Think Like a CEO: Tom Wienclaw Tells His Story at Berkshire Middle School

On Friday, April 26, 2024, at noon, 110 Berkshire Middle School (BMS) students sat on black plastic chairs, countertops, and windowsills in their science classroom, anticipating the arrival of a distinguished guest, their classmate's stepdad, Tom Wienclaw . When he entered the room, his stepdaughter greeted him and happily introduced him to her peers.

Tom positioned himself at the forefront of the classroom after a welcoming round of applause:

"Thank you for having me…"

He introduced himself as a devoted husband, father of two, and an Ohio native who also cheers on the student’s favorite sports teams – The Ohio State University Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns . He then began detailing his journey from hometown to CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company.

In 1985, Tom attended John Carroll University just thirty minutes from his hometown in Cleveland, OH. With a vision of a future in finance, he graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, subsequently becoming a Certified Professional Accountant.

Four years into his professional career, Tom returned to school, pursuing an MBA in International Management from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH. This period provoked his interest in private equity-backed firms and their functionality. After graduating in 1995, he navigated through CFO and COO roles, eventually joining the foodservice company SS Kemp as CFO. In 2007, TriMark USA acquired SS Kemp and appointed Tom the division's CFO and General Manager.

Tom's nearly twenty-year tenure at TriMark comprises significant growth and industry knowledge. He progressed through multiple positions, from President of SS Kemp to EVP of the Midwest, Chief Growth Officer, EVP of the North, President of TriMark, and finally, CEO. 

With an almost forty-year career, Tom owns a wealth of knowledge that the next generation is prepared to receive, continuing a legacy of success and making his family, especially his children, proud.

"What is a CEO? What does a CEO do? How are companies owned? How do they operate?"

All questions Tom posed to BMS students, who listened carefully to his presentation. 

He candidly shared his journey to becoming a CEO, discussing both the advantages and challenges of the role, including the nuances well-understood within the industry. He encouraged the students to think about their futures beyond the classroom walls:

"If you're dedicated to your studies, are kind, and stay true to yourself, you, too, can become CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company."

As the CEO of TriMark and a foodservice industry expert, Tom discussed some of the exciting aspects of his position, like eating some of the best foods across the country and meeting many wonderful people. He talked specifically about TriMark and highlighted some of our most popular customers and largest projects that are familiar to the students.

Gifts were also placed around the room, and upon unveiling, students had the opportunity to interact with TriMark products, including some of our top-of-the-line tabletop accessories.

When it came time for the Q&A, multiple hands shot up. Tom captivated the students with the seemingly endless prospects of their future careers.

His daughter admirably watched as her role model addressed her classmates' inquiries, encouraging them to think about their dreams and sharing secrets to a successful and fulfilling career journey:

"It's never too early. If you're interested in becoming a CEO, think like a CEO!"

Tom distributed TriMark sports water bottles as a parting gift, emblazoned with the encouraging "Think like a CEO" message to remind the students of his lesson. As a bonus, Tom personally signed gift cards to popular TriMark-supported restaurants addressed to "Future CEO."