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Steve Smith
Serv-U, Champaign, IL
Steve has been in the industry for ten years, starting with his first internship at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago. He has been with Serv-U for two years.
When Steve began college, his sights were set on becoming a computer engineer, but he always had a strong interest in cooking. After designing and executing a pop up restaurant through the Discovery program at the University of Illinois, he realized where his path would lead. He says, “I was hooked and knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. I changed my major and graduated from the program with a BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition.”
During college he had internships with Sheraton, Universal Studios and Darden. After graduation he started working for a local caterer and ran their kitchen for two years. He worked another two years at a local restaurant before working his way up to Executive Chef for Allerton Park. He says, “The engineer in me never quite died down. I was always interested in the nuts and bolts of how things worked and the process of making things happen.”
Being a long time customer and fan of Serv-U, he immediately responded when he found they had an opportunity available. He says, “We all tend to wear a lot of hats at Serv-U.” Steve’s main function is sales, however his background allows him to do a lot of consulting work as well as design and layout work with AutoCAD. He also does on-site visits, takes field measurements and is involved in the entire process from initial call to final installation.
He says, “For me being on the FES side of things is a good balance that keeps both the engineer and chef sides of me happy. I have always loved the people in this industry. There is a passion in foodservice that you just don’t see anywhere else.”
Serv-U is a strong supporter of SEFA training. Steve agrees that the training has been very beneficial to him. He feels the hands-on training from the manufacturers and learning how the equipment works and performs, gives him a huge advantage when speaking with a customer. He is able to show his customers in detail how much the equipment will benefit them, improve their operation and save them money. He says, “Both the personal and professional relationships I have made through SEFA training are extremely valuable. On more than one occasion, I have called a fellow SEFAPro to help me out with a particular challenge.”
Steve has received his CFSP, he is a ServSafe certified instructor and is working on getting his Illinois certification so he can teach classes. He plans on getting HACCP certified next year.
When asked who has inspired him he said, “My father has probably had the largest impact in my life. He was always supportive of me in whatever I wanted to try. He gave me the freedom to explore, to fall on my face, and the encouragement to get back up again when something didn't work out the first time. I wasn't happy with him as a child when I asked him how to spell a word that I didn't know. Instead of just giving me the answer he pulled out a dictionary and taught me how to look it up on my own. He always pushed me to find my own way and my own answers, but was always there to help when needed. This has helped me to "think outside the box" and be able to sit back from a challenge, explore it from many angles and come up with the best possible solution.”
Steve is a newlywed. He and his new wife Kari were just married in April. They live in Champaign with their dog Jake. In his spare time he enjoys gardening, woodworking and travel.
SEFA is proud to recognize Steve as Featured SEFAPro. He is a natural high achiever who always puts forth 110%. His passion for the industry and his work keep him on top of his game. Congratulations.
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