Meet Our Team

1) What’s your favorite outdoor activity?

Hiking, biking, boating, camping (er… glamping in my camper!) is where you will find me during the summer months!  We love to grill up some delicious food on the campfire!  Although, not such a cold weather fan, skiing is always on my family’s to-do list during the winter months.  My happy place is outdoors!
 
2) Who is your favorite band?

I love the Dave Matthews Band!  Every summer for the past twenty-plus years you could find my husband and me traveling around to see DMB shows in different locations.  Now we have two children (who also love DMB) so we don’t travel as far but are excited to share the live show experience someday with our littlest fans.  To quote one of my favorite lyrics: “Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters”!
 
3) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A ballerina!  My idol was Russian-born classical dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov – I even wrote and sent him fan mail!  Despite my love for dance (which is still a huge inspiration today!), I ended up filling my creative side studying flute since I was 7 years old and even went on to earn a Master’s Degree in flute performance!

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? 
Breakfast – anything from omelets, waffles, fresh berry syrup & pancakes or skillet scrambles.

2) What is one of your hobbies? 
I have an extensive restaurant list. That covers Detroit, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, GR. Like to find new places and check them off. (self-proclaimed foodie& critic) and Outdoor walks/trails with my dog, cycling & barre classes.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? 
PB & J sandwiches and cream of mushroom soup and ice cream sandwiches

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? 

Anything on the grill.

 

2) What is one of your hobbies? 

Playing Water Polo.

 

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? 

Golf is my favorite outdoor sport.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Pasta Bolognese.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an NBA player!

3) What is one of your hobbies? I love brewing my own beer.
 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Golf. It is the only time I can forget about everyday things, relax, and enjoy time with my friends playing the game I love.

2) What is your favorite movie? “Stepbrothers”. It is the only movie I have downloaded on my phone. I know when my flight’s delayed or I am waiting somewhere for a long period of time, I can flip it on and catch a few laughs.

3) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? Professional Baseball Player (for the Tigers). I just loved the game of baseball and I was very fortunate to be able to pursue it all the way through college.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Mexican food: tacos, fajitas, quesadillas... I like it all.

2) What is one food you can’t live without? Warm fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are my one of my favorite things: I could eat a whole batch.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Vancouver, Canada is the most beautiful city I have seen!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

Stir Fry! My family actually calls me Julie stir-fry. I love the flexibility and ease of changing the protein, veggies, and sauces while making the dish my own.

 

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?

I had the chance to travel to Australia when I was in high school and would like to visit again. The Great Barrier Reef was absolutely breath-taking.

 

3) What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“When someone says you can’t do it, do it twice and take pictures.”

1) If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A blue whale because they're large & fast & travel the globe.

2) What's your favorite book? The Giving Tree.

3) Tell us one thing that would surprise us about you. I used to be a red cross certified waterfront safety director and taught water rescue and first aid training to lifeguards.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Tacos!

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

3) What are you most looking forward to in 2018? Spending time with family!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Breakfast! I’m a master omelet and pancake flipper.

2) If you could be a food, what would you be? Hot Sauce.

3) Do you have an odd talent? I am like a human jukebox…I know all the words to a plethora of songs, from all different genres and eras. People don’t understand the magnitude of this talent until they take a road trip with me.
 

1) Do you have an odd talent? In high school, my mother had me take harmonica lessons (as punishment). Long story short, I know how to play a few tunes on the harmonica.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been? Antelope Canyons in Arizona - truly a natural phenomenon. Rock formations in the middle of a Navajo Reservation that are formed by flash flooding. The way that light peaks through the rocks makes a kaleidoscope of colors.

3) What is one food you can’t live without? I’m a Polish food junkie. My favorite is potato pancakes.
 

1) What was your favorite childhood food? 

Mac and Cheese as a child I used to put ketchup on it also.

 

2) What is your favorite movie? 

The Lion King, I love the older version and the new one

 

3) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? 

I really like cooking ribs, we try to make them a few times a month on the weekends.

1) What is your favorite movie?  One Fine Day with Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney 1996. The bag Michelle has is  wonderful. It has everything. I want one of those. Plus George Clooney is so cute. 
 
2) Who’s your favorite character?  Alway Mickey Mouse ! More Current BB8. I even dressed up as BB8 at the ACDA convention.
 
3) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?  A flight attendant. Both my parents worked for the airlines. However, I get motion sickness, Don't think that would have worked too well.

 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? I love to golf!

2) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I like to cook chicken stir fry.

3) What is one food you can’t live without? Pizza!
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a kid I wanted to be an Airline Pilot.

