What do you do here at TouchBistro? How has your role/department evolved over the years?
I’m a Senior Sales Engineer on the Mid-Market team, which basically means I’m hopping on demos to support the Sales team to either present the product in a digestible way for new business owners or tackling more complicated intricate puzzle pieces with seasoned restaurant vets. My main focus is building trust, relationships, and ensuring we’re aligned with what prospects value most while also operating in full transparency from a software perspective. The role has definitely evolved – just like the industry! We’re always adapting to new trends, tools, and what our customers are looking for, which keeps me on my toes!
What makes TouchBistro special to you?
Coming from a full career in the food and beverage industry before joining TouchBistro, this company really holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been lucky to watch it grow over the past 8 years – from a small startup with just a POS system to a full restaurant management platform. What makes it truly special is how much it listens to both employees and customers when shaping the product. That kind of care and evolution is rare, and it’s been amazing to be part of it.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Or the weirdest food combo you love?
That’s a tough one, but I think I’d go with a charcuterie spread because you can mix it up! It gives me variety, and I fully embrace the snack-life lifestyle (or are they calling it girl dinner these days?)!
As someone deeply involved in solving challenges for our customers, what motivates you the most to overcome obstacles and deliver exceptional results?
What really drives me is knowing that both my team and our prospects are counting on me. I’ll always go the extra mile to find the answers, share them clearly, and make sure everyone feels supported every step of the way. I genuinely appreciate the trust our prospects place in us when they open up about their businesses – it’s personal for them, and it becomes personal for me too. That connection is what pushes me to do my absolute best every single time.
In your opinion, what sets TouchBistro apart from other companies in the industry, and how do you see us continuing to lead in the future?
What sets TouchBistro apart is our deep understanding of the hospitality industry, as many of us come from that world, so we truly get the challenges our customers face. We don’t just offer software, we offer solutions built with restaurants in mind. Looking ahead, I see us leading by staying close to our customers and continuing to build tools that empower restaurants to thrive while putting hours back in their operators day so restaurateurs can get a day off to spend with their friends and family too. Mental health matters and folks shouldn’t have to work that hard to keep on top of daily tasks that could easily be solved with tech.
What aspect of your role at TouchBistro brings you the most satisfaction and fulfillment, and why?
I’ve always loved everything about the food and beverage world, including the creativity, the design, the teamwork, and the sheer passion it takes to run a great restaurant while keeping it profitable. That’s why I feel so lucky in my role at TouchBistro. I get to connect with people in the industry every day, whether they’re just starting out or total pros, and “talk shop.” It’s super rewarding to share ideas, swap stories, and stay on top of trends with people who really get it.
How do the core values of TouchBistro contribute to the success of your projects/work?
Collaboration and Passion are the values I see in action every day in my role as a Sales Engineer. We might be a small team, but it gives us a unique opportunity to work closely across departments by communicating, helping, listening, and building together. No matter what we’re working on, it all comes back to one shared goal: making sure our customers have the best possible experience which starts by building trust in the sales cycle.
Can you share a memorable experience or interaction you’ve had with a restaurant owner or staff member that made you proud to be part of the hospitality industry?
There are way too many to pick just one. However, I really love just walking into a spot, being chill about it, and letting the staff recommend their favorites. I’m super easy to upsell because I genuinely appreciate it when they get excited talking about the menu. It’s those interactions that I love to see that their managers clearly have defined training and standard operating practices making sure the guests feel looked after.
If you could have dinner with any famous chef or restaurateur, who would it be and why?
If I’m allowed to go back in time here…hands down it would be Anthony Bourdain, because honestly, does that even need an explanation?