In the last 40 years, Aramark Refreshment Services has evolved into a vibrant representation of the best the refreshments industry has to offer. One thing that has stayed the same during that evolution, is Shelby Blue-Lindgren, BDM from San Diego.

From a “little part time summer office job” to a highly effective member of our business development team, Shelby is the perfect example of loyalty and perseverance. She is also exactly the type of person I love speaking with.

“Forty years ago we had two coffee machines, ten products, and one delivery driver. The decanter pots were washed by hand each day and distributed to clients. Coffee service used to be the first thing cut during budget problems, now we have created something people are passionate about and fight to keep.”

“I started in accounting working in the office, then worked my way to outside sales, and finally the BDM role I occupy now. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined at Aramark, which allows me to succeed in my current role. That is why I love being a BDM – the relationships we are able to build overtime with clients is so rewarding.”

Hearing how far we have come as a business, I couldn’t help but smile. Shelby’s frame of reference and experience is so unique it made me curious as to what excites her about today’s innovation. “I think the current state of equipment is so fun. That’s what I like to talk to people about. You have sparkling enhanced water at the touch of a button and machines that tell you what drinks you can make. These are things that make people excited and create an experience unlike anything we could have imagined forty years ago.” There has truly never been a better time to be part of Aramark Refreshment Services. We are in the midst of a renaissance in our industry, transforming the breakroom into a haven of creativity and collaboration.

This week, think about how far we have come as a line of business and the power you have to usher in this next generation, forging a path all your own.