What Owning a Service Business Has Taught Me

Titans of Foodservice

In this week’s episode of the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo takes an intimate look at the nearly nine-year journey of his company, Portillo Sales and Marketing. Nick talks about the importance of having a strong founding team, investing in key hires, and embracing change and innovation. He shares how building a strong company culture and valuing excellence has steered his company through the challenges and triumphs of the industry. Nick also reflects on the impact that leveraging relationships has had on both himself as an individual and on his business.

Quotes

• "This journey has been full of highs, it's been full of lows, and it's been full of a lot of in between those two extremes. But it has been worth it." -Nick Portillo [01:22]

• "When you're starting off, you have to convince people to overcome the fact that you are new and that it's okay to change. People want to partner and be with winners. They want to partner and be with people who have been around, who have done it, who they have confidence in to grow their business." -Nick Portillo [05:40]

TIMESTAMPS

(03:11) Overcoming the challenges of being a new business and building a reputation

(09:14) Selling service business

(14:08) Differentiating between cash basis and accrual basis in business investments

(19:41) Finding great leadership

(26:23) Embracing change and innovation

(30:40) Responding to clients with empathy

(34:09) Building trust and reputation through expertise and team capabilities

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT

Nick: [e-mail]