In the world of catering, we know success is rooted in the relationships we build and the teams behind the scenes who make it all possible. Today, we’re both celebrating a journey and looking forward to a new one as we say a heartfelt farewell to Meredith Dillard and welcome Jill Hammett as our new Chief Operating Officer at CaterZen.
Thank You, Meredith!
Meredith Dillard has been with CaterZen since our early days, playing an invaluable role in shaping who we are today. For years, she was the voice on the other end of the phone, guiding clients through account setups and building our support team into a well-oiled machine. From creating efficient systems to overseeing operations, Meredith’s impact is woven into the fabric of CaterZen. Our clients have come to know and trust her, and we’re grateful for everything she’s done to help us grow and thrive. We wish her all the best as she moves on to pursue new opportunities.
A New Era with Jill Hammett as COO
As we look to the future, we’re thrilled to have Jill Hammett step into this key leadership role. Jill brings a wealth of experience from her work at Mission BBQ, where she was not only the special event coordinator but also one of our dedicated clients. Her hands-on experience in catering events and her knowledge of CaterZen from the client’s perspective give her a unique edge that will be instrumental in our growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Jill shared, “My transition from special events coordination at a multi-unit BBQ restaurant to a leadership role in catering software was driven by my passion for helping successful caterers thrive. In my previous role, I experienced firsthand the chaos that often accompanies event planning and catering operations, which inspired us to seek opportunities to turn that chaos into calm.”
Jill’s experience has profoundly shaped her approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and teamwork. “Coordinