Next Up Podcast

In this episode, Marlon sits down with Joe Guadagnino who shares his journey from the fast food industry to leading Cool School Prime, a program that enhances the K-12 food service experience through reward points and rebates. The discussion highlights the importance of nutrition in schools, the evolution of school meals, and the power of collaboration in the K-12 space. Joe emphasizes the significant impact of Cool School Prime, which has already provided millions in rebates and points to school districts, ultimately benefiting students and their meal programs. In this conversation, the speakers discuss innovative solutions for school districts, focusing on the value-added services provided by Buyers Edge and the introduction of AI technology in school nutrition. They share personal stories and reflections on faith, emphasizing the importance of community and support in their work. The conversation concludes with a look towards future goals for the Cool School Prime program, aiming to expand its reach and impact in the school nutrition sector.===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coolschoolcafeprogramInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolschoolcafe/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cool-school-cafe/Website: https://coolschoolprime.com/===========================Connect with us! ===========================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network Media Kit: https://the.nxtgennetwork.com/MediaKitServed Digizine December 2024 | Gifting Gratitude: https://nxtgennetwork.serveddigizine.com/view/674102441/===========================================Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================================➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz⏰ Chapters ⏰00:00 - Introduction

00:09 - Cool School Prime’s Impact

00:30 - The Inspiration Behind Cool School Prime

00:53 - Meet Joe Guadagnino

01:30 - Joe’s Backstory in Food Service

03:00 - Transition into the GPO Industry

05:24 - How Cool School Prime Came to Be

08:06 - How Marlon and Joe Met

10:15 - The Growth of NxtGen Network

13:01 - The Impact of ‘This is School Meals’

16:54 - The Birth of SERVED Digizine

19:18 - The Evolution of Marlon’s Career

21:55 - How Cool School Prime Works

24:46 - The Power of School Rebates & Points

27:15 - How Districts Earn Points & Rebates

28:48 - Cool School Points Making Business Easier

31:00 - Cool School Fresh: Revolutionizing Produce

32:51 - AI & Invoice Auditing for Schools

33:20 - Additional Benefits Like Chef Works & Shoes for Crews

35:49 - Should Buyers Edge Host a K-12 Event?

36:44 - The Power of AI in School Nutrition

38:15 - How AI is Transforming School Foodservice

41:40 - How Jen AI Supports Districts

44:44 - Future Collaboration Between Cool School Prime & AI

46:21 - The Idea of Custom AI for School Nutrition

47:25 - Personal Stories & Number Significance

49:11 - Sports Background & Passion for Athletics

54:38 - Final Thoughts on Cool School Prime

55:56 - Closing Remarks & Appreciation

Discover the inside scoop on Butterball in this episode of the NextUp Podcast! Marlon dives into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Alice Johnson and Frank Samuelson from Butterball, uncovering the company's dedication to animal care & wellbeing, food safety, and cutting-edge turkey products. Learn about their transparent auditing practices, the role of antibiotics in turkey farming, and why turkey is gaining popularity in K-12 school meals. Plus, hear about Butterball's community initiatives, their American Humane Certification, educational programs, and future research plans. Packed with expert insights and fun turkey trivia, this episode is perfect for food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Have questions about Butterball or turkey farming? Drop them in the comments below and join the conversation!===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ButterballFoodserviceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/butterball-foodserviceWebsite: https://www.butterballfoodservice.com/k-12/===========================Connect with us! ===========================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network Media Kit: https://the.nxtgennetwork.com/MediaKitServed Digizine December 2024 | Gifting Gratitude: https://nxtgennetwork.serveddigizine.com/view/674102441/===========================================Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================================➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz⏰ Chapters ⏰00:00 - Introduction & Guest Introductions

