About

Dave DeWalt

Since 1974 I have worked in the foodservice industry. I started as a dishwasher, busboy, and short-order cook in Charlevoix, Michigan. Then I attended Michigan State University, and received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (with a Foodservice Marketing emphasis) in 1979.

From 1979 through 1994 I held a variety of Foodservice Marketing and Sales Management positions with Sara Lee Bakery, Vlasic Foods, and Awrey Bakeries. During this time I earned a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Finance from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. In 1994 I joined A.T. Kearney as a Management Consultant specializing in strategic and supply chain projects for food industry clients.

In 1996 I started Franklin Foodservice Solutions. My goal:  "To serve food industry clients on a variety of strategic, marketing and distribution-related projects".

In 2007 I wrote and published Understanding Foodservice Redistribution, then in 2008 wrote and published Understanding Jan-San Redistribution. Currently, I am writing a book about the Foodservice Supply Chain and the interactions among manufacturers, distributors, operators, brokers, and the many other participants in this fascinating business.

I also write the monthly “Foodservice Marketing Insights” newsletter. Subscribers to this FREE E-Newsletter also have access to my library of back issues. In addition to my consulting work, I founded and facilitate the SMART Share Group. This is a consortium of foodservice brokers that works together to address common business issues.

My background has provided a unique ability to design and conduct projects which provide measurable results for our clients. I'm am able to draw on formal consulting techniques, practical knowledge, and an excellent network of industry experts who are available to contribute to a client’s success. 

My versatile, action-oriented and pragmatic approach to problem-solving reflects my reputation for the ability to tackle a wide range of problems. 

Are you ready to work with a professional who engages exceptionally well with people from the boardroom to the plant floor? Contact me.

Do you need a Guest Speaker for your next meeting or event?

Drew Chicone

Drew was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of New York, and attended Hartwick College in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and received The Hartwick College Entrepreneurship Award in 2001.

Following three years of professional growth in the home mortgage business, Drew relocated to Southwest Florida, where he launched successful mortgage, title, and real estate companies in 2004.

As a business owner, he was able to apply energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to develop new approaches to a tradition-laden industry. As a result, his companies grew at a rate that far exceeded industry growth and Drew became known for his unique marketing approaches.

At Franklin Foodservice Solutions, Drew supports me in business development and client service. As an “industry outsider,” he brings fresh thinking to bear on long-standing foodservice issues, and is helping Franklin Foodservice Solutions and our clients apply technology to solve problems in new ways.