Brief Summary
Walt Sheffler, CEO of Avendra International, discusses the company's role in hospitality procurement, its approach to sustainability, and its future plans for international expansion. He highlights Avendra's unique service model, which combines corporate strategy with on-the-ground support, and emphasizes the importance of aligning procurement with clients' business and sustainability goals.
- Avendra is a professional procurement services company that helps hospitality clients set specifications and provides options based on their brand essence.
- The company addresses industry challenges like labor shortages by optimizing the supply chain and offers solutions for sustainability through product alternatives and measurement tools.
- Avendra differentiates itself through its service model, employing hospitality professionals who understand the needs of hotel operations and providing support at both the corporate and property levels.
Introduction
Walt Sheffler, the CEO of Avendra International, is interviewed at the Avendra booth. He expresses his enthusiasm for the show and the engagement with attendees, highlighting the presence of his Avendra team.
Walt Sheffler's Background
Walt Sheffler shares his career journey, starting with his education at Penn State University. Initially an accounting major, he transitioned to the hotel school due to limited accounting job opportunities. This led to his first role as a manager trainee with Marriott directly after graduation.
The Appeal of the Hospitality Industry
Walt Sheffler expresses his appreciation for the hospitality industry, emphasizing the positive atmosphere and the enjoyment people typically experience in hotels. He values the opportunity to work in an upbeat environment where associates can also have fun.
Understanding Avendra International
Walt Sheffler describes Avendra International as a professional procurement services company. Avendra assists clients in defining product and service specifications, offering a range of options tailored to their brand and objectives.
Hospitality Procurement Explained
Walt Sheffler explains that hospitality procurement differs from traditional procurement by focusing on aligning products and services with the client's specific goals, whether it's pure commodity or enhancing the hotel's objectives. Avendra offers a variety of products and services tailored to different segments, from luxury to economy. Their service is a key differentiator, employing hotel professionals to serve hotel clients. Avendra provides a unique service model, operating both at the property and corporate levels. This allows them to understand brand goals and communicate priorities effectively to field-based teams, ensuring that hotels have the right products for food safety and sustainability.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Walt Sheffler identifies labor shortages as a significant challenge in the hospitality industry. Avendra addresses this by evaluating the entire supply chain and recommending solutions such as moving labor throughout the supply chain. For example, they might suggest using pre-cut steaks to reduce labor at the property level.
Sustainability and ESG Goals
Walt Sheffler explains that Avendra helps clients achieve their sustainability goals by providing sustainable product alternatives, such as metal bottles instead of plastic, and by measuring their sustainability efforts. They use tools like AI and labeling to track sustainable purchases, providing clients with a dashboard to monitor their progress.
Future of Avendra
Walt Sheffler shares that Avendra recently launched its international geography with investment from its parent company, Aramark. This expansion provides career advancement opportunities for Avendra's associates and allows the company to hire more people and develop further expertise.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Walt Sheffler encourages interested parties to visit Avendra's website to learn more and get in touch with the company.