2) What do you do for fun when you aren’t at National Food Group? I love to golf!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? The people! I feel lucky to be around such talented and hardworking people.
 

1) What is your favorite movie? Tough call between "School of Rock" or "About Time".

2) Who’s your favorite character? The aliens from Toy Story... the original minions.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The World Health Organization in Geneva.
 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Golf

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattlesnake

3) Favorite Movie? The Usual Suspects
 

1 As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I really wanted to be a dolphin trainer at Sea World when I grew up. I loved going there and wanted to swim with the dolphins.

2 What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie would have to be She’s the Man. Amanda Bynes is absolutely hilarious in it. It’s funny no matter how many times I watch it.

3 Who’s your favorite character?
My favorite character is Oliver Queen from Arrow. It’s a great crime fighting show and I even have an Arrow t-shirt with Oliver on it.

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The island of Maui for my honeymoon. I felt like I was living inside of a postcard!

2) What is one of your hobbies? Prior to working at National Food Group I was a Yoga Instructor. Now in my spare time I love to take Yoga classes as a student!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? I love working with my coworkers and my customers. Getting to know everyone over the years really creates a family-like environment.
 

1) What is your favorite movie? Labyrinth – I think this movie shaped my childhood. I know every word and I am a David Bowie fan for life.

2) Who’s your favorite character? Daenerys Targaryen (from Game of Thrones) – She’s a dynamic leader that can conquer a challenge with a strong moral compass. I can totally get behind that.

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Soccer, or Football, as it is commonly known in my British-American household.
 

1) What is your favorite outdoor sport?
My favorite outdoor sport is hiking and my favorite place to do it is anywhere in our beautiful National Park system! (State parks count too)

2) What is one of your hobbies?
I am an excellent cook and cook or bake at home every day.

3) What is one of your favorite activities?
I love to sew. I make quilts, costumes and garments for myself and my daughter in my free time!

1) What is one of your hobbies? 
I love to mountain bike! It’s a great workout and even better reason to get outside.

2) What is your favorite book? 
“Fight Club”. It was the first book I ever read for fun and helped me learn to enjoy reading.

3) What is your favorite movie? 
“Forest Gump”, anytime it’s on I find myself glued to the couch.

1) What is your favorite book? A Room with A View by E.M Forster.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Cappadocia Turkey or The Great Wall of China. It’s a tie.

 3) Do you have an odd talent? I can usually guess what state someone is from by their accent. I have an accent obsession.
 

1) What is your favorite book? Musashi 

2) What are you most looking forward to within the next year? My trip to Japan.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Every day there is a new opportunity to sell and work with unique food products.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I make a mean Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta dish! I also like experimenting in the kitchen and trying to find ways to make everyday recipes healthier for me and my fiancé.

 2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an artist. I was always taking any sort of art class and would often draw in my spare time.

 3) What is your favorite movie? I love the Harry Potter movies! It’s one of those movies that I can just jump into no matter where I start off. I have a bad habit of binging them whenever there is a marathon on TV.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?  I wanted to be a professional basketball player, Isiah Thomas preferably because he was short like I am.

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?  Has to be either beef tongue or pig ears, I was more of a fan of the beef tongue but both were weird!!!

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?  Toured the entire perimeter at the top of Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland with views all over Dublin and surroundings.
 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Golf! I try to go to a golf course once or twice a month.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Boracay Philippines. Had the opportunity to go to this beautiful island when visiting family there.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Macaroni & Cheese! It is still my favorite food and plan on attending the Mac and Cheese festival they have in San Diego as soon as possible.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A singer!   I decided when I was 4 years old that I was going to be a singer “no matter if anyone liked it or not” …see, I’ve always been this way 😊.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Beach Volleyball. I love playing 2 man beach volleyball with my daughters now that they are old enough to play better than I can!

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Nacho Cheese Doritos. My nick name was “Dorito” – seriously.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a librarian, because the library was one of my favorite places to go.

2) What is one of your hobbies? 
I really like to sew/quilt; my grandma was a seamstress, and taught me to sew when I was really young.

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? 
My favorite outdoor sport would have to be soccer; I played for over 15 years.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I make a killer Thai dish from scratch – red curry with chicken – sometimes with shrimp. Heat is medium. It is famous. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of this…

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? Clint Eastwood.

3) What’s your favorite movie? “The Big Short” – best scene was the Jared Vennett pitch to Front Point Partners.
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The Baths on Virgin Gorda, in the BVIs. It was like running through Neverland. (which brings me to the next question…)

2) Who’s your favorite character? Peter Pan. Who wants to grow up? Let’s play and adventure forever. 

3) What is one of your hobbies? I love photography and hanging in hammocks! Is hammocking a hobby?

