Cooked with Eric Reed

Welcome back to Cooked with Eric Reed — Episode 2 is here!In this episode, Eric sits down with Ryan Catarozoli, Director of Key Accounts at Hatco, to break down everything you need to know about the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show — one of the biggest events in foodservice.From must-see innovations and industry trends to behind-the-scenes trade show stories, this episode gives you a real look at what goes down on and off the show floor.Whether you're a manufacturer, dealer, operator, or just curious about the foodservice world, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.🔥 In this episode: What the NRA Show is really like  The Kitchen Innovations Awards and emerging tech  How manufacturers reps support brands across regions  Why trade shows still matter in a digital world  Hilarious and real NRA stories Survival tips for navigating massive trade shows  Must-visit spots in Chicago during the show 👥 About Midwest Professional RepsWe represent leading foodservice equipment and supply manufacturers across Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Southern Illinois — helping brands grow and supporting operators every step of the way.If you're heading to the NRA Show, come find us and say hello!💬 Got a crazy foodservice story? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it in a future episode.👍 Like, Subscribe, and follow along for more episodes of Cooked with Eric ReedIntro & Podcast Overview What Midwest Professional Reps Does NRA Show Overview Kitchen Innovations Awards Educational Sessions & Learning Opportunities After Hours Networking & Events Guest Introduction: Ryan Katarzolei (Hatco) COVID Content & Digital Shift Trade Show Evolution Hatco at NRA – New Products & Booth Preview Product Innovation Deep Dive NRA Stories & Industry Experiences Survival Guide for Attendees Navigating the Show Efficiently Chicago Food Recommendations Memorable Stories from the Road Closing Thoughts & Outro

Cooked with Eric Reed Ep. 1 | What Do Foodservice Reps Actually Do? (Intro + Trade Show Stories)Welcome to the very first episode of Cooked with Eric Reed!In this intro episode, Eric Reed from Midwest Professional Reps breaks down what a manufacturers rep actually does in the foodservice industry—and why it matters more than you think.Joined live from a trade show in Kearney, Nebraska, Eric’s business partner Chad Rididgeway shares stories from the road, insights from 24+ years in the industry, and what it’s really like working trade shows, meeting operators, and representing top equipment brands.From supporting restaurants and dealers to solving real operational problems, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping keep kitchens running smoothly.Plus… a few wild kitchen stories, trade show chaos, and why buying equipment online might cost you more in the long run.👇 If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, we KNOW you’ve got a story—drop it in the comments!🔥 What You’ll Learn: What a foodservice manufacturers rep actually does  How reps support restaurants, dealers, and operators  Why after-sale support is critical  The real value of buying from local dealers vs online  Trade show life (and some hilarious moments along the way) 🎙️ About the Show:Cooked with Eric Reed explores the foodservice industry through the lens of manufacturers reps—featuring conversations with operators, dealers, and industry pros.📲 Follow Midwest Professional Reps:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok (Search: Midwest Professional Reps)⏱️ Chapters / Segments00:00 – Let Him Cook (Intro) 00:10 – Welcome to Cooked with Eric Reed 00:50 – What Midwest Professional Reps Does 02:00 – Supporting Restaurants & Operators 03:00 – After-Sale Support & Training 04:15 – Meet the Team 06:20 – Chad Joins from Nebraska Trade Show 07:30 – Trade Show Life & “Ribeye in the Sky” 08:00 – Equipment, Merchandising & Selling on the Floor 09:10 – What This Podcast Will Cover 09:45 – What Is a Manufacturers Rep? 11:00 – How Sales Actually Work (Dealer vs Rep) 12:30 – Industry Experience & Career Paths 13:00 – The Challenge of Buying Equipment Online 14:30 – Why Face-to-Face Still Matters 15:00 – Trade Shows: The Good, Bad & Fun 16:00 – “My Car is My Office” 16:30 – Sous Vide vs “American Water Bath Cooking” 😂 18:10 – Wild Kitchen Stories (Hot Tub Cooking & More) 19:30 – What’s Coming Next on the Podcast 21:00 – Representing Quality Brands 23:00 – Why This Industry is Worth It 24:30 – Life on the Road 25:00 – Final Thoughts & What to Expect 26:00 – Outro + Call to Action