I hope we all realize it, but we're lucky. We get to work in an industry that's fun, fast-paced, ever-changing, and cool. After all, when you tell people what you do for a living and what industry you're in, what kind of reaction do you usually get? The bottom line is foodservice is hip.

According to the Information Technology Services Marketing Association, nearly two-thirds of all consumers conduct their own research before making purchases. This means most people who are ready to buy already know details about what you’re selling. They’ve read the ratings and reviews. They’ve seen all the articles. They’re educated. But who creates all this information they are reading?

This year's National Restaurant Association Show was one of the most interesting and productive shows we've experienced. For starters, we learned talking points in our industry are not the same as they were just a few years ago.