Jeanette Catena

I attribute my success to a strong desire and continuous ability to learn. I stay current with emerging trends and innovations in the food industry, actively expanding my knowledge to remain competitive and forward-thinking. I prioritize building meaningful professional relationships and maintaining a strong network, recognizing that collaboration and trust are key drivers of long-term success.

The best career advise I received was from my 1st sales manager very early on in my career. He said, "Just go out there and be yourself."

That’s powerful advice...

“Just be yourself” works because it removes the pressure to perform a role and lets people experience your real strengths: how you communicate, how you solve problems, and how you show up under pressure. Over time, that creates trust — which is especially critical in sales and leadership.

This advice helps navigate uncertainty and setbacks

without losing your identity in the process.

I made it through multiple career phases, because this mindset usually turned into a quiet superpower:

• you adapt without pretending,
• you grow without copying,
• and you lead without forcing a persona.

In my experience, the people who last the longest — and feel the most fulfilled doing it — are the ones who never stopped being themselves, even as their roles got bigger.

For young women entering the industry, my advice is simple: put yourself out there.

Throw your hat in the ring and be present in the room, even when it feels uncomfortable.

You will be amazed at how much you learn—and how empowering it is to realize just how much you have to offer.

The opportunity is to bring a more personalized, custom mindset to the equipment industry. It’s about much more than quoting and shipping equipment—it’s about creating real solutions for customers.

Selling the equipment is only half the job.

Ongoing challenges include:

• local service coverage
• parts availability
• warranty coordination
• and response time

When service breaks down, it reflects on the salesperson and the brand — even if the issue is out of your direct control.

For me, it has always been about being honest and doing good work. I address things right away and see them through. Procrastination only delays the outcome and creates unnecessary stress—for yourself and for everyone around you.