IFDA Leaders Reveal Big News & Leadership Insight

Special Episode

IFDA Leaders Reveal Game-Changing Conference & Leadership Insights

Aired: February 26, 2026

Guest: Angie Dark & Aaron Kerkhoff

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In this special episode of Crave – The IFDA Podcast, host Julien LeBlanc sits down with industry leaders to share a major announcement from IFDA and unpack how collaboration, networking, and cross-functional leadership can transform organizations across foodservice distribution.

Guests Angie Dark and Aaron Kerkhoff discuss why bringing sales, operations, marketing, transportation, and leadership together in one room in San Antonio can break down silos, spark innovation, and create powerful “aha” moments that drive measurable business growth.

From mentorship stories and customer experience strategies inspired by brands like Disney and Chick-fil-A, to practical examples of ideas implemented after conferences, this episode highlights why investing in people, learning, and industry community is one of the fastest ways to accelerate results and retention.

Whether you’re a distributor, operator, manufacturer, or emerging leader, this conversation will help you rethink collaboration, leadership development, and the true power of industry connection.

Topics Covered in This Episode

  • 00:00 Big Announcement for the IFDA Community
  • 00:39 Meet Angie Dark – Marketing & Communications Leader at Martin Bros
  • 01:06 Meet Aaron Kerkhoff – Operations & Leadership Perspective
  • 02:31 IFDA Committee Involvement & Planning Insights
  • 03:12 Why This Conference Announcement Matters
  • 04:39 The Big Reveal: A Unified IFDA Conference Experience
  • 05:23 Breaking Down Silos Between Sales, Operations & Leadership
  • 06:10 The Power of Offsite Strategy & Executive Retreat Thinking
  • 07:05 “Force Multiplier” – Why Convergence Creates Momentum
  • 08:01 What Makes IFDA Conferences Different
  • 08:45 The Value of Cross-Functional Leadership Attendance
  • 10:48 Turning Conference Insights into Immediate Business Wins
  • 11:51 Personal Growth Through IFDA Events
  • 12:29 Networking, Mentorship & Long-Term Industry Relationships
  • 13:31 Collaboration on the Trade Show Floor
  • 14:21 Bringing Emerging Leaders to IFDA
  • 15:47 Real Example: Creating a Customer Surprise Program
  • 17:15 Lessons from Disney on Delivering Unexpected Value
  • 17:55 Generational Communication & Workforce Strategy
  • 19:33 Chick-fil-A Perspective: Stakeholders vs Shareholders
  • 21:34 Employee Retention Through Conference Investment
  • 23:04 Planning Your Year Around IFDA Conferences
  • 24:23 Why This Is an Investment, Not a Cost
  • 25:00 Industry Challenges: AI, Workforce, Supply Chain & Security
  • 26:02 Leadership Reset & Strategic Growth
  • 27:12 Final Call to Action: Join Us in San Antonio

More About Our Guests

Aaron Kerkhoff
General Manager of Supply Chain
Kohl Wholesale

Aaron Kerkhoff is the General Manager of Supply Chain for Kohl Wholesale in Quincy, IL. Aaron has spent 15 years at Kohl Wholesale as a DSR, Sales Coordinator, Director of Sales, and Director of Operations before took on his current role. He worked for Sysco as a Marketing Associate for 7 years prior to moving to Kohl. Aaron is a true believer in positive leadership, servant leadership, and that relationships in business matter. He is an advocate for small town, small business, and family-owned business. Aaron is married to his wife Michelle and they have three children Jackson, Carson, and Madison. Aaron and his oldest son own a small construction business together. Aaron is President of a non-profit faith based organization, and leads a Men’s Ministry at St Francis Solanus Church.

Angie Dark

Director of Marketing & Communications
Martin Bros. Distributing.

Angie Dark is a dynamic marketing leader with more than 24 years of experience bringing brands to life through bold storytelling, strategic communication, and smart content execution. She launched her career at a media firm, where she quickly discovered her passion for creating meaningful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.

Now serving as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Martin Bros. Distributing, Angie has spent the past 11 years using her expertise to spark growth, elevate engagement, and strengthen brand alignment across the organization.

Angie is dedicated to fostering an upbeat, collaborative environment where her team can experiment, innovate, and shine. She believes the true magic in marketing comes from persistence, curiosity, and a fearless willingness to think beyond the expected.

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