1) Where’s the coolest place you have been?
I recently traveled through Europe and hit up all the Christmas Markets in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin where every corner was covered in Christmas Lights, Mulled Wine and Fresh Pastries! It truly felt like I was walking around the scene of a Hallmark movie!

2) What was your favorite childhood food?
Hands down Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard Sauce! In reality probably still is my favorite food…but now I would like to consider myself a “Chicken Tender Connoisseur”.

3) What is one of your hobbies?
I am a workout fiend! You can always find me at the gym, in an indoor cycling class or trying out the latest trends of circuit training, rowing classes, indoor treadmill classes. You name it, I’ll try it! 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I love to experiment and find healthier alternatives to some not so healthy recipes.

2) What is your favorite book? The Art Of Racing In The Rain. Every dog lover should read this book.

3) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Calf fries…don’t ask!
 

1) If you could be an animal, what would you be? A Bird! I think it would be awesome to be able to fly.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? To watch it is football. To play would be kickball!

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Sahara Desert – it was so different!!
 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Since I grew up in Park City, Utah, I would have to say my favorite outdoor sport is skiing.

2) What was your favorite childhood food? My favorite childhood food was shrimp scampi. I’m sure my parents were thrilled with my “fancy” requests.

3) What is one of your hobbies?  I enjoy taking barre classes, which are essentially sculpting fitness classes set to fun motivating music.
 

1) What is your favorite food to cook? My favorite food to cook is Mexican food.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? All the great people I get to work with. 
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I love pasta and it’s easy to cook so I make a lot of it. My favorite dish is my version of pasta carbonara. My take is that I add a soft-boiled egg right on top to finish the plate. It’s different than the typical dish but so delicious! 

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? I LOVE baseball…watching…not playing. The Detroit Tigers are my favorite team!

3) What’s your favorite part of working at National Food Group? The people! I feel very lucky to be a part of such an amazing team. I have made some lifelong friends that I truly am thankful for.
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? I love doing Aerial Yoga when I get off work, it’s a great balance to working/sitting all day, I get to decompress and hang upside down!  

2) What was your favorite childhood food? I loved eating Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese braised pork rice bowl) growing up, my mom would make this every week and my siblings and I would be so excited when we smelled it cooking all day.

3) What is your favorite TV Series? Drop Dead Diva is my absolute favorite, it’s a dramatic romantic comedy involving reincarnation and surprisingly…the law, so it’s also super informative. 😊
 

We are getting to know our new team member. Please check back for updates!

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattle Snake, Squirrel, Camel, Chocolate covered bugs. Pick one!

2) What are some of your hobbies? Collecting sports memorabilia and making wine.

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida and Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast).
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?  I cook almost every night, but love to make Chicken Piccata.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a veterinarian or a police officer! Things have changed.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Kauai… always! A second home!
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattle Snake, Squirrel, Camel, Chocolate covered bugs. Pick one!

2) What are some of your hobbies? Collecting sports memorabilia and making wine.

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida and Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast).
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? Crossfit, which is a fitness regimen but also a competitive sport.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Mountain Biking in summer, and snow shoeing in winter.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Connecting with customers all over the country, and most have become friends.
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?
Mallorca, Spain. It’s the most geographically diverse island I’ve ever been to. 1,405 square miles of mountains, beaches, clear blue water, vineyards, and underground lakes. It’s a dream!
 
2) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? 
Chicken piccata is my favorite food to make--but I love to bake cakes, pies, creme brulee, brownies, biscotti, anything and everything! 
 
 
3) What is one of your hobbies? I love to be active! Distance running, biking, and skiing are my favorites. Exploring new restaurants and breweries I would also consider a hobby of mine--I’m always snackalackin’.
 
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The coolest place I’ve been is Grand Turk Island. The water was crystal clear and it was so peaceful. I can’t wait to go back!

2) What is your favorite food to cook at home? I love to cook but I have a passion for baking. My favorite thing to bake is Oreo Truffles.

3) What is your favorite thing about working at National Food Group? My favorite part about working at National Food Group is getting to work with such wonderful people. Everyone is passionate about what they do!
 

1) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Golf. Nothing beats being on the course!

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Bacharach, Germany. Which is an old historic town that is on the Rhine River.

3) What is your favorite movie? Without a doubt, Step Brothers!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Tacos

2) If you could be a food, what would you be?
Coconut Shrimp

3) Do you have an odd talent?
Kick a 60-yard field goal

1) What is your favorite thing to bake at home? I love French macarons.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A mermaid – I love to swim!

