Profile: Ryan Seibold – NE Regional Sales Manager – Foodservice

Ryan Seibold – Northeast Regional Sales Manager Foodservice

We had an opportunity to catch up with Garner Food’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Foodservice, Ryan Seibold, to learn more about his professional experience and contributions to our team. Ryan has been a key member of our foodservice sales team and has given direction and leadership to Garner’s partners and customers in the greater Northeast region. Here’s what he shared with our interviewer.

Brashears: When did you begin working for Garner Foods?

Ryan: I started with Garner in March of 2019 as the Northeast Regional Sales Manager.

Brashears: What attracted you to the Garner Foods organization?

Ryan: I was working as the broker for Garner before I joined their team. Nikki (Green) asked if I wanted to interview. I had enjoyed success working with Garner as a broker and loved their culture and family-friendly culture as a company—I could tell that their team members weren’t treated as just employees. The team was very welcoming.  It was an easy decision for me.

Brashears: What was your prior experience before coming to Garner Foods?

Ryan: I had been dealing a lot with Nikki and she was always very responsive and considerate to the new ideas. Getting a good corporate partner that is engaged as a broker can be hard, but Garner was always very positive. I could tell they valued their broker partners and welcomed collaborative ideas that aligned with their brands.

Brashears: What do you love about working in the food industry?

Ryan: I came from the restaurant industry before I was a broker. I was a dishwasher at 14 in a restaurant and took culinary classes in high school.  I love to cook and ended up going to culinary school. When the hours got long and stressful, I decided it was time to move into a new position, but still wanted to stay in the industry. Food is a natural attractant for all people to gather around. There’s a passion and consideration for one another that I really enjoy about our industry.

Brashears: If Garner Foods was a sports team (any sport), who would they be and why?

Ryan: The Boston Red Sox. That 2004 team was always hard-working as an underdog. That’s a great comparison of our team. We’re not as big as some of the other organizations, but everyone on our team does their part by working together to make success happen for our customers.

Brashears: What are your favorite ways to unwind and recharge?

Ryan: I love golf.  I’m by no means a great golfer, but it’s my time to be outside with friends.  It doesn’t matter how I’m playing, I just love being out in the sun with buddies and relax.

Brashears: What’s your favorite way to help or inspire other professionals around you?

Ryan: Just working with them!  A lot of times, having been a broker, I work with my brokers now with a perspective and passion that they really appreciate.  Even when I was in the kitchen, I enjoyed pitching in at every station even as the executive chef.  Everyone needs to get in there and do whatever needs to get done. There’s no room for egos when working in our industry at any level.

Brashears: What is your favorite food or cuisine?

Ryan: Italian is what I do most and what I love to cook.  But really, deep down, I just love Spanish cuisine and culture.  I love their passion and love for food in general. Italian and Spanish cuisine both share that perspective on food.

Brashears: What are your top 3 favorite places to travel?

Ryan: I’m pretty easy to get along with on travel, haha.  If there are some water, sand, and drinks I’m happy.  We go to Rhode Island and the Outer Banks quite a bit and I love them both.  Rhode Island has always been a really special place for me and my family as I grew up going there. We also love Disney now.  I went for the first time a couple of years ago and we had an amazing time.  I had the ears and the “first-time” badge and did all the cheesy stuff.  They do an incredible job of making every guest feel special.

Brashears: What is a professional goal you have for 2021?

Ryan: Just to be better than last year.  I’ve always been that way. I want to just be growing and always be improving.  I’m constantly comparing my performance year over year.  If I’m moving forward, that’s a win for me!

Brashears: What was the last Garner Foods product you used?

Ryan: I always have original Texas Pete^® Hot Sauce in my fridge.  It goes on everything nearly every single day!

Brashears: If a could have been born in any era of history, what would you choose and why?

Ryan: I feel like I was born in the best era.  My generation (Millennial) has seen so much around the world, but now we have amazing technology that brings so much opportunity and community to our world.

Brashears: What was the last thing (podcast, book, speaker, etc.) that really inspired you?

Ryan: One of my new favorite artists is Tyler Childers.  His message in his music has been very powerful and inspiring. He sings about his life and his experience. He recently released a video commentary on his new song “Long Violent History” which was very moving.

Brashears: If you were going to write a book or some other piece of media, what would it be about?

Ryan: It would probably be an Anthony Bourdain-style book about my life in the kitchen.  Whether it was a self-help book or just an autobiography, it would revolve around the kitchen, food, and everything this industry has taught me.

Brashears: What are you binge-watching right now?

Ryan: I just finished The Falcon and Winter Soldier and have just moved on to The Bad Batch. Can’t wait for the new season of Ozark too, I love that show.