Help Your Staff Beat the Heat

Melissa Tibben's remarkable career in the food service industry has been characterized by a journey through several esteemed establishments, leaving a trail of success and recognition. Her path began at Omaha's zoo, where she started as a sno-cone server and quickly climbed the ranks to become the youngest line-cook at a casino fine-dining restaurant. Later, she showcased her culinary prowess as a pastry chef for Margarite Goodenow's renowned catering business.

Her passion for the industry led her to join Attitude on Food (AOF), where she played a pivotal role in the company's growth from a humble start with annual revenues of $400,000 to a thriving enterprise generating nearly three million dollars in revenue by 2016. Her dedication and ability to secure substantial contracts, expand the business to new locations, and successfully launch their first food truck demonstrated her leadership and business acumen.

Melissa's journey then led her to Florida, where she became the Catering Manager at MacDill Air Force Base, until the unfortunate events of March 2020 when COVID-19 halted operations and led to job losses for the entire team.

However, her trajectory of success didn't stop there. In December of 2020, Melissa received a fortuitous call from John Cohen at Total Party Planner (TPP), kickstarting her tenure as an Account Executive. Her exceptional performance and unwavering commitment led her to her current role as Client Relations Manager at TPP.

Beyond her impressive career achievements, Melissa has also been an active and influential figure within the catering community. As a Board of Director for the ICA (International Caterers Association), she has contributed significantly to the industry's growth and development.

Not content with just her official roles, Melissa has devoted her time and expertise to volunteering behind the scenes for the Catersource Conference and tradeshow. Her contributions have helped make these events successful, and her passion for sharing knowledge and insights led her to be a featured speaker at both AOCF and Catersource conferences.

Melissa Tibben's journey through various establishments, from the zoo to prestigious catering businesses, MacDill Air Force Base, Total Party Planner, and her involvement with the ICA and Catersource, demonstrates her unparalleled dedication, leadership, and expertise in the food service and catering industry. Her presence continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on the industry and its professionals.