3) What is your favorite book? “The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death” – hilarious; highly recommend.
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattle Snake, Squirrel, Camel, Chocolate covered bugs. Pick one!

2) What are some of your hobbies? Collecting sports memorabilia and making wine.

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida and Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast).
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Blow Fish!

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The coolest place I have been to is Giza, where the Great Pyramids are located in Egypt.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? The enjoyment of helping our customers find solutions that help their company’s objectives.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Tacos

2) If you could be a food, what would you be?
Coconut Shrimp

3) Do you have an odd talent?
Kick a 60-yard field goal

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattle Snake, Squirrel, Camel, Chocolate covered bugs. Pick one!

2) What are some of your hobbies? Collecting sports memorabilia and making wine.

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida and Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast).
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? Crossfit, which is a fitness regimen but also a competitive sport.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Mountain Biking in summer, and snow shoeing in winter.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Connecting with customers all over the country, and most have become friends.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Tacos

2) If you could be a food, what would you be?
Coconut Shrimp

3) Do you have an odd talent?
Kick a 60-yard field goal

1) What is one of your hobbies? I love doing Aerial Yoga when I get off work, it’s a great balance to working/sitting all day, I get to decompress and hang upside down!  

2) What was your favorite childhood food? I loved eating Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese braised pork rice bowl) growing up, my mom would make this every week and my siblings and I would be so excited when we smelled it cooking all day.

3) What is your favorite TV Series? Drop Dead Diva is my absolute favorite, it’s a dramatic romantic comedy involving reincarnation and surprisingly…the law, so it’s also super informative. 😊
 

We are getting to know our new team member. Please check back for updates!

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?  I cook almost every night, but love to make Chicken Piccata.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a veterinarian or a police officer! Things have changed.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Kauai… always! A second home!
 

1)What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football. I grew up in a “football family” as my father was Head Coach at St. John’s Jesuit. I learned to love football for all the life lessons that came along with it and the leadership skills it helped develop.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Hong Kong. I’ve traveled extensively for work and leisure. I really enjoyed Hong Kong as it has incredible energy, cuisine, and is an absolutely beautiful city!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? I’ve enjoyed the people and the energy at NFG!
 

1) Favorite thing too cook at home? Anything that I can put on the grill.

2) Favorite outside sport? My favorite outdoor sport is football. I enjoy many others, too, like golf, disc golf and basketball.

3) Coolest place you've ever visted? The coolest place I have been is Colorado and more specifically hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Beef Stroganoff

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Pharmacist

3) What is one of your hobbies?
Camping

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? An Archaeologist – I’ve always had a passion for history.

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? When I lived in Germany, I once ate an Ostrich steak.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? This is a very hard choice, probably taking a helicopter into the Grand Canyon, breathtaking!
 
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? 
There’s a taco place at the Detroit Shipping Company that had cricket tacos that I tried once.  It was full cricket bodies in a taco with some add-ons and I don’t think I would eat it again. 
 
2) What is one of your hobbies? 
One of my hobbies is curling at the Detroit Curling Club.  I only started in 2019 but I really enjoy having a good winter hobby to fill my time; plus it’s super fun!
 
3) What was your favorite childhood food? 
My favorite childhood food is actually still to this day my favorite food which is a classic bagel and cream cheese.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Chori Pollo, a chorizo chicken dish.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? Basically what I’m doing now, accounting.

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? College Football – GO BLUE!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Everything! I love food and really enjoy cooking! Steak probably is my favorite though.

2) What is your favorite book? “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” because it sparked my love for horror and suspense novels.

3) What is your favorite movie? “As Good As It Gets” is pretty much as good as it gets! Jack Nicholson is my favorite actor and he is amazing in this.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Baking is my thing, I love making fun cupcakes. I also love to make Million Dollar Spaghetti (google it, you will not be disappointed).

2) Who’s your favorite character? Peyton Sawyer from One Tree Hill, love her!

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Would have to be either Costa Rica or San Juan walking around San Juan, the architecture and colors are just amazing.
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? 
Quebec City, Quebec in the wintertime. The scenery/lights/magic of the season was like something straight out of a Disney movie. 

2) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? 
Any soup or stews. The long process of layering flavors makes the whole house smell wonderful. 

4) What is one of your hobbies? 
Food photography. I'm one of those that is always taking pictures in restaurants! 

 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Anything with pasta!

2) What is one of your hobbies? Running – it’s a great stress reliever :)

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Italy would be a great retirement location.
 

1) What do you like most about working here?  The people. The team here is friendly and works well together. Everyone is passionate about their jobs and the company. It’s a great atmosphere!
 
