The Power Table is a symbol of diversity, unity, and empowerment. Once a quarter, Dinova will be setting the table and featuring food industry rockstars who wear many hats in their life roles; professionals, leaders, parents, mentors. These individuals are nominated by their peers to be featured here, at the Power Table. We will share their stories, and how they grew into the people they are today through their different and unique life experiences.
At the table this month, we’re featuring Kim Hoeckendorf, Senior Director Off-Premise Sales at Boston Market, and Janice McEachen, Director, Strategic Accounts at Dinova. Read on to learn their stories, what they bring to the table, and what’s on the menu for success.
Kim Hoeckendorf was nominated to be featured in the Power Table by Frankie Siegrist, Director of Accounts, National & Regional Groups, at Dinova. When asked why she nominated Kim, Frankie said:
“Kimberly Hoeckendorf began her career at the bottom and through hard work and tenacity, has built her way up to Senior Direction, Boston Market. On a personal level, she has demonstrated strength and perseverance in dealing with her child’s illness. She is a true inspiration and leader.”
About Kim: Kim Hoeckendorf began her journey with Boston Market at the beginning of 2019 and came on as the Senior Director of Off-Premise Sales. This includes the catering business and strategy, the sales team, call center as well as partnerships with off-premise sales. Kim has utilized her experience with operations to build a strong sales team and to create a strategy for the off-premise business at Boston Market including innovating the menu and offerings.
Kim started her food service career as an 18-year-old Barista at Starbucks Coffee Company. In 2004, Kim started to explore new roles at Starbucks and worked in just about every café position including General Manager before being promoted to District Manager of Company Stores. Kim later had responsibilities for Licensed Store business at Starbucks and finished her career there in a rotational assignment, working in Human Resources, Learning and Development, and process improvement/lean thinking teams.
In subsequent years, Kim worked as the Director of Operations for a franchise organization with multiple brands including Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne’s, Popeye’s Chicken, Schlotzsky’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, and Cinnabon. During this time, Kim was able to expand her food knowledge and operational expertise while leading the company to double digit positive comp sales.
On a personal note, Kim has a 19-year-old daughter, Cassidy, who is currently attending college at the University of Nevada in Reno seeking a degree in social work. This is a particular point of pride as Cassidy is a cancer survivor who battled the disease as an infant and again at 17 years of age. Kim attributes her abilities to stay calm under pressure, challenge thinking and manage multiple priorities to being her daughter’s advocate and caregiver during this time.
Janice McEachen was nominated to be featured in the Power Table by Holly Welling, Channel Marketing Manager, Enterprise, at Dinova. When asked why she nominated Janice, Holly said:
“There are so many ways to build a career around food and restaurants, but Janice really is one of the most sincerely, fully immersed ‘food thinkers’ I’ve ever met. Her experiences are fascinating and the perspectives she shares never fail to inspire me.”
About Janice: As a Client Development Manager at Dinova, Janice is responsible for a portfolio of clients with a focus on driving savings through the management of the business dining spend category through the use of the Dinova Preferred Dining Network.
Janice enjoyed a 15 year career with Sabre and Get There before leaving the corporate travel arena to focus on her young family. It was during this time that Janice’s passion for food and cooking led her to a culinary program and work as a personal chef.
Upon re-locating from Southern California back to her native Rhode Island Janice worked in Business Development for a shellfish company and more recently as the Director of Culinary Education and Food Forager for the Forbes Five Star Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Combining her corporate travel experience and her love for food Janice joined Dinova in November of 2014.
Janice resides in Rhode Island with her husband and teenage sons.
Have someone you’d like to nominate for the Power Table? Please email Katie Assoian, Digital Marketing Coordinator, at kassoian@dinova.com to learn how.
