We believe that the foundation of any successful company should come from its leadership, which is why we take pride in having responsible, qualified, ethical, hands-on management. The team below proudly leads over 3,500 employees.
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.
Jessica Anzelone has a clear vision for the future – one that is built on the people who are the heart and soul of The Nutrition Group.
Jessica Anzelone, Managing Director, has enjoyed growing up within The Nutrition Group corporate family. From a young age, she often joined her father, Edward Caswell, CEO and Owner, at the office. From eating hoagies right off the line to participating in The Nutrition Group’s summer programs, Jessica slowly became ingrained in the business.
When it was time for a career, she chose to enter the Information Technology field. The experience was valuable and confirmed what she already knew about The Nutrition Group – that it is a rare and unique people-focused organization. Jessica soon returned to The Nutrition Group and vowed to uphold the core values of the company.
In preparation for her leadership role, Jessica began a journey throughout the corporation. She knew that The Nutrition Group’s most valuable asset was, and still is, it’s people. Therefore, she began learning all that she could about the business from various roles. She gained hands-on experience at every level of the organization and went through the day-to-day operations from many perspectives. This journey ultimately gave her a strong foundation of understanding that supports her corporate decisions to this day.
In her current role as Managing Director, Jessica’s vision is for everyone at The Nutrition Group to feel the passion and commitment that drives the corporation every day. Continuing to enjoy guidance and receive inspiration from her father, Jessica facilitates company growth through the strength and talents of The Nutrition Group family. She knows that the team that surrounds her – at every facet of the organization – promotes The Nutrition Group’s overall success.
With guiding principles of family values and a people-first philosophy, Jessica is moving the company into the future with food service innovations, technology and professional development opportunities. She believes that growth and diversification will fuel the future.
Jessica’s advice for embracing change is, “Do not let fear stand in your way, be open, engage and above all be present. If you are present and engaged the potential for success is limitless.”
The priorities Mike has demonstrated throughout his career are attention to detail, mentoring, efficiency, accuracy, improving processes and, most importantly, being a resource for his team.
Mike is a results-driven financial professional with a track record of effective financial management, process improvement and optimization, and strategic planning. He is adept at managing financial operations and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Mike and the dedicated team of professionals in The Nutrition Group’s Business Office strive to produce accurate and timely financial information not only for our internal stakeholders, but most importantly for our clients.
“Numbers are my niche, I enjoy researching and analyzing through the “eyes” of the numbers because they will tell a story that includes the good, the bad and the ugly.”
The Human Resources department at The Nutrition Group is vibrant, upbeat and actively serves the organization. Ian O’Brien believes he and his department work for every employee. His message is clear, we are all on the same team, working toward the same goal and should be enjoying our work as we fulfill The Nutrition Group mission.
Ian O’Brien, Esquire joined The Nutrition Group as the Director of Administrative and Legal Affairs. With his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University, Ian can practice law in the State of Pennsylvania as well as the Federal District Court of Western PA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from Duquesne University before entering Duquesne University’s School of Law. As an essential member of the management team, Ian brings knowledge and experience that is crucial to the growth of The Nutrition Group.
As Human Resources Director and Corporate Attorney, Ian supports the organization from a Human Resources perspective and provides legal counsel. He leads all aspects of Human Resources including staffing, recruiting, benefits, workers’ compensation and succession planning. He provides legal counsel and representation as well as training for division leaders and managers on relevant topics.
Focused on the future and the continued growth of The Nutrition Group, Ian is positioning the Human Resources Department to be proactive and ready to meet the hiring needs of all divisions. The Human Resources Team implemented corporate wide software designed to simplify the on-boarding process. Beginning with the software selection decision and completing the project with staff training across five states, Ian and his team have achieved clarity, efficiency and consistency in the hiring process.
Ian believes that “the Human Resource team should be engaging with our employees, understanding what they do and encouraging them to enjoy their job and have fun at work.”
While the Food Service Division delivers the best in nutrition, Sean delivers cutting-edge technology that drives operational efficiency and communication. Under his guidance, The Nutrition Group continues to apply technology to improve operations, communications, customer service, employee productivity and satisfaction. Sean and his department created a whole new way to collaborate, deliver training and access resources at The Nutrition Group.
As President of School Food Service Division for The Nutrition Group, Nancy Kohl brings her own style of leading with purpose through understanding.
Nancy is an insightful President. She truly worked her way through all of the layers of the organization, giving her the big picture view of The Nutrition Group with direct hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations. Nancy applies that knowledge to understanding what our customers need, how the layers of the organization work together to serve our customers, what industry challenges may exist and believing that every day is a new opportunity to value our employees and delight our customers.
