Saucy Bites

E7 Rene Marquis Fixing the Ladder: How Chef Rene is Rebuilding the American Culinary Federation

oin us for an inspiring conversation with Chef Rene J. Marquis CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC, a decorated military veteran, International Culinary Judge, ACF National President, and Food Network Cutthroat Kitchen champion. With 21 years of service as a combat-disabled veteran and global success in Culinary Olympics and World Cups, Chef Marquis shares unmatched insight into leadership, discipline, competition, and elevating the culinary profession.  From his military culinary career to his leadership roles in the American Culinary Federation and WorldChefs, Chef Marquis has dedicated his life to excellence and service. This episode is packed with powerful stories, global perspective, and guidance for chefs at every stage.  Guest Background: Chef Rene J. Marquis CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC is a highly decorated Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, Certified Culinary Administrator, ACE Evaluator, and American Academy of Chefs member. Born in Lewiston, Maine, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1992 before beginning his culinary career at The Broadmoor as Garde Manger and Chef Tournant. In 1993, he joined the U.S. Army, serving 21 years as a combat-disabled veteran and culminating his service at MacDill AFB. A two-time competitor at the Culinary Olympics and multiple-time World Cup competitor, he brought home numerous gold and silver medals as team captain of the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team. He is an ACF-approved judge since 2005, an International Culinary Judge through WorldChefs, and appeared on Food Network’s 'Cutthroat Kitchen' where he won Season 1, Episode 7. Chef Marquis currently serves as the ACF National President and has held leadership roles with WorldChefs and the American Academy of Chefs. He is a Corporate Chef for Land O’Lakes and volunteers extensively across Tampa Bay, supporting veterans and the Chef & Child Initiative. He has earned numerous awards including multiple Presidential Medallions and accolades from the AAC.  ACF Website [https://www.acfchefs.org/] Chef Rene Social LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-marquis-cec-cce-cca-aac-b1381755/]

E6 Tim Recher The Master Chef's Journey

Chef Tim Recher—World Certified Master Chef, global competitor, and culinary Olympic team member—shares what it takes to perform at the highest level in the culinary world. From leadership to global competition to maintaining professional excellence, this episode is packed with insight.  Guest Background: Tim Recher is a World Certified Master Chef and distinguished member of the World Master Chef Society. He is a recipient of the National Chef Professionalism Award, a Certified Executive Chef, and a competitor in the Global Chefs Challenge World Championship. He has represented the United States as part of the National Culinary Olympic Team and is a member of the American Academy of Chefs. Chef Recher currently serves at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Florida.  Socials LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheftimrecher/] Sponsored by Ovention Ovens [https://oventionovens.com/]

E5 Ted Asprooth Roller Dogs, Ventless Kitchens & the Future of Convenience Stores

This week, we sit down with Ted Asprooth, a specialist in Foodservice, Convenience Store operations, and Military foodservice support at Antunes. Antunes is a world leader in custom foodservice equipment and water filtration systems, servicing over 150 countries with manufacturing plants in Carol Stream, IL and China. Their customers include major global QSR brands—most notably McDonald's, where Antunes earned Equipment Supplier of the Year.  Ted shares insight into equipment innovation, C‑store operations, military foodservice demands, and what keeps Antunes at the forefront of the foodservice world. This episode is packed with high-level industry knowledge.  Guest Background: Ted Asprooth is a Foodservice and Convenience Store industry specialist with extensive experience supporting military and commercial foodservice environments. At Antunes—a global leader in custom foodservice equipment and advanced water filtration solutions—Ted helps support operations across 150 countries. Antunes maintains manufacturing plants in Carol Stream, Illinois, and China, serving major partners including McDonald's (where Antunes earned Equipment Supplier of the Year), global QSR brands, convenience stores, and the U.S. Military. As a family-owned company recognized with numerous Best in Class workplace awards, Antunes continues to be a worldwide force in foodservice innovation.  Socials LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-asprooth-65b497/] Sponsored by Ovention Ovens [https://oventionovens.com/]

E3 Tim Harris Industrial Marketing in a TikTok World

Meet Tim Harris, the creator behind Tim Taking Time — an industrial market influencer helping brands become seen, known, and trusted. With an audience of over 28,000 engaged followers, Tim uses the power of videos, photos, and consistent engagement to help industrial equipment companies stand out in a crowded space.  In this episode, Tim shares why authenticity matters more than polished perfection, how B2B brands can unlock trust, and what it takes to build strong industry visibility. Marketing teams maintain full control of messaging while leveraging Tim’s reach and influence — making this episode essential listening for anyone in industrial marketing.  Guest Background: Tim Harris is a marketing-focused influencer and content creator known for helping industrial equipment brands become seen, known, and trusted through the power of videos, photos, and consistent engagement. As the creator of Tim Taking Time, he provides companies with access to his engaged network of more than 28,000 followers while allowing marketing teams to stay fully in control of messaging and branding. Tim is a dad, husband, traveler, and independent content provider dedicated to elevating visibility and audience trust across the industrial sector.  Tim Harris Social Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-harris-a31524163/] Sponsored by Ovention Ovens [https://oventionovens.com/]

E4 Roger Kreager Secrets of Food Sourcing

Roger Kreager is the Owner and President of Chef Source in Canton, Michigan, with decades of experience in foodservice equipment and kitchen solutions. Known for his customer-first approach and strong industry partnerships, Roger built Chef Source from the ground up—starting out of his garage and delivering equipment from the trunk of his car. Under his leadership, Chef Source has become a trusted resource for operators across the Midwest. In this episode Chef Joe unlock the secret to building a thriving food business with the visionary behind Chef Source Distribution, Roger Kreager. Discover how he grew from a one-man operation in 1999 to a regional powerhouse spanning multiple states—all through passion, innovation, and relentless hard work. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned chef aiming to turn your food passion into a sustainable empire, this episode lights the path forward. Roger shares behind-the-scenes stories of navigating economic crashes, pandemics, and supply chain chaos—all while doubling down on customer service and product quality. Socials Chef Source Website [https://chef-source.com/] Chef Source LInkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chef-source/] Roger Kreager LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-kreager-52505167/]