The Dinova Power Table: Kim Hoeckendorf of Boston Market

The Power Table is a symbol of diversity, unity, and empowerment. Once a quarter, Dinova will be setting the table and featuring food industry rockstars who wear many hats in their life roles; professionals, leaders, parents, mentors. This time, they are featuring Kim Hoeckendorf, Senior Director Off-Premise Sales at Boston Market.

Hoeckendorf began her journey with Boston Market at the beginning of 2019 and came on as the Senior Director of Off-Premise Sales.  This role includes the catering business and strategy, the sales team, call center as well as partnerships with off-premise sales.  She started her food service career as an 18-year-old Barista at Starbucks Coffee Company.  In 2004, Hoeckendorf started to explore new roles at Starbucks and worked in just about every café position including General Manager before being promoted to District Manager of Company Stores.  She later had responsibilities for Licensed Store business at Starbucks and finished her career there in a rotational assignment, working in Human Resources, Learning and Development, and process improvement/lean thinking teams.

In subsequent years, Hoeckendorf worked as the Director of Operations for a franchise organization with multiple brands including Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne’s, Popeye’s Chicken, Schlotzsky’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, and Cinnabon.  She has a 19-year-old daughter, Cassidy, who is currently attending college at the University of Nevada in Reno seeking a degree in social work.  This is a particular point of pride as Cassidy is a cancer survivor who battled the disease as an infant and again at 17 years of age.  Hoeckendorf attributes her abilities to stay calm under pressure, challenge thinking and manage multiple priorities to being her daughter’s advocate and caregiver during this time.

1. Describe yourself as one of your menu items.

I would have to say I would describe myself as our classic Boston Market hot buffet. It’s like leading a team. There are a variety of ways to create it, and every item brings something different to the table, but when you put it all together, you can always come up with a way to exceed expectations.

2. What’s your advice for young professionals starting out in the industry?

Make sure you have grit, tenacity and are always transparent. Experience and education are important, but they can’t always get you through the tough times or create the trust that is so key in a business environment.

3. What was one of your career highs?

Some of my all-time favorite career moments came when I was fortunate enough to promote my first manager, my first district manager, my first regional manager of sales and so on. It is so satisfying to see others succeed, and I’m so thankful to be a part of their journey!

4. Give us the elevator pitch for your restaurant.

Boston Market has been giving time back to busy families for more than 30 years with quality, home style meals at a convenient value. We’re known as the experts in rotisserie cooking, and we prepare all-natural and fresh, never frozen chicken and USDA choice Prime Rib in our signature rotisserie ovens each and every day. Oh, and who could forget our extensive selection of home style sides and made-from-scratch cornbread? We truly offer something for everyone.

5. What’s your why? (what motivates you)

I strive to help solve problems big and small while playing a key role in the growth of my organization. I am extremely results focused and often find my best successes when I can exceed goals, drive the business forward in a collaborative and creative way and aid in the development of others along the way.

To read more, click here.