What makes Griffin Commercial Kitchen Equipment great? Our people. We pride ourselves on assembling one of the greatest teams in foodservice, experts who can help operators in North and South Carolina overcome challenges and experience success. Learn more about one of our foodservice equipment experts, Brian McCormick.
Growing up in Charlotte, did you always know that you were going to be involved in foodservice? How did you wind up working for Griffin?
Truly, I didn’t know that I was going to pursue a career in the foodservice industry after college. I did attend the North Carolina School Show to assist my father when I was younger and to help in his booth by setting up literature and samples to hand out, but I never thought I would be a principal of a firm one day.
After graduating from UNC Charlotte in 2009, it wasn’t the ideal time to enter the workforce, but I kept in contact with some friends and began working for a local speed shop in Charlotte. My father approached me in 2010 with an offer and the opportunity to come and work for Jones-McCormick. They knew they needed to pursue younger sales representatives in an effort to show the manufacturers that there was a succession plan in place for the future of the company. I was, and to this day, am truly grateful for the opportunity to carry on his legacy and begin my own in his footsteps.
Were there any big lessons along the way that have stuck with you today?
I stick to the basics when it comes to lessons I have learned from my father and veterans in the foodservice industry, and they have served me well thus far in my life and career. “It doesn’t cost a dime to be friendly,” “listen more than you speak,” and always “be yourself and do what’s right.”
You’re a huge golfer. What are some of your favorite courses that you’ve played? What would be on your wish list?
I have had the privilege of playing some courses overseas in Scotland such as The Old Course at Saint Andrews and Turnberry. I enjoyed playing Roaring Gap in Sparta, North Carolina, especially, and I am a fan of courses designed by Donald Ross.
North Carolina is a huge college basketball state. Do you have a team you root for? Or do you stick mostly to golf?
I am an alumnus of UNC Charlotte, so I am a 49er at the end of the day. I enjoy competitive college basketball, but being a North Carolina native, you’re required to pick a side, so I tend to root for Duke.
Where do you see the industry headed in the next five years?
In the next five years, I can see the industry embracing more automation and robotics in the back of the kitchen. I believe more than ever, customers are really focusing on the ROI for their business due to the rise in cost of goods and materials as well as the continued struggle with labor retention and turnover.
What is your favorite restaurant, and what’s your go-to order when you get there?
Cajun Queen, with the crawfish scampi as an appetizer and the shrimp scampi for my entrée.
If you wanted people to know one last thing about you and Griffin, what would that be?
I would want people to know that I am a dedicated, hardworking young professional and that I am committed to providing and offering the best product, solution, and services to fit their exact needs. Griffin’s mission is to be a solution-based selling organization and to be transparent and honest with all our customers as well as the industry partners we work with.
Thanks, Brian. See you on the links!
Ready to get to know our team even better? Schedule some time with us to see how we can help your business and to chat about your favorite meal:
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