Work Hard. Play Hard. Practice Gratitude. Pomptonian’s Annual Family Picnic Brings 1200 Smiling Faces to Van Saun Park

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when 300+ food service professionals trade their aprons for lawn chairs, look no further than Pomptonian Food Service’s annual family picnic. The weather gods absolutely got the memo this year—it was a flawless, sunny, 80-degree day packed with field games, epic dance-offs, and a whole lot of well-deserved relaxation. I had the privilege of providing the entertainment once again, and let’s just say trying to keep up with the collective energy of a small army of food servers and their families is the ultimate cardio workout.

But beneath all the sunshine, laughter, and high-fives lies a brilliant masterclass in modern leadership. The driving forces behind this incredible community are owners Mark and Candy Vidovich. These two are the definition of consummate leaders—highly intelligent, business-savvy, deeply compassionate, and fiercely family-focused. While they have built a wildly successful corporate empire, they haven't caught a single ounce of corporate amnesia. They know exactly who keeps the gears turning, and they still deeply appreciate every single man and woman on their team.

Here is the real business lesson for anyone trying to build a powerhouse brand: high-performing culture isn't a cheesy motivational poster in a breakroom; it’s an investment in your people. When leadership genuinely respects and celebrates the front-line team, that loyalty flows right back into the business. Mark and Candy prove that you can dominate your industry while still being the kind of down-to-earth bosses who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 300 employees to say "thank you." Cheers to a perfect day and a masterclass in doing business right!

Cheers, -m