Director of Food & Nutrition
I began my career with The Nutrition Group on April 24, 2005, nearly 21 years ago. At the time, I was working in retail and welcomed the opportunity to move away from direct public-facing work. I started in a role preparing meals for the counties. After a few months, I was briefly laid off due to budget cutbacks, but soon after, I was offered a position preparing meals for the Armstrong County Jail.
Early in my career, I was young and primarily focused on earning a paycheck. I did not yet fully understand the impact our work had on the people we served. That perspective began to change when Lee and Marty would visit and remind us that the meals we provide are more than just food. For some individuals, these meals may be the only hot meal they receive or the only social interaction they have all week, particularly those attending senior centers or receiving home-delivered meals. In some cases, something as simple as a friendly smile along with a meal can make a meaningful difference.
While working with the jail population, we were reminded that although someone may have made a poor choice, they still deserve a quality meal. Often, that meal may be the highlight of their day. These reminders changed my outlook and motivated me to take pride in my work and always put my best foot forward.
Over the years, the journey was not always easy. We experienced several changes in management, and during that time I made a conscious effort to be available, assist wherever needed, and demonstrate a willingness not only to meet expectations but to continuously learn. There came a time when many staff members chose not to adapt to new management and necessary operational changes, resulting in severe staffing shortages. At that point, I was asked to step up.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to trust my experience and confidence in my abilities. The manager at the time and I worked closely together, supporting one another and tackling challenges one step at a time. Together, we made it work. She often asked me to take on responsibilities outside my comfort zone, and I accepted those challenges because I did not want to let her down. Through that experience, she helped me recognize potential in myself that I had not previously seen.
As staffing levels gradually improved, I continued to expand my knowledge and skills so I could assist in multiple areas. Eventually, that manager moved on to a higher role within the company, and her position became available. I expressed interest in the Food Service Director role; however, another candidate was selected due to having more qualifications at the time. Although disappointed, I remained committed and supported the new manager fully.
About a year later, that manager chose to pursue another opportunity, and the position once again became available. I was encouraged to apply, submitted my résumé, and after the interview process, I was selected as the Food Service Director for Ford City.
Throughout my time with Nutrition, I have experienced many changes, both highs and lows. I truly believe that along the way, I was given the tools, guidance, and support needed not only to grow within the company, but also to grow as a person.
- Kristine Baker
Join a team that cares for each other like family.
Ed stands by a solid brand promise: “At The Nutrition Group, we try to do exactly what we say we will do. No surprises. Guaranteed.”
The Nutrition Group began when Walter McGrew and Ed Caswell purchased a small division of Potter McCune in June of 1975. Walter needed someone that would help grow Nutrition Inc. Providentially, Ed was in the right place at the right time. Walter offered him the opportunity to help grow the new business along with a share of the company. Ed enthusiastically accepted and became Vice President. The early years were characterized by transition, from a volume-based commissary operation to bid-based contract catering and then to contract food service management.
As with any successful business, many hours were invested, much experimentation was tried and many lessons were learned. The main key to early success was hiring quality, team-oriented management personnel and nourishing and encouraging their personal and professional growth.
Mr. McGrew retired in the early 1980’s and divested his interest to Ed in 1991. The leveraged buyout necessitated creative capitalization beyond bank financing. As it turned out, the idea to sell stock to key management personnel remains a powerful component in the company’s success. This has allowed The Nutrition Group to maximize growth opportunities and improve operational capabilities. Being an actively involved owner of the company is energizing, it lights the fire of pride and commitment because it is personal.
The Nutrition Group has enjoyed continual growth guided by their top management leadership team, which has been another hallmark throughout the years of our management philosophy: a strong, dedicated and focused top management team. The corporation has developed teamwork structures and principles within all levels of our business and closely monitors and supervises daily implementation and progress.
Ed’s customer-first philosophy that fueled company growth from the beginning is still the driving principle today. The employees of The Nutrition Group embrace that philosophy in all that they do. Today, The Nutrition Group serves over 240 school districts across six states and has a Commissary Division serving daycare and Head Start children, Senior Centers and Healthcare facilities. Also, the Facilities Management Services division provides custodial maintenance management, capital project management and owner’s representative services.
Ed’s parents and grandparents passed on their entrepreneurial beliefs. He was raised in a business household. He is grateful to Mr. McGrew his first partner and business mentor. He is grateful to God, his wives, family, the many “Nutritionites”, customers, vendors and outside sources of inspiration – all of which helped him to grow and develop into the person God has graced him to be. Ed believes, “We grow more through our hardships than blessings, but we are grateful for both.” He is a man of faith whose resourcefulness, perseverance and leadership helped build The Nutrition Group.
The integrity and commitment of The Nutrition Group business model, focusing on trying to consistently please the customer and sincerely attempting to do what we say we are going to do, is what sets us apart from the competition.
