Next Up Podcast

How do we describe DJ Bonoan?

===========================

This is a special episode sponsored by Cool Tropics that was recorded at Houston Independent School District with Ms. Betti Wiggins, the Child Nutrition Administrator, Marcus Glenn, Area Manager of Nutrition and Agriculture, and of course our sponsor, Frank Massabni, President and CEO of Cool Tropics.

During this episode, we spoke about the importance of Farm to School programs, what Houston ISD is doing with their 100+ farm sites, and how Cool Tropics is supporting operators and farmers to bring locally grown food to school nutrition programs across the country.

We hope you enjoy!

===========================

Yes…the title is correct. Big Chicken is going to space! But that’s not the only thing exciting about this booming restaurant franchise. People are a major part of their formula for success and on this episode, Marlon had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Samuel Stanovich, Big Chicken’s SVP of Franchise Leadership.Sam is an author, connector, servant leader, and one of the most business savvy people in the restaurant world. He was also there at the beginning of NxtGen Network and has been a huge supporter.So sit back, relax, and prepare for blast off. Sam drops all sorts of wisdom during this episode that can be used to also help you reach out of this world success.

When you look up the term “super natural strength” what you’ll find is a picture of Nathan Todd. Nathan has been to the lowest lows dealing with multiple health issues stacked up at the same time, mis diagnoses, and more. He literally found himself in a place of darkness and if it weren’t for his super natural strength fueled by his relationship with God he never would have made it out. Check out this episode to hear Nathan’s amazing story and to learn about how he’s using the difficult times he conquered to help others today using faith as fuel.

In this episode Marlon sits down with Dr. Katie Wilson, the Executive Director for the Urban School Food Alliance. Katie's list of accomplishments that led her to her current position at USFA is...extensive. Join Marlon as he learns more about Katie, her passion for innovation, disruption, and feeding children. All of which make her one of the best, if not the best in her field.

In this episode Marlon has the opportunity to sit down with Dan and Patrick from Polar King to learn about how they serve in the child nutrition segment as well as all of the other industries they also keep cool.

In this episode Marlon and Kaitlin discuss hydroponic farming and what it looks like to get units up and running, the benefits of having your own farm, and a ton more including future projects, innovation, video games, and Zumba,

Welcome to the Next Up Podcast! 

For this episode, I traveled to DeSoto County in Mississippi to visit with Alex Hallmark, their Director of Child Nutrition. Throughout the conversation, we discussed a wide range of topics relevant to school nutrition professionals from menu planning to community engagement. As well as some good ol Mississipi folklore having to do with bread crusts and learning how to whistle

As an experienced school nutrition director, Alex shares her perspective on the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and building a strong team. She also discusses her efforts to promote healthy eating habits among students and sourcing high-quality, locally grown foods.

Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing school nutrition professionals, and ways for you to stay ahead of the game.

Jazz, Blues, and BBQ…I must be in Memphis! In this episode of the Next Up podcast I hung out with Eugene Bradford, the Executive Director of Dining Services at Shelby County Schools in Tennessee.

Eugene and I spoke about mentorship, district growth, why he introduced chef coats to his program, why he feels it’s important to encourage a shift from the traditional “cafeteria” experience to a more upscale bistro and so much more. But one of my favorite things he’s implemented within his program is the concept of "I Got Five On It" which is used to encourage his team to increase student participation daily.

Eugene dropped all sorts of valuable nuggets during our conversation and I’m sure after listening to him you’ll be just as inspired as I was to put five on it!

And before we dive into the episode I'd like to give Polar King, Polar Leasing, and Polar King Mobile a huge shout-out for helping to make this episode possible.