The food service industry is on the brink of a major boom, with a projected sales figure of a staggering $997 billion in 2023, as per the latest industry report. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to the upward trend in menu prices, driving increased revenue for the sector. Furthermore, the food service industry is expected to witness a surge in employment opportunities, with an estimated addition of 500,000 jobs, resulting in a total industry workforce of 15.5 million by the end of 2023.
Despite this promising outlook, the food industry is grappling with a formidable challenge – the dire need for exceptional leadership at the senior level. With the rapidly changing landscape of the industry and the growing demands of consumers, businesses are facing the daunting task of finding the right talent to navigate through these complexities and drive positive change.
Recognizing this challenge, industry luminary Sharol Wilson (Founder, and CEO of S. Wilson Staffing LLC), has emerged as a beacon of hope. Sharol’s staffing firm is dedicated to doing the due diligence and all the necessary background work to present the crème de la crème of candidates to companies seeking the top 1% of talent in Food & Beverage in North America.
From HR to Headhunting
Sharol’s journey is one of perseverance and passion for her craft. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and has spent her entire professional life working in the Human Resources and Recruiting area.
She began her journey as the Director of Recruitment, Human Resources for KMG Inc., where she revamped the company’s recruitment policy and procedures, managed the financial performance of the company’s new office in Rochester, NY, and successfully led a budget of $200K.
Sharol’s next adventure took her to Cornell University, where she served as the Station Housing Manager for foreign students and visiting scholars that lived in campus housing. She also leveraged her expertise in recruitment to source, screen, and qualify candidates for all skill sets, including Professors, Post Docs, and lab technicians.
However, it was her role as the Brokerage Owner & Executive Headhunter – Account Manager for The Staffing Exchange that truly ignited her passion for the food industry. Sharol is now focused on recruiting top-tier talent in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Industry, including Plant Managers, Maintenance Managers, Sales Managers, and Directors.
Sharol’s passion for the food industry stems from its recession-proof nature, with the assurance that food will always be needed. This led her to establish S. Wilson Staffing LLC, a top-tier staffing firm that helps food industry companies tap into the best talent available.
S. Wilson Staffing LLC: A Premier Executive Search Firm in the Food Industry
Founded in June 2017 in Geneva, New York, S. Wilson Staffing LLC has quickly become a leading provider of executive search services in the food industry. The company offers exclusive services and solutions that are unparalleled in the industry. As a premier executive search firm, S. Wilson Staffing specializes in hiring the top 1% in the management area of Food & Beverage in North America.
S. Wilson Staffing is committed to making a balanced fit between the candidate and the company. They work with the top 100 companies in the food industry to identify the best talent available and ensure that they are a perfect fit for their client’s needs. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to excellence, the staffing firm has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the food industry.
A Tenacious and Driven Leader
As the President and Executive Headhunter of S. Wilson Staffing LLC, Sharol wears many hats in her day-to-day work. She takes on a variety of roles and responsibilities within the company, ranging from speaking with potential clients and strong candidates to managing all administrative and financial aspects of the business without the aid of an administrative assistant or a team of associates.
Sharol’s relentless work ethic and her passion for the job keep her motivated and productive. She is constantly researching new talent and staying on top of industry trends, always striving to provide the highest level of service to her clients.
Contributing to the Sustainable Food Movement
The food industry has a critical role to play in addressing societal issues such as sustainability and food insecurity. While many define sustainable food systems by factors such as greenhouse gases, land use, biodiversity, and water use, Sharol understands that the primary purpose of food production is to provide nutrients.
Sharol believes that the relationship between diets and sustainability is crucial, and sustainable diets should be focused on four domains – public health, the environment, food affordability, and cultural relevance. To support these initiatives, S. Wilson Staffing conducts research, engages in social media activity, and hosts Zoom meetings with other food industry experts who have similar objectives.
Navigating the Challenges of a Male-Dominated Industry
As a female President of her own company, Sharol faced a challenge to thrive in the food industry that is primarily dominated by men. However, she overcame this by staying determined, focused, and constantly researching every detail of the food industry. It helped her be knowledgeable when answering clients’ questions. Her resilience and dedication to her craft have not only helped her overcome the challenges she faced but also positioned her as a prominent leader in the food industry.
Celebrating Success
Sharol considers her biggest accomplishment in her professional career to be the successful placement of a Senior Level candidate at $160K and assisting another candidate in transitioning into a new role with a 25% salary increase. It was a significant milestone for her as a leader in the staffing industry.
In addition, the most exciting project she worked on was during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, where she was able to secure two new Food and Beverage clients and successfully make two Senior Level placements before the country went into lockdown. Despite the challenging circumstances, Sharol was able to adapt and deliver results for her clients, which she considers a great accomplishment.
10 Years Ahead
Sharol predicts that the food industry in the next decade will surpass everyone’s expectations with the continuous development of new and innovative food resources. Sharol sees her company playing a vital role in shaping the future of the food industry by actively staying on top of emerging trends and building strong partnerships. By doing so, S. Wilson Staffing LLC will benefit from the exciting opportunities that the future holds for the food industry.
Productivity Tips and Insights for Thriving in the Food Industry
As an Executive Headhunter in the Food Industry, Sharol advises aspiring leaders to prioritize research and stay updated with the latest trends and developments to succeed.
She recommends tightening Quality Control Systems, providing proper training, increasing the use of Automation and Technology, and lowering processing costs to increase productivity. By ensuring the optimum utilization of resources and equipment, leaders can produce more units in a shorter time, which leads to improved revenue. Sharol’s productivity tips are rooted in her experience as a successful entrepreneur who has built her company, S. Wilson Staffing LLC, from the ground up.
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“Since the Food and Beverage Industry will continue to grow, I know I will be able to find those top 1% of Senior Management candidates.”
Also Read: The 10 Prominent Food and Beverage Leaders to Watch in 2024.
