How long have you worked in the food industry and what led to you selling flavors? How long have you worked for Weber Flavors?

I’ve worked in the food industry since 1984, beginning at Pfizer Food Science. I initially had a production role making citric acid. I next took on a QA position in the citric acid department. I then worked in Technical Service for nine years where I developed low fat and reduced calorie prototypes. In 1996 I moved into food ingredients sales. After selling food ingredients for eight years, I joined Weber Flavors in 2004. I decided to pursue a sales position in flavors because flavor salespeople always seemed to be the happiest people to me. Flavors have definitely been fun!

What is your favorite part of the territory you cover?

I was born and raised in the Northeast, having lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Flavor preferences tend to be regional, and many products are regional as well, so having lived in the Northeast most of my life, I am in tune with the flavor vibe here. I enjoy the connections I make with people in my territory, who share a love of the place we choose to be. I currently live in the Ocean State, but in a few hours, I can be in the mountains. Geographic diversity is very cool! Wherever I am in the Northeast, I am close to big cities and small farms. How do you beat it?

What’s one fun fact you wish your customers knew about you?

I have been calling myself “Jim the flavor guy” for most of my time at Weber Flavors. I coined the name because I wish to convey that I am a regular guy who gets to share my passion for flavor with them. Oh, and I also convey that my name is Jim.

If you could describe your personality as a flavor, what would it be and why?

I would be Bubblegum flavor. I find it to be playful and fun. Who doesn’t enjoy blowing a huge bubble? Bubblegum can also be an excellent stress reliever.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Pistachio has been my favorite since I was a kid. My mom used to hide her pistachio nuts from me because I would eat them all. I discovered I could get the same culinary pleasure by eating pistachio ice cream!