 

1) Who’s your favorite character? Superman.  I’ve always liked him since I was a kid. It’s something about always being there to save the day.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football, especially Michigan State Football. It’s better outdoors, being able to overcome the elements. No matter the weather, “It’s a beautiful day for football!” (MSU fans know what I’m talking about.)

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In fact, I still eat them regularly to this day.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?  Cajun pasta!  I love all food but spicy comfort food is my weakness. 

2) What is your favorite part about working at NFG?  The best part of working here so far is the support I’ve received from my team and seeing the collaboration amongst us all to get the job done!  

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Skiing hands down!  It’s my favorite way to unwind and spend time outside with friends & family.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Anything Mexican… tacos, enchiladas, etc.

2) What is your favorite outdoor sport? Football is my favorite sport.

3) What is your favorite TV show? It’s a tie between Hard Knocks or Dateline!
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to be a dancer or fashion designer.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport?
One of my favorite outdoor sports is paddle boarding. I love spending my time outside.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?
I love to travel. I have been to 10 different countries, but one of the coolest places I have been to is Italy.

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a chef.

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Gooseneck Barnacles.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The Sahara Desert in Morocco.
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Tongue tacos! I love them!

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A Veterinarian.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Rice with lime.
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Years ago while on a safari in Africa we ate at one of the local restaurants where I started with an appetizer of roasted grubs and bull tongue followed by wildebeest, warthog and ostrich.

2) What is one of your hobbies? When I get free time I try to run marathons and long races in unique places. I am getting ready to run my 43rd full marathon and have over 200 races in that are a half marathon or longer.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? A couple years back I had the privilege and the honor to travel to Antarctica where I ran I marathon, I also got to go for a swim in the Weddell Sea of the Antarctic Peninsula, it was numbingly invigorating.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Homemade marinara sauce. I love the process of layering in the flavors and how the house smells absolutely amazing all day long while the pot simmers.

2) What is your favorite childhood food?
This is embarrassing, but I used to eat beef ramen noodles almost every single day for dinner as a child and no other flavor. Now you couldn’t pay me to eat it!

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport?
Michigan State Football - Go Green!

1) What is one food you can’t live without? The one food that I cannot live without is Chocolate. I have the biggest sweet tooth!

2) What is one of your hobbies? One of my hobbies that I enjoy doing is working out!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? My favorite part of working at National Food Group so far is the culture and being able to approach anyone with a question. I look forward to my future here and being able to contribute to being a part of the team!!
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? – I wanted to be a veterinarian, but that quickly changed when I realized how difficult biology/chemistry were in college!

2) Do you have an odd talent? – I can lick my elbow!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? – My favorite part is the people and the environment! I love the open, fun, and collaborative atmosphere!

1) What is your favorite movie?
The Crow, with Brandon Lee.

2) What is one of your hobbies?
I have a decently sized collection of hats.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group?
The people! ...And getting to wear jeans.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Cupcakes!

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The coolest place I’ve been is Ghana, Africa.

3) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? The President of the United States.
 

1) If you could be a food, what would you be?
Ice cream! Specifically the banana cream pie ice cream from Mitchell’s Ice Cream Shop in Cleveland because it is the best.

2) What is your favorite book?
I love to read so the answer to this changes often but currently it is “That Sounds Fun” by Annie F. Downs. I was not expecting this book to be as great as it was and it is a good reread pick.

3) Do you have an odd hobby?
I like to collect cookbooks to read them. Eventually I’ll cook something out of one of them one day but out of the 50+ cookbooks I have I haven’t cooked anything out of any of them.

1) If you could be an animal, what would you be? A Sasquatch.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Pond Hockey.

3) Who’s your favorite character? Boba Fett.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I really enjoy Mexican food. I love the colors and flavors!

2) What was your favorite childhood food? Pasta. I had it at least twice a week!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? The people! Some of my best friends!!
 

 

1) What is one of your hobbies? Home improvement. I like to paint, tile, an use power tools. I am in the middle of replacing my deck. It’s both relaxing and rewarding!

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football. I prefer college football over professional. I played powderpuff football in school.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Hawaii – it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I have been to 3 of the Islands and Kawai is my favorite!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Cranberry Scones and Paul Perdomme’s BBQ Shrimp.

2) If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A Hawk, I would love to fly wherever the wind would take me.

3) What is one of your hobbies?
I love to quilt Christmas tree skirts.

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Chicken Paprikas, I’m Hungarian and it was one of the first foods I learned to cook as a kid, it’s my #1 comfort food.