02:10 - Frank’s Background & Role at Butterball

03:45 - Dr. Alice Johnson’s Introduction & Career Journey

08:30 - How Dr. Alice Got into the Poultry Industry

11:20 - The Importance of Food Safety & Quality at Butterball

14:00 - Butterball’s Commitment to Animal Care & Auditing Process

17:40 - American Humane Certification & Farm Audits

22:15 - The Science Behind Turkey Welfare & Farming Standards

26:40 - Different Types of Turkeys & Their Role in Production

29:50 - Turkey Growth Cycle & Processing

32:30 - Butterball’s Approach to Antibiotic Use

36:10 - Transparency in the Industry & Consumer Trust

39:20 - School Districts & Their Concerns About Poultry Products

41:50 - The Role of Nutrition in K-12 Schools & Trends

45:10 - Turkey in School Menus: Barbacoa & Other Recipes

48:00 - Commodity Processing & New Product Innovations

51:30 - The National Turkey Federation & Policy Development

54:50 - Differences Between Turkey & Chicken Farming58:20 - Biosecurity Measures & Poultry Farm Audits

1:01:40 - Butterball’s Research & Innovations in Poultry Farming

1:05:00 - Sustainable Practices & Ethical Treatment of Turkeys

1:08:45 - Turkeys in the Wild vs. Farm-Raised Turkeys

1:12:10 - Turkey Farming Technology & Automation

1:15:30 - Fun Facts About Turkeys & Poultry Farming Myths

1:18:20 - Guest Hobbies & Personal Interests

1:22:10 - The Importance of School Testing & Product Development

1:25:40 - Closing Thoughts & Final Remarks

In this conversation, Manish Singh, Director of Foodservices at LA Unified School District and Marlon discuss the evolution of food services within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Manish speaks about the transition to a 100% Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district, innovative programs like farm-to-table, and the introduction of food trucks. He emphasizes the importance of creating a joyful work environment, addressing complaints, and changing perceptions about school meals. The conversation also touches on partnerships with culinary institutions and the impact of training on food quality, as well as future initiatives to enhance student engagement and meal offerings.

From studying psychology to stepping into the classroom as a teacher and now launching her entrepreneurial journey with Kamps4Kids, Sarah Johansen's story is a testament to passion and purpose. In this episode of the Next Up Podcast, she dives into the power of relationships in shaping childhood development, how technology is transforming education, and why giving kids the chance to try new activities is a game-changer.

Join Dr. Raul Serrano and Marlon for a captivating episode where they discuss how one conversation can change lives. They reflect on their high school days and decisions that shaped their paths. Dr. Serrano, a father, husband, author, and chiropractor, shares a turning point in his career.

How is school nutrition evolving to meet the needs of students and communities? In this episode of the NextUp Podcast, we sit down with Mallory Reeves, Senior Administrator for Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services, to uncover the stories and strategies behind modern school meal programs. Mallory shares her journey and emphasizes the power of collaboration in driving innovation. She discusses the challenges of reshaping perceptions about school meals, the importance of effective communication, and how advocacy ensures students receive nutritious meals.

In this episode, Souha Alameddine, Nate Dudek, Bren Yamaguchi, Christine Yi, and Marlon Gordon talk about how technology shapes Child Nutrition. They discuss how AI and digital tools can help influence the real strength of the industry, its people, and the sense of community they create. While AI can’t replace that, Gaia prioritizes AI and its ability to support it, allowing staff to focus more on serving nutritious meals to students.

Cristhel Just joins us for this episode and shares her personal journey of transformation, from growing up with limited resources in Costa Rica to finding success in corporate America which included a marketing leadership role at Coca-Cola where she was the Global Marketing Operations Sr Manager. Crystal also talks about the pivotal moment that led her to leave her corporate job and pursue a career in holistic health.

In this episode, Marlon talks with guests Shani Hall and Ervin Watson about leadership and support in the context of school nutrition services. The guests discuss the importance of having a strong support system and team behind a leader to achieve success. They also talked about their experience working together and the challenges they faced in centralizing the school nutrition program.

Sponsored by Heartland School Solutions