Rep Prep: 10 Minutes with South Florida Sales Rep David Douglas

Rep Prep from Eaton Marketing is an informative series that gives you access to one of our foodservice equipment experts. In this edition, we sat down with our new South Florida Sales Rep, David Douglas. Let's find out how David started in the foodservice industry, his philosophy on teamwork, and what he says will surprise you most about him (hint - he's a jokester!). 

Hi, David. Can you give us a little background on yourself? Where are you from? Where have you previously worked that led you to this position at Eaton Marketing?

Born and raised in Lake Worth, FL, I started working in the foodservice industry at the age of 16, beginning as a busboy. Over the years, I’ve worked in virtually every position in a restaurant, from behind the line to behind the pine and eventually in management.

In 2021, I transitioned into restaurant equipment sales, where I found my passion for helping businesses optimize their operations. This diverse background has led me to Eaton Marketing, where I’m excited to bring my experience to the team. 

What skills or experiences from your past roles do you think will be the most beneficial in your new position here?

My hands-on experience in just about every restaurant position has given me a solid grasp of the challenges foodservice businesses deal with daily. On top of that, my time as an equipment dealer taught me a lot about the ins and outs of procurement and what customers really need. 

What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have a favorite sports team?

In my free time, I enjoy disc golf and discovering unique restaurants. My fiancé and I often plan our vacations around national parks and culinary adventures. As for sports, I’m a South Florida native, so I’m a fan of the (Miami) Dolphins, (Miami) Heat, and (Florida) Panthers. 

What attracted you to Eaton Marketing, and what excites you most about joining our team?

I was attracted to Eaton Marketing because of its reputation for representing top-quality commercial kitchen equipment and its commitment to long-lasting customer relationships.

Additionally, everyone I met from Eaton prior to working here had a long tenure with the company, which speaks volumes about the positive work environment and the type of company it is. 

What does a positive work environment look like to you, and how do you plan to contribute to that at Eaton Marketing?

To me, a positive work environment is where people get along, work together, and communicate openly. I’m planning to contribute by being helpful, sharing my knowledge, and being open to learning from others.  

What is one fun fact about you that might surprise your new colleagues?

I used to be an exotic dancer . . . just kidding! I am kind of obsessed with orcas, though. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it impacted your career and/or life?

The best advice I’ve ever received was to always be yourself. People can always appreciate authenticity, and it helps build genuine connections. 

What are your professional goals for the next five years?

In the next five years, I want to continue to deepen my expertise in the restaurant equipment industry, build strong relationships with clients, and help Eaton Marketing grow. I’m also looking forward to taking on some leadership roles and mentoring others as we all continue to improve and innovate. 

What trends or changes in our industry are you most excited about?

I’m excited about the push towards energy-efficient and sustainable kitchen solutions. It’s great for the environment and helps restaurants cut costs. I’m also really interested in how artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to make its way into foodservice equipment. The potential for AI to optimize operations, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency is something I’m looking forward to seeing unfold.

Do you have any advice for others looking to pursue a career in this field?

My advice? Dive in and learn everything you can about the industry. Try out different roles, stay curious, and never stop learning. Every mistake is a lesson.  

Thanks, David, and welcome aboard!