Her vision is to be known by everyone within every district that The Nutrition Group serves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida and Virginia. Her style of leadership is personal. She strives to ensure that each employee knows that his or her role is important to the success of the organization. Nancy sees the success of our Food Service program as relying on every interaction with our customers – it could be the kindergartener that gets a warm smile from the lady serving lunch, the middle school student who is encouraged to try a new food and finds a favorite or the administrator that celebrates district school lunch participation growing. All of these moments add up to successful food service programs throughout our markets.
Nancy has enjoyed years of career growing experience with The Nutrition Group. She holds a Masters of Education in Training and Development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics/Dietetics from Mansfield University. And, that was just the beginning.
Nancy is a life-long learner and explorer with the ability to turn new ideas into results–driven action. When she recognized that the front line employees who work diligently every day to serve high quality delicious meals may not be aware of the impact of their role, it was clear that she had to find a way to help them understand. Also, with a huge organization spread across five states, it became important to remind employees that they are not alone.
Nancy discovered the answer that would transform the organization into a team of mindful individuals that understand the power of positive motivation. It would allow employees to approach their tasks as a member of a multi-talented team prepared to reach their highest potential. Her road map began with the international bestselling author, Jon Gordon and his book, The Energy Bus, 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy. Nancy launched this “must read” corporate wide and the principles have become part of the fabric of The Nutrition Group. The philosophy that Nancy introduced has been embraced by employees at every layer of the organization and has provided the tools to overcome negativity and challenges, and enable each individual to reach their highest potential.
For the future, Nancy will continue to drive The Nutrition Group, serving up positive energy to her teams and fueling growth with purpose, vision, enthusiasm and spirit.
The key to Susan’s success is nurturing the people in her life with perpetual optimism both personally and professionally.
Susan Morrow-Veitch is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in Business Management and Marketing. She started her career with The Nutrition Group as the Catering Director and that was just the beginning. She quickly became a Food Service Director for several school districts, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day business of school food service. Her management style of supportive mentoring and a positive approach lead her to Regional Manager. As a Regional Manager, she continued to be a mentor to the Food Service Directors in her region offering meaningful support because she understood firsthand the demands of the position. She continued to grow in her career at The Nutrition Group as the Director of Operations.
With her strong background, positive motivation and management style, Susan soon became a Vice President with The Nutrition Group. She now oversees five Regional Managers and 51 School Districts. Her strength, dedication and integrity – as well as delivering positive motivation – is what drives her to be a champion for her Nutrition family and her personal family.
Susan’s motivation comes from her belief that “strength doesn’t come from what you can do, it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”
Outstanding financial performance is best achieved through budget strength and operational excellence.
Mary C. Filler, Vice President, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management at Pennsylvania State University and quickly put her skills to work as a General Manager with McDonald’s Corporation.
Mary manages budgets and builds operational efficiencies to create profitable food service programs. Mary’s education, experience and management skills propelled her career at The Nutrition Group from Food Service Director to Regional Manager to Director of Operations to Vice President. Mary has experience with all aspects of Food Service Management including state and federal regulations. She is skilled at operational and financial evaluation and analysis. She understands financial performance indictors and how to leverage them to maximize returns. By participating in sales activities, including site surveys, financial analysis and client presentations, Mary takes an active role in the growth of The Nutrition Group.
Mary brings a valuable perspective to her team of Directors of Operations, Regional Managers and Sales Directors. Her combined grass roots experience, financial management expertise and commitment to success make her leadership invaluable to her team.
Mary’s management style is all about relationship building with her team, creating an environment of trust and facilitating success.
Innovative leader, problem solver, mentor and team builder that ignites growth and positive change.
Kevin Rindock, Vice President, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, New York with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts. Before joining The Nutrition Group, Kevin was Assistant Chef and Manager of Woodloch Springs Country Club. Then, he answered an ad for an “inventory control person for the Scranton City Schools Food Service Department,” aka “Stock Boy,” and his career at The Nutrition Group was launched. The Nutrition Group was in for a happy surprise when Kevin joined the team. There was no challenge that he didn’t embrace. Before he left Scranton City Schools to join the sales team, he learned all he could as a Food Service Director, Regional Chef and culinary support for the sales team.
Kevin has enjoyed a career of adventures in corporate growth as a Chef, Food Service Director, Regional Manager, Sales professional and Vice President. He is a natural leader and his optimism is contagious to all around him. Faced with a challenge Kevin creates solutions and opportunities that result in corporate growth. From developing a Corporate Chef program to forging new territories with school districts in Ohio and Michigan, Kevin develops successful teams that share his enthusiasm and commitment to The Nutrition Group’s high business standards.
Kevin defines his career this way, “I have seized every opportunity The Nutrition Group has presented me. Taken it and ran with it!”
Joseph Geisweidt defines success in his ability to value the members of his team and build a cohesive collection of talent who is focused on delivering proven methods to increase profit and reduce deficits.
