Influential Woman · Food service

Misty Richardson

Category Manager, US Foods

Plaistow, NH

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Double associate's degree from local college

Her Story

About Misty

I've been in the food service industry for coming upon 9 years now, working in category management. My typical day revolves around following the commodity markets, which is a big part of my job, and spending time reviewing the assortment to make sure we have the right products at the right price for our customers. I think my most notable professional achievement so far is probably the growth in the commodity markets. While I did get a double associate's degree from a local college, I believe it was really my past experience working with vendors that helped me in this role. The values that are most important to me in my work are creating honest partnerships with my vendors. Right now, the biggest challenge in my field is change - there's just a lot of change going on with systems and the way things are being done.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Misty

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my drive to make it, especially being a single mom. Raising my child has been my priority for the last 18 years, and that drive to provide and succeed for my family has really pushed me forward in my career.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received was to put yourself out there and don't let fear take over. That's something that has really stuck with me throughout my career.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I think it would be kind of the same thing about the fear. You know, just go for what you want and don't let anything get in your way. Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your goals in this industry.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge in my field right now is change. There's just a lot of change going on with systems and the way things are being done. Adapting to these changes and new ways of working is something we're all navigating in the industry.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me are creating honest partnerships, especially with my vendors. Building those honest, trustworthy relationships is at the core of how I approach my work.

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