Gary Potvin

Director Of Sales

Gary Potvin is passionate about customer service and loves working with independent restaurants across Ontario. He’s skilled, detail-oriented and dedicated to getting the job done. Gary has worked in food service for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to Morton customers, supporting their needs and contributing to their success. Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time with his family, getting involved in his kids’ extracurricular activities and traveling to new places. Here’s what Gary had to say about working with Morton Food Service.

How would you describe the Morton difference to existing and potential customers?

Morton Food Service goes beyond being a food distribution company by truly understanding our customer, their challenges and how we can partner with them to develop solutions. Our sales team has an extensive background in restaurant business management, culinary experience and a drive to grow with our customers. We take the time to understand our customers as individuals and unique businesses. Our ‘customer first’ approach is what makes the difference and has the biggest impact. We are focused on you—our customer and valued partner in business. Every day we strive to make ourselves better than the last.

Beyond the sales team, Morton Food Service places the customer at the center of all decisions and actions in the company. The customer experience is our priority and we strive to exceed customer expectations via our sales team, customer service team, selectors in our warehouse, drivers and throughout the company.

How does Morton work as a team to help independent restaurants thrive?

At Morton, our core value is our ‘customer first’ approach. The best way we can achieve a seamless experience for our customers is strong internal communication and collaboration between departments. We all know that we each play an important role in the customer experience, and we all have the same drive to ensure seamless care. In every area of our business, we ensure that customer service is top priority. We listen to customer feedback and if there’s an issue, we take the appropriate actions to ensure that we can make it right.

Morton has an exceptional sales team that is eager to work and partner with current and potential customers so that we can support them in achieving our mutual goals. Our customer service team works closely with our sales team by taking orders with strong accuracy and ensuring the sales team has all the information. Once the orders are received, the team relies on the accuracy of the in warehouse selectors to pick the order and ensure that it’s accurate. Our drivers then play a vital role in ensuring the product is delivered promptly. At every level of Morton Food Service—whether you are in our head office, working in the warehouse or visiting customers as part of our sales team—we work together to ensure you are well supported.

In your experience, what value does this collaborative approach to client service provide to foodservice operators?

Our service model gives our customers a lot of confidence. To know you have a distribution partner who takes the time to understand you and your business means you can feel confident that Morton Food Service will be there when you need support. Our customers are our top priority, so they feel confident that we value their business and will be there to support their success and growth. We are focused on partnering with our customers to support them in achieving their goals and growing their bottom line. From food costing menus, offering menu analysis and designing menus to increase profits, we use this knowledge and skills to ensure that our partners are set up for success.

What previous experience do you have in food service, and how do your knowledge and skills help support independent operators?

I have 23 years of experience in the food service industry and spent over 10 years working in a restaurant. My experience in food service has included roles as a territory sales manager, district sales manager, business development and marketing manager, and a business resource director. In my 23 years of experience, I have consistently partnered with customers to achieve their goals and grow their bottom line. I have extensive experience in many growth and profit generating strategies for independent restaurants.

What is the best part of your job?

The people! I love getting on the road with the sales team, getting to know our customers and helping customers grow their business while making great friendships along the way. The energy and drive from every team across Morton Food Service is great. The entire team truly embodies the ‘customer first’ value in everything they do.