LOCAL LEGENDS: Brewing better breaks with Scott Brand

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Join me as we take a snapshot of Scott Brand’s journey from route driver to local company president to National Director at Canteen Canada.

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You may not know Canteen Canada, but it is the nation’s largest vending supplier, micro-markets, coffee, and office snack services company. Their mission is to enhance your coffee and lunch breaks while delivering superior service and modern refreshment solutions to your office.

I recently met with my friend Scott Brand to gain insights into brewing better ideas for coffee and lunch breaks for our hardworking staff.

Why Scott, you ask? His early beginnings in the coffee industry started in 1996 as a route driver in Winnipeg with Gourmet Coffee. His journey, marked by a humble start and a few unexpected turns, is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work and determination in shaping one’s future.

Scott’s story is not just a story of success but a source of inspiration for all of us.

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Just imagine the phone call when Scott informed his boss, Trevor Westwood, then president of Gourmet Coffee, on his second day at work about losing his truck. After coming out of a client’s office, his vehicle was gone, vanished, and could not be seen.

For those venturing into the business world or those already there, it’s crucial to remember that setbacks, big or small, are part of the journey. These setbacks can give us valuable insights and experience growth, all while shaping our future successes.

Trevor’s response was that of a great leader and future mentor, filled with wisdom, care, and direction. His guidance set the tone for Scott’s future success, highlighting the importance of mentorship and friendship in one’s career journey. Scott’s story is a testament to the power of hard work with guidance and support in achieving one’s goals empowering him to be a local legend.

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Interestingly, when Trevor hired Scott, in that initial interview, he asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years? Scott’s reply was bold, perhaps cheeky, yet inspiring when he said, “To be sitting in your chair.” With his lost truck mishap and a few more years down the road, Scott went from being a route driver to sitting in Trevor’s chair as President. In 2019, Gourmet Coffee was sold to Canteen Canada, an international company that is a top break room solutions provider. The local Winnipeg office has 18 staff members, led by Tory Bommhoff.

I asked Chris to help our readers understand some of the core values that have made Canteen Canada the nation’s largest vending service provider for its key divisions: vending, micro-markets, coffee, and office snack services.

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He gave me five fundamental values that have helped the organization stand out in its industry. These core values, which have helped Canteen Canada become number one in its sector, may also help your business.

When you read about them, consider which ones you can implement or upgrade within your organization. Pour a coffee, grab a snack, and explore these five fundamental values.

1. Teamwork: Together, We Achieve More

“Teamwork makes the dream work.” —John C. Maxwell

“Our supportive team culture, with collaboration, enhances workplace communication, allowing us to exceed customer expectations. With teamwork at our core, we ensure your vending service experience is seamless and exceptional.”

2. Superior Service: Excellence in Every Interaction

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“Quality is not an act; it is a habit.” —Aristotle

“Our commitment to providing unmatched service sets us apart. We ensure that every customer is satisfied through solid communication and dedicated effort. From our Avenue C micro-market service to a quick coffee or snack, we are here to ‘wow’ your associates daily with our superior service.”

3. Passion for Quality: Delivering the Best Every Time

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.” —John Ruskin

“At Canteen Canada, doing the right thing is at the heart of our culture. We provide superior product choices sourced locally and responsibly. Our clients want to elevate workplace satisfaction by offering their employees the best complimentary snack and drink options.”

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4. Innovation: Leading the Future of Refreshments

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” —Steve Jobs

“We stay ahead with the latest technologies, such as mobile payment options and no-touch coffee brewers. Upgrading your office coffee service and experiencing the future of workplace refreshments with our industry-leading solutions is possible locally and nationally with Canteen Canada.”

5. Wellbeing: Promoting Health and Sustainability

“The greatest wealth is health.” —Virgil

“We prioritize wellness in our workplace and yours by encouraging healthy eating habits and minimizing waste. Our breakroom services offer better-for-you products, and our Waste Not program supports sustainability goals. Together, we can build a corporate wellness program that positively impacts the environment and promotes a greener future.”

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How can these values shape your company’s culture and contribute to its success?

Your Success is Our Mission

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” —Albert Schweitzer

“At Canteen Canada, we combine industry experience, resources, and knowledge to bring superior vending solutions to your company’s break room. Your success is our mission, and we are committed to providing the best service to ensure your satisfaction and success. Because at the end of the day, your success is what matters most to us.”

If you would like to transform your break and lunchroom options by providing refreshment solutions for all your staff, the team at Canteen Canada can help.

Please connect with my friends Scott Brand, the National Director of Coffee Strategies at Canteen Canada or Tory Bommhoff, their GM here in the Winnipeg office or more information, call 204-925-2233 or 866.292.8363. And let them know that Art sent you.

— Art Alexander is the President of Art Alexander and Associates.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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