2) What is the weirdest food you've ever eaten? Balut. A teacher in culinary school gave us all a chance to try it and if we could eat the whole thing without gagging or getting sick he increased our grades by a whole letter. I won. 😊

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? It’s a very fun and supportive work environment and I love that each day brings something different whether it’s recipe testing, photo shoots or themed events.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher.  I have always loved children and making an impact!

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport?  I love golfing - especially on a perfect Michigan summer day.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? My Italian Grandmother’s homemade pizza.   Being a part of a large Italian family, it was like you won the lottery when you received a piece of the first pizza that came out of the oven!  My mouth waters just thinking about it.

1) What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Stepbrothers with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.

2) Do you have an odd talent? I can juggle.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? My favorite part about working at National would have to be working with my team every day!
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? I love running.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football!

3) What is one food you can’t live without? I can’t live without pizza.
 

We are getting to know our new team member. Check back soon for updates!

We are getting to know our new team members. Check back soon for updates!

1) What is your favorite movie? My Favorite movie is 300. The way these men fought to the death for what they believed was fascinating. They were strong, brave, and courageous.

2) What is one of your hobbies? One of my hobbies is playing the drums. I’ve been playing since I was 11. I play at my church every Sunday and never get tired of doing so!

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? My favorite outdoor sport is football. It’s a very fun sport to play. Its super competitive and fast paced. When I’m out there on the field I love to try and be “unstoppable!”
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?
St. Lucia

2) What was your favorite childhood food?
Pizza! Who doesn’t love pizza?

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group?
Everything! The people, the office, & especially the perks!

We are getting to know our new team member. Check back soon for updates. 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I love to bake cookies at home! My favorite is classic chocolate chip. 😊

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? I went to Greece for a graduation trip which was amazing!

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Favorite outdoor sport is sand volleyball!
 

1) What is your favorite book? The entire Harry Potter series.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The Peak of Mt. Whitney during the sunrise after a 60 mile hike through the Sierra Nevadas.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? I grew up on making myself Kraft macaroni and cheese, easy and delicious!
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? 
I’m a pianist of 14 years. I have played in the band for community theatre and collegiate musical productions such as Little Shop of Horrors and Next to Normal.  I have acted in musicals before, but there is such a unique sense of collaboration that being in the orchestra/band provides.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?
I still think Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL is the coolest place (except in summer). I have an annual pass and go there often. The attractions are amazing, and the dining experiences are out of this world (if you know where to go). Be forewarned, I will talk your ear off about WDW. 

3) What is your favorite movie? 
This is always a tough one, but I would have to say either Casablanca (1942) or Rear Window (1954). I love classic film/cinema, so you’ll often find me at the Redford Theatre if they’re showing a 35mm print.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to work for the FBI or be a detective.

2) What was your favorite childhood food? Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Being given the ability to grow in my trade and as a person!
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? An animator, except I learned at a young age I was not good at drawing. The only person who would buy my drawings was my mom…

2) If you could be a food, what would you be? Pizza, it is a very versatile food, and most importantly, very tasty.

3) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? I accidentally ate chicken liver when visiting Vietnam.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Saturday morning breakfast - scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, coffee.

2) What are you most looking forward to within the next year? Participating in National Novel Writing Month this November.

3) What is one of your hobbies? I enjoy walking and exploring new places.
 

1) What is one food you can’t live without? Chips and salsa (this is my Friday after-work guilty pleasure).

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? The Mayan ruins Chichen Itza in Mexico.

3) What is one of your hobbies? I love camping!
 

1) If you could be an animal, what would you be? Great white shark hands down. Free sushi every day? Sign me up fam.

2) Do you have an odd talent? My mind can block out any spending I do on the weekends and instead repeats the phrase “Treat yo self”.

3) If you could be a food, what would you be? A potato. They can be literally ANYTHING! You want fries? Boom. Chips? No problem. Mashed potatoes? You got it. The possibilities are endless.
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? In August of 2018 I was able to go on a missions trip to Albania. It was an really awesome trip and the country was really beautiful. My favorite part if the trip was the people that I met, by far the most hospitable people I have ever met.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? My favorite outdoor sport is ice hockey.

3) Do you have an odd talent? I can a wrestle pigs…
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? 
Listening to podcasts. My favorite are on politics and true crime, but I love them all! 
 
2) What was your favorite childhood food? 
I was a really plain eater growing up, my all-time favorite meal was plain grilled chicken, white rice, and corn. No seasoning. lol
 
3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group / Zee Zees? 
Getting to meet everyone through the onboarding process. It’s a little different meeting everyone virtually, but the passion our team has for their roles is very clear…even through the computer screen!
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Hobbiton, the village created for the Lord of the Rings series in New Zealand. The rolling hilly farmland surrounding the village was just as majestic too.

