LeaseQ Brand Ambassador Spotlight, Norma Rodriguez from Western Restaurant Supply & Design

LeaseQ* is grateful to partner with outstanding foodservice dealers to offer equipment lease financing to their customers. We honor sales reps that have demonstrated a strong commitment to our partnership by distinguishing them as brand ambassadors.

Our latest brand ambassador is Norma Rodriguez, Sales Associate at Western Restaurant Supply & Design.

Norma moved from California to Washington in 2019 and was looking for her next career opportunity when a friend mentioned that her current employer, Western Restaurant Supply & Design, was hiring. Norma accepted a Customer Service role, which quickly escalated to a sales position.

Her first role in the foodservice industry has been an absolute joy, in no small part because she is so enamored with the team she works with each day. “When I started, I wondered how I would learn everything,” says Norma. “I’ve come so far because everyone here is so patient and helpful.”

Western Restaurant Supply & Design is a dealer that lives by the motto, “There’s no ‘I’ in team,” and Norma is happy to work for a team that always has each other’s backs and shares knowledge.

It seems the feeling is mutual. “Norma is a vital part of our team here at Western Restaurant Supply,” says Joel Kruse, General Manager. “She has been with us for almost three years and helps our team with sales, purchasing, financing, quoting food trailer and truck projects, and managing the showroom floor. Her positive can-do attitude is contagious, and she is a joy to work with. Customers love that she is bilingual, and they come back repeatedly, asking for her specifically because she is so good at her job.”

From helping customers outfit their food trucks to guiding them while selecting items for their full brick and mortar buildouts, Norma enjoys helping customers understand what items to choose to help them reach their goals. “I tell my customers they’re coming in with a dream of opening a restaurant, and I’m here to help guide them, so those dreams come true!’

After the jobs are complete, Norma loves the chance to swing by the restaurant and take pictures to show how everything came together.

Our own Regional Account Manager, Jason Kennedy Moore, has enjoyed working with Norma recently. “Norma was absolutely fantastic to work with! She was quick and responsive and was easily one of the best sales representatives that I’ve worked with in years. She went above and beyond, and even stayed in communication while she was on vacation!”

Thank you for being such a wonderful Brand Ambassador, Norma!

KL: What career advice would you give someone starting in the foodservice industry?
NR: Be passionate about what you do. Be open to learning new things every day.

KL: How do you think equipment lease financing plays a role in helping your customers get the items they need? How does it help you as a sales rep?
NR: I feel financing plays a big role because most of the time, customers need equipment right away, but either they don’t want to spend all their money or don’t have the money to purchase the equipment they need. It’s helped me a lot as a sales rep, because I can offer this option and save the sale instead of losing a sale due to the customer not having the money and walking away.

KL: What is one fun fact most people likely don’t know about you?
NR: I love to do hair.

KL: Why did you choose Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen as your restaurant to receive a gift card to?
NR: I’ve been there once for brunch and I absolutely loved it. I had chicken fried steak with eggs, potatoes and a few drinks. The best! They make everything from scratch, which makes it so delicious!