“I’m still in my first job out of college!” So says Jefferson Kenney, our Sales Director Northeast Region, BA Food Americas, when talking about his 27 years in the food service industry. Still, he’s switched roles during that time and is just a year into joining the Americas sales team, following time dedicated to design and product management.
What’s more, he’s moved companies without even trying due to the Electrolux Professional Group acquisition of the US-based Unified Brands in 2021.
This week he’s revving up for the NAFEM Show – the US food service exhibition event he’s something of a veteran at attending, having notched 12 or 13 visits since his career began.
Tell us about what your job entails?
A little bit of everything, really. My region covers upstate New York and Boston, and I work with the institutional sales team. That means we oversee schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, working with our local reps and dealers to promote and secure sales that are profitable for both Electrolux Professional as well as our business partners. We also help facilitate any issues such as pricing adjustments, returns or service.
What route did you take in terms of studies and jobs to where you are today?
I started my career with Randell Air System’s back in 1998, which was shortly before the purchase of Avtec (two of Electrolux Professional Group’s current brands). I had just graduated college and was eager to provide for my young family. Since then, I’ve had many hats in the company but have always enjoyed working with Reps and Dealers in the field. Starting with design, doing quotes and drawings, to product management before recently moving to the sales team.’
What do you love about the role?
That it always changes. The people you work with, and the situation you’re working with changes call to call. I enjoy working with people, being around people and developing a good rapport. So that lends itself to sales really and, given my experience, I can talk in-depth technically about products in a way that doesn’t go over people’s heads but also isn’t boring to those with more know-how.
And, on the other hand, what are the biggest challenges?
Well, that it always changes from call to call! I love it because it keeps your brain engaged and makes the day move quickly. It can be tough switching hats quickly and not forget what you’ve been working on. Good notes are very important.
What advice would you give to people wanting to work in a position like yours?
Try to shadow somebody that’s currently doing the job. I have had the opportunity to do this through my career and found the experience invaluable.
How would you like to develop further in your role or potentially do something completely different?
I’m just a year into joining the sales team, which has been an amazing experience. However, it’s just the beginning and I have a lot of work to do to realize and engage all aspects and thrive in this position. I’ve always wanted to really master a role before looking towards the next one.
Why choose to work at Electrolux Professional And, on the other hand, what are the biggest challenges?
Well, they chose me really! Having been with the Randell/Avtec side of the business since 1998, I was relieved when I heard that we were being acquired by Electrolux Professional Group, having seen many other industry friends and competitors go through tough consolidations. Being part of a company that is concerned with the environment as well as employee welfare is an amazing feeling. That covers things like work-life balance, diversity and inclusion and doing things because they are the right thing to do, not simply because the company is incentivized to do them.
Check out our global career site, if you aspire to pursue a career similar to Jefferson´s.