2) Who is your favorite book character? Neville Longbottom (from the Harry Potter series) is the best!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? I love the people here. It's a very supportive and passionate community of people.
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I really enjoy playing with different ramen combinations…and always tacos or grilling anything.

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Beef tongue, but I would argue some of the fast food I’ve eaten is weirder.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Probably high mountain Colorado…it’s breathtaking…literally, those high elevations lack oxygen.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a fire truck.

2) What is one of your hobbies? I like brewing beer and growing hops.

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? The people, everyone is friendly and everyone cares about each other.
 

1) What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright. I am a huge Jane Austen fan, but Joe’s direction and how the film was shot blew my mind. It is just a gorgeous piece of cinema. I think I’ve watched it over 100 times and I am never tired of it.

2) Who’s on your music playlist? I love this question because I love music so much! I have so many playlists, but I will tell you what my top listens are. The Killers, Ryan Adams, Radiohead (The Bends/Ok Computer era), anything 80s new wave, anything punk or post-punk. Music is so important to me and I could talk about it all day!  

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? I think my favorite part of being at National Food Group is the people. There is an energy here that I have not experienced elsewhere. We have some of the hardest working people in the business and we all have an entrepreneurial spirit rooted deep within. No matter what our talents, we take pride in our work and it definitely shows!
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? The weirdest food I have ever eaten must be veal bone marrow. I was recently apart of a PBS documentary highlighting some of the most unique restaurants in Michigan entitled "Great Lakes, Great Tastes". Charred octopus comes in at a close second.

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a child, all I could ever think of was being a stunt driver. I can't remember what sparked the interest, but I was always trying to be a daredevil as a child.

3) What is one of your hobbies? A favorite hobby of mine is kayaking. I find it to be an awesome stress release and a good way to waste a Saturday in July.
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Alaska – breathtaking - from Denali, Kenai Peninsula, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna, Prince William Sound – also got to fly in a 4 seater plane over glaciers no one else can see from the ground!

2) If you could be an animal, what would you be? Otter! So much energy and always seem to be happy – and I love seafood.

3) Do you have a special talent? Piano. Since I was eight- studied as a minor in college – play now weekends in a band!
 

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Top of Estes Park, CO. I’m terrified of heights so the drive up there was scary, but once you get to the top it’s amazing. The wildlife and the mountains – beautiful!

2) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? I love making cute, themed cupcakes. Any holiday or occasion, I’ll find an excuse to make cupcakes.

3) What is your favorite movie? I have so many favorites, but Empire Records is up there!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Homemade falafel!

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Cow tongue…

3) What is one of your favorite hobbies? I love to refurbish old furniture. :)
 

1) If you could be an animal, what would you be? If I could be any animal I would be a giraffe because they are my favorite.

2) What is one of your hobbies? My favorite hobby is photography and I try to do it as often as I can!

3) What are you most looking forward to within the next year? Having just recently graduated college and started working here at National food Group, I most look forward to getting settled into my job here and getting to know all of the amazing people who also work here.

1) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Our culture makes us who we are. We have the best team and am so proud to help build it!

2) Where’s my favorite place to travel? I love to travel with my family. My favorite places are warm in the winter while it’s cold in Michigan. Bahamas and St. John are two of my favorites.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Buddy’s Pizza, still my favorite!
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

An author, maybe one day.

 

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?

Salem, MA for Halloween.

 

3) What was your favorite childhood food? 

Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings!

 

1) What’s your favorite podcast? That’s tough.. Planet Money is an ongoing favorite of mine for years. But right now Malcolm Gladwell’s “Revisionist History” is taking up all of my spare time. Malcolm Gladwell has the unique ability to make any topic truly captivating. Both of these podcasts cover a wide range of topics that you’d otherwise likely never learn about. 


2) What are you most looking forward to within the next year? I have twins on the way!

3) What do you do for fun when you aren’t at National Food Group? We take a lot of road trips and love being outdoors – hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, state and national parks...there’s a lot of beautiful places to explore all over the US!
 

1) What is your favorite book? “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein.

2) Who’s (or what's) your favorite character? Probably “#”. Due to the age controversy on whether it is called “pound sign” or “hashtag”.

3) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Bees fried in butter (tasted like popcorn).
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
Korean food – the spicier, the better! We keep a constant supply of kimchi available in our house at all times.

2) Who’s your favorite character?
Han Solo – he steps up to be the hero when pressed and who doesn’t love a scoundrel?

3) What is one of your hobbies?
I am obsessed with Dungeons & Dragons. I’m both a player and a Dungeon Master (DM). Currently, I’m playing a human warlock named Vira and a Tiefling bard named Tavy.

