I stopped beating myself up for what I'm not and started acting like the person I wanted to be and before long, I became her.
Emra Nation · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Emra
Emra Nation is a seasoned foodservice sales and beverage development professional with nearly two decades of experience helping some of the nation's largest restaurant brands create innovative, profitable beverage programs. As National Accounts Manager & Culinary Development Specialist at The Oregon Fruit Company, Emra works with major national chains, including Taco Bell, Shake Shack, and Dutch Bros., providing premium fruit purées and beverage bases that inspire menu innovation and enhance the guest experience. By leveraging consumer insights, industry trend analysis, and culinary expertise, Emra develops food and beverage solutions that are both operationally practical and commercially successful for multi-unit operators across the country. Emra began a career in the foodservice industry nearly 20 years ago in an administrative role, quickly earning opportunities to lead and organize administrative teams while supporting national sales operations. Driven by a passion for the business and a commitment to continuous growth, Emra transitioned into sales, gaining experience through trade shows, broker management, customer development, and national account leadership. For the past 12 years, Emra has focused on building strategic partnerships with leading foodservice brands, guiding product development initiatives, identifying emerging beverage trends, and delivering customized solutions that help customers strengthen their menus and grow their businesses. Known for a collaborative and relationship-driven approach, Emra believes the foodservice industry is uniquely rewarding because of its many layers—from culinary creativity and consumer behavior to operational strategy and long-term business partnerships. Frequent travel across the United States allows Emra to work closely with customers who have become trusted colleagues and friends over the years. Passionate about innovation and committed to delivering meaningful value, Emra continues to help shape the future of beverage menus by combining market intelligence, creativity, and genuine relationships to create memorable experiences for operators and consumers alike.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, continuous learning, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships. I began my career in an administrative role, where I developed a deep understanding of the foodservice industry and the operational knowledge that became the foundation for my growth. By consistently applying my skills, embracing new opportunities, and delivering value to both my team and customers, I successfully advanced into sales and national account management. Throughout my career, I have prioritized trust, open communication, and long-term partnerships, and I believe that maintaining genuine relationships with my customers has been one of the most important drivers of my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was, “You don’t know what you’re truly good at until you’re willing to try.” That advice encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, and take on challenges that ultimately shaped my career. By remaining open to learning and trusting my ability to grow, I discovered strengths I never knew I had and built a rewarding career through experience, perseverance, and a willingness to evolve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the foodservice industry is to never be timid. Believe in your abilities, speak up, ask questions, and be willing to take on opportunities that challenge you. Confidence, curiosity, and a strong work ethic will open doors, and you may discover strengths and career paths you never expected. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone your willingness to try can become your greatest advantage.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the foodservice industry today is managing rising costs across the supply chain. Inflation, fluctuating ingredient prices, and evolving tariff policies continue to put pressure on both suppliers and restaurant operators, making it increasingly difficult to balance profitability with customer expectations. In agriculture, these challenges require constant collaboration and strategic planning to support customers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business. At the same time, these market dynamics create opportunities for innovation, stronger partnerships, and the development of cost-effective solutions that help operators remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that matters most to me, both professionally and personally, is genuinely enjoying what I do. I believe passion for your work creates purpose, strengthens relationships, and inspires you to give your best every day. When you enjoy your work, challenges become opportunities to learn, and success becomes about more than results it's about making a meaningful impact while building authentic connections with the people around you.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.