Working for a national company, Joseph traveled throughout the Midwest and East Coast as a general manager converting failed franchises into successful profit centers. Joseph began at The Nutrition Group as a part-time cook for the Commissary Division while he attended Westmoreland County Community College. Joseph’s part-time job soon became a full time career with The Nutrition Group as a Director in the Commissary Division. He then transferred to the School Division as a Food Service Director.
With a solid foundation of knowledge of both divisions, Joseph advanced to Regional Manager. Working with several school districts in his region, he gained an understanding of all the ways that The Nutrition Group delivers successful programs tailored to the needs of their various clients. With every new opportunity, Joseph continues to be a supportive manager and attributes his success to the success of the people he works with.
Joseph advanced to Vice President as a direct result of his career building opportunities, experience, team building skills and broad corporate perspective. His ability to quickly assess situations, understand the problem and deliver solutions is the key to his success. Managing operations for school districts, improving deficit conditions to reach profit status and improving profit margins is what he does.
Joseph empowers his team and facilitates their ability to offer the best quality food and service throughout the districts he manages.
Lee Markosky and his Commissary Division make it possible for The Nutrition Group to serve our clients from early childhood through their senior years.
Lee Markosky’s entire career has been in the food service and hospitality industry. His education at West Virginia University in the Accounting and Business Management program – and his experience in managing prestigious country clubs, hotel food and beverage and commissaries – built the foundation for an amazing career with The Nutrition Group.
Lee is a driving force within The Nutrition Group’s Commissary Division. As President, he oversees the entire operation of the Commissary Division, which provides daily meals to various County Agencies. The Commissary is the most diverse division of The Nutrition Group serving Daycares, Head Start Centers, Charter Schools, Correctional Facilities, Healthcare Facilities, Summer camps and a network of Senior Centers some with home delivery options. This wide-ranging group of clients has individual, specific expectations that Lee makes sure are met and surpassed.
Lee is an expert customer service provider and he expects no less from his team. When you serve people from preschool to seniors, it is vital to understand the best way to meet their needs at all stages of their lives. Members of Lee’s Commissary Division know that they all play an important role and are committed on a personal level to delivering excellent client experiences. This commitment comes from Lee, who clearly values and respects the contribution of everyone on his team.
Lee has never met a challenge that he didn’t thoroughly enjoy achieving.
Marty demonstrates to his clients and team every day the promise of The Nutrition Group, “We do what we say we are going to do.”
Marty is a participatory manager that does not hesitate to help any member of his team. He values the contribution of his team members and credits their efforts for the success his division enjoys. He managed the daily operation of a prominent country club before joining The Nutrition Group.
Marty began as a District Manager overseeing the operations of the Commissary Units that provide daily meals through various county agencies. He monitored agency programs and managed contracts ensuring contract compliance. Marty enjoys working with members of the senior community participating in the programs he oversees. He is happy to show the spirit of The Nutrition Group through humble giving and respectful kindness to those in need. Above all, Marty is “present” and available to serve, making him a driving force within the agencies he manages.
His role expanded when he became General Manager, but his philosophy did not change. As General Manager with the Commissary Division, Marty now works with all Commissary Accounts delivering the same needs-based service and caring guidance. Marty is an exacting manager committed to providing outstanding service in all of his accounts. He has a gift for building highly effective teams that are as committed as he is to delivering successful programs. Marty empowers the members of his team and appreciates their contributions to meet and exceed expectations. When people are valued, empowered and appreciated they will move mountains to keep the promise of Martin Singer and The Nutrition Group.
Marty strives to “be present and embrace the power of humble giving and respectful compassion.”
As described by his peers, Dave is an exceptional, intelligent, thoughtful leader that is committed to helping each member of his staff be the best they choose to be.
Dave Puskar, General Manager, started at Nutrition Inc. within the heart of the company, the kitchen. With some time off from his full time job due to illness, he agreed to help as a cook in the Commissary kitchen. It was soon discovered that Dave was a great fit for Nutrition Inc. and the Commissary Division. He was invited to join the Commissary staff in a management role.
In his new position, Commissary Manager, he had the opportunity to work with center managers – coordinating preparation, shipping food and supplies to center managers and supervising commissary staff. That experience gave Dave the foundation he needed to become a Regional Manager.
As a Regional Manager, Dave continued to improve service by directing staff and Program Managers, implementing training, controlling cost and ensuring compliance with contracts and state regulations. His commitment to growing the company led him to another new opportunity, General Manager. Dave now oversees the management team and staff, facilitating growth and setting up new accounts. He enjoys the variety and opportunity that each day brings.
Dave summarizes his management philosophy this way, “listening, acting, believing and always striving for the best outcome.”