a long-time restaurant operations guy that has played every role from server to VP of Operations. He has a strong passion for training and believes it’s the most important thing restaurants do. In 2013, Jim co-founded Stella Trainer, an innovative online platform tailored for restaurant training, seamlessly blending technology with service. Jim also applies his training expertise and experiences through his consulting company, Jim Slowin Consulting. Employing an engineer's mindset, Jim hones in on four key components of training: content, process, personnel, and execution, ensuring training yields consistent, sustainable results. If your goal is great training results, Jim is your guy.
Jim Slowin | Learning & Development
Jim brings over 40 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, with a passion for helping restaurants thrive. Specializing in Off-Premises, Catering, and Operations, he crafts winning growth strategies for restaurants of all sizes.
Having worked with Au Bon Pain, Einstein’s, and Metromedia Restaurant Group, Jim gained hands-on insight into operating multi-unit restaurants in diverse environments. His tenure at Panera Bread, as Franchisee, Operating Partner, and VP of Catering, saw him leading double-digit sales growth, achieving annual catering sales surpassing $350M.
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Courtney Smith has held leading marketing roles at various prominent restaurant chains. Her expertise in field marketing and catering sales programs is reflected in her contributions to brands like Newk’s Eatery, La Madeleine, Corner Bakery Cafe, and Firebird Restaurant Group. Courtney is an expert in centralized services and catering strategy.
Courtney Smith | Advisor
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