United Trimen Account Manager, Etienne Garceau spent some time with us for this month’s Spotlight On, sharing his history in the restaurant industry, experience as a business owner, and how being a former chef helps him understand exactly what customers need.
Once a Chef, Always a Chef
Etienne started out as many do, just a teen looking for a summer job in a cafe. Little did he know it would turn into a decade-plus career. After finding his footing as a prep cook and working his way through a variety of roles in university cafeterias and restaurants of all sizes, Etienne was inspired by a colleague attending school to become a chef. “And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s interesting. ‘” I didn’t know you could do that as a career.’ So, I looked into it and enrolled shortly after.” Today, with 15 years of cumulative hospitality experience, Etienne brings a breadth of knowledge to his role as Account Manager.
Star-Studded Past
Not everyone can say they’ve worked at a two-Michelin-star-rated restaurant, but Etienne proudly holds that claim. A Windy City gem, Alinea is Chicago’s seventh-most-lauded restaurant. Etienne is rightfully proud of his time spent there. He spoke to the advantage of his impressive CV: “Obviously, after spending 15 years behind ovens and in kitchens, every time I speak with an operator, we speak the same language.” Etienne said this casually, although his extensive experience is nothing to scoff at. “That’s a big plus, knowing what they suffer with, their issues, their pain points, and it’s easier to find solutions for them.”
Paving His Own Path
Previously self-employed, Etienne owned a catering business for five years. He likened the independence and self-direction of entrepreneurship to his past three years at United Trimen: “My entrepreneurial experience definitely comes into play in my current role. You need to be proactive and do more than just what is being asked of you.” Etienne enjoys his independence and the ability to tap into the team resources when needed. “Especially working remotely. The head office is in Ontario. I treat my job as my own business in a way.”
Stepping Into Sales
After 15 years in the high-pressure culinary world, Etienne needed a break to recover from burnout. For a change of pace, he turned his attention to sales and honed those skills for six years before a United Trimen recruiter called him back to his roots in the restaurant industry. From his home base in British Columbia, Etienne supports national multi-unit accounts across Canada. Primarily focused on smallwares for front- and back-of-house, customers can rest easy knowing Ettiene brings his A-game to every project and inquiry.
