In this opening address to the 20th Top to Top conference, Bruce McIntyre reflects on his 47‑year career in the foodservice industry—17 years on the manufacturer side followed by over 30 years in agency work—before a recent three‑year retirement. He credits the Foodservice Sales and Marketing Association (FSMA) for providing valuable relationships, learning opportunities, and career milestones, including his service as chairperson in 1999‑2000 and receiving the Jerry Wachsler Industry Service Award in 2007. McIntyre praises the current conference lineup and the powerful mobile app, then speculates on emerging technologies such as smart‑glass teleprompters and Double Robotics, and muses about future industry consolidation. He emphasizes that continual change is the constant, encourages attendees to stay ready, congratulates FSMA on 20 years of collaboration, and looks forward to future anniversaries.
Chapters
Greetings from Charlotte. I know you are having an exciting and productive Top to Top conference in Orlando. Some of you in the room are old enough to remember me, but many are saying, who is that guy? Well, I am Bruce McIntyre. I have been away from the industry for 3 years enjoying an active retirement. I'm often asked if I miss my work, and I can truly say that I do miss many of the people, the relationships, and the challenges. I spent 17 years on the manufacturer side before spending over 30 years in the agency sector. Those 47 years saw tremendous change, and that change will continue to accelerate in the future. It is this change that makes the industry exciting and rewarding to those who embrace the moment, and that is each of you. And that is why you are attending this 20th Top to Top conference. There is no better format to bring trading partners together than the events offered by the Foodservice Sales and Marketing Association. Looking back over all of the FSMA events our team attended, I can think of numerous opportunities, relationships, and learnings that we would not have enjoyed had it not been for our participation. Serving as your chairperson in 1999 and 2000 was most rewarding. The true highlight of my professional career was receiving your Jerry Wachsler Industry Service Award in 2007. That would have never been possible without all of the benefits derived from FSMA. As for this year's event, reviewing your list of speakers is exciting. What a great collection of talent. Their industry insights are priceless. And looking at the mobile app you have for the conference, wow, how powerful is that? Thinking about what handheld technology can bring to the productivity of the industry is mind-blowing. When will your presentations appear on a teleprompter that is viewed on your smart glasses? Are there doubles from Double Robotics around the office yet? Do they make sales calls or ride around with you all day? Can't be far off. And those are just some of the things already available. Imagine all of the gadgets yet to come. And what is the next big merger? Do we soon end up with one manufacturer using one agency to sell one distributor? Then maybe the whole cycle starts over with local manufacturers using local agencies to sell local distributors. Who knows? Change is the constant, so stay ready. Congratulations on 20 years of selling better together with FSMA. Have a wonderful conference, and I hope to join you in person on your 30th and 40th anniversary.