We are getting to know our new team member. Please check back soon for updates!

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher.  I have always loved children and making an impact!

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport?  I love golfing - especially on a perfect Michigan summer day.

​3) What was your favorite childhood food? My Italian Grandmother’s homemade pizza.   Being a part of a large Italian family, it was like you won the lottery when you received a piece of the first pizza that came out of the oven!  My mouth waters just thinking about it.

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? An Archaeologist – I’ve always had a passion for history.

2) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? When I lived in Germany, I once ate an Ostrich steak.

3) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? This is a very hard choice, probably taking a helicopter into the Grand Canyon, breathtaking!
 
 

1) What is your favorite book? A Room with A View by E.M Forster.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Cappadocia Turkey or The Great Wall of China. It’s a tie.

 3) Do you have an odd talent? I can usually guess what state someone is from by their accent. I have an accent obsession.
 

1)What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football. I grew up in a “football family” as my father was Head Coach at St. John’s Jesuit. I learned to love football for all the life lessons that came along with it and the leadership skills it helped develop.

2) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Hong Kong. I’ve traveled extensively for work and leisure. I really enjoyed Hong Kong as it has incredible energy, cuisine, and is an absolutely beautiful city!

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? I’ve enjoyed the people and the energy at NFG!
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rattle Snake, Squirrel, Camel, Chocolate covered bugs. Pick one!

2) What are some of your hobbies? Collecting sports memorabilia and making wine.

3) Where’s your dream retirement location? Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida and Positano, Italy (Amalfi Coast).
 

1) What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Rabbit. I was in Northern Italy and my great aunt prepared it to show her respect and appreciation for us.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Impossible to pick one – I LOVE the outdoors. Running, biking, swimming, hiking, kayaking.

3) What are you most looking forward to within the next year? Getting to know the team, learning the business and adding value to the organization.
 

1) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a baseball player.

2) What is your favorite book? My favorite book is “Catcher in the Rye.”

3) What is your favorite movie? I love the movie “Stepbrothers”!
 

1) What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Homemade Pasta and Sauce and in all honesty its my husband cooking it. 😊

2) As a child what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Smythe, dropped Kelly as I thought my middle name was more professional.

3) If you could be an animal, what would you be? Elephant, I’m in awe of these animals, they are old souls who value family and community, I’ve been obsessed with them since a little girl.

4) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been?  I lived in Italy for a semester and traveled Europe, Italy as a country is magical.

1) Where’s the coolest place you’ve been? Alaska – breathtaking - from Denali, Kenai Peninsula, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna, Prince William Sound – also got to fly in a 4 seater plane over glaciers no one else can see from the ground!

2) If you could be an animal, what would you be? Otter! So much energy and always seem to be happy – and I love seafood.

3) Do you have a special talent? Piano. Since I was eight- studied as a minor in college – play now weekends in a band!
 

1) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Our culture makes us who we are. We have the best team and am so proud to help build it!

2) Where’s my favorite place to travel? I love to travel with my family. My favorite places are warm in the winter while it’s cold in Michigan. Bahamas and St. John are two of my favorites.

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Buddy’s Pizza, still my favorite!
 

1) What is one of your hobbies? 
Listening to podcasts. My favorite are on politics and true crime, but I love them all! 
 
2) What was your favorite childhood food? 
I was a really plain eater growing up, my all-time favorite meal was plain grilled chicken, white rice, and corn. No seasoning. lol
 
3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group / Zee Zees? 
Getting to meet everyone through the onboarding process. It’s a little different meeting everyone virtually, but the passion our team has for their roles is very clear…even through the computer screen!
 

1) Who’s your favorite character? Superman.  I’ve always liked him since I was a kid. It’s something about always being there to save the day.

2) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Football, especially Michigan State Football. It’s better outdoors, being able to overcome the elements. No matter the weather, “It’s a beautiful day for football!” (MSU fans know what I’m talking about.)

3) What was your favorite childhood food? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In fact, I still eat them regularly to this day.
 

1) What is your favorite movie? Castaway

2) What is one of your hobbies? Running

3) What is your favorite part of working at National Food Group? Working with such amazing people.
 

1) What is your favorite movie? Labyrinth – I think this movie shaped my childhood. I know every word and I am a David Bowie fan for life.

2) Who’s your favorite character? Daenerys Targaryen (from Game of Thrones) – She’s a dynamic leader that can conquer a challenge with a strong moral compass. I can totally get behind that.

3) What’s your favorite outdoor sport? Soccer, or Football, as it is commonly known in my British-American household.
 

We are getting to know our new team member. Please check back soon for updates!