Her Story
About Meredith
Meredith T. Presti is a results-driven sales professional with more than a decade of experience in the food service industry, specializing in food service equipment, account management, territory growth, and consultative sales. She currently serves as Territory Manager at Don Stevens Food Service Equipment Company, where she manages a large territory spanning nearly all of Wisconsin and parts of northern Illinois. In her role, she oversees approximately 200 customer accounts, develops new business opportunities, conducts product demonstrations, prepares pricing programs and proposals, and works closely with chefs, restaurant operators, dealers, and end users to deliver equipment solutions tailored to their operational needs.
Meredith’s career combines her culinary background with strong sales expertise, allowing her to provide customers with practical, application-focused solutions. She began her food service sales career in 2013 after earning her associate degree in Culinary Arts from Milwaukee Area Technical College, building experience with leading broadline distributors including Cisco, US Foods, and Performance Foodservice. During her tenure at US Foods, she managed major accounts and played a key role in the Avendra contract transition, contributing to significant sales growth. She was recognized as Marketing Associate of the Year in 2014 for her achievements in sales and profitability growth and was nominated to participate in the Women’s Foodservice Forum in 2019.
Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies from University of Wisconsin–Madison and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Culinary Arts from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She is an active member of the American Culinary Federation and the Women’s Foodservice Forum and participates annually in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Known for her passion for customer relationships, continuous improvement, and professional growth, Meredith approaches her work with honesty, collaboration, energy, and a results-oriented mindset. She credits mentors such as Damon Amaya and Tom Spencer for helping shape her career and continues to be motivated by the desire to learn, overcome challenges, and create meaningful connections with the people she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Meredith
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my motivation, strong drive for results, and competitive spirit. I am constantly seeking opportunities to be challenged, improve my skills, and continue growing both personally and professionally. My desire to achieve meaningful outcomes and develop continuously has been a key factor in my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay grounded—don’t let the highs get you too high or the lows get you too low. Maintain perspective and keep moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay calm, keep perspective, and embrace the journey. Don’t let the highs get too high or the lows get too low. Work hard, enjoy what you do, and remember that success should also be fun.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are overcoming common sales objections, handling rejection, and working with customers who may be resistant to change. These challenges also create opportunities to build trust, strengthen relationships, and find solutions that truly meet customers’ needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are honesty, collaboration, and building strong relationships. I value working with highly motivated, energetic people who share a results-driven mindset and are committed to achieving success together.
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