Bridget Kraft
Bridget Kraft is a dynamic, growth-focused sales executive and Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) who serves as Account Director at Franke Coffee Systems. With nearly three decades of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, she specializes in managing large national and strategic accounts while driving complex, multimillion-dollar sales processes. Known for her consultative approach and strategic mindset, Bridget partners with convenience retailers and foodservice operators to design high-performance beverage programs that deliver freshness, variety, efficiency, and profitability. Her leadership and results-driven performance were recently recognized with an Outstanding Sales Achievement Award. Before joining Franke, Bridget built a 24-year career with Welbilt Inc., where she progressed from customer service to senior leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Accounts. Throughout her tenure, she led strategic pricing initiatives, product management efforts, and national account sales across beverage systems and commercial kitchen equipment, including soda dispensers, ice machines, fryers, ovens, and combi systems. She played a key role in business process transitions, served as a business process owner during a major Oracle system implementation, and consistently demonstrated the ability to align operational strategy with revenue growth. A graduate of Indiana University Southeast with a degree in Business Management, Bridget is committed to continuous professional development and leadership excellence. She actively participates in major industry trade shows such as NACS and the National Restaurant Show, where she connects with operators and industry partners to stay ahead of emerging beverage trends. Beyond her professional career, Bridget has dedicated more than 35 years to volunteer service with the National Ski Patrol. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to leadership, relationship-building, and delivering meaningful results for customers and communities alike.
• Finding Your Leadership Vocabulary with Doug Conant
• Using Questions to Foster Critical Thinking and Curiosity
• Indiana University Southeast
• Outstanding Sales Achievement Award (2025)
• Number 3 Sales Performance (2025)
• Convenience Store Women's Group (CSW)
• Women in Food Service Forum
• National Ski Patrol
• Certified Food Service Processional
• Ski Patrol at Paoli Peaks (35 years)
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit much of my success to sheer tenacity. If someone tells me I can’t do something, my instinct is to step forward and figure out a way to accomplish it.
At an early age we learned to be independent, we stayed out until the streetlights came on, learned to solve problems on our own, and navigated life without computers or cell phones. That environment made us more resilient and resourceful.
I preferred being outdoors, getting dirty, and doing things rather than sitting still. Having an older brother helped shape that, but so did my own determination not to be boxed into traditional expectations of what girls should or shouldn’t do. That headstrong spirit has carried me throughout my life. I tend to push back against limits, especially the ones placed on girls, and I’ve never accepted "this is all you can do" as an answer.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received came from a lunch and learn which talked about becoming your own most effective champion, and one thing that really stood out to me was to create a brag book. I've learned from the women's groups and the book How Women Rise about taking credit for what you're doing. I personally have a hard time taking credit for my work. When someone says I'm doing a great job, it's hard to say thank you and except the credit for the hard work it took to accomplish the goal. I think so many times we are afraid to be that person who beats their chest and goes look at me, look at all the great things I've done. But we need to own our accomplishments.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I often remind my daughter not to let anyone tell her she can’t achieve something. I’m strong‑willed, and I believe deeply that while women may approach challenges differently, those perspectives are incredibly valuable. I encourage her to keep her options open and not automatically dismiss new opportunities. Sometimes you need to say yes, explore the experience, and then decide whether it’s the right fit—knowing you can always pivot if it isn’t. The key is to be thoughtful, not impulsive, and to give yourself the time to make informed decisions.
I also want her to know that strength is a positive trait. Girls should have the freedom to discover what they enjoy and what they’re capable of. Today, women are succeeding in fields like HVAC, plumbing, construction, and other trades traditionally dominated by men. We shouldn’t limit them by placing them in narrow categories or telling them what they can or can’t do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Milestone Moments
2025 Outstanding Sales Achievement Award
Locations
Franke USA
800 Aviation Parkway, Smyrna, TN, 37167