In Episode 12 of Crave – The IFDA Podcast, we sit down with Bruce Kern, President of Curtze Food Service and fifth-generation foodservice leader. With more than 140 years of family legacy behind him, Bruce shares timeless lessons on leadership, culture, and values that have carried Curtze Food Service through challenges, innovation, and growth.

From sweeping warehouse floors as a teenager to guiding a company through COVID disruptions and labor shortages, Bruce’s perspective highlights the power of values-driven leadership, partnerships, and active listening in building a resilient business.

This conversation is a must-listen for DSRs, DSMs, operators, and anyone looking to understand what it takes to sustain long-term success in food distribution.

Topics covered include:

👉 Why values like civility, empathy, and teamwork matter more than ever

👉 Leading through labor shortages and crisis moments

👉 Turning suppliers into true business partners

👉 How AI and technology can simplify operations and free up time for relationships

👉 Why “clarity” is the key to long-term success (in business and marathons)

👉 The role of IFDA and peer groups in shaping the next generation of leaders

👉 Advice to young DSRs and DSMs entering the industry

🔗 Find Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-kern-0637888

🔗 Learn More about Curtze Foods: https://www.curtze.com/

🔗 More about this episode: https://ifdaonline.org/crave-podcast/episode/foodservice-leadership-podcast-with-bruce-kern/

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Learn more about Crave – The IFDA Podcast and future episodes: https://ifdaonline.org/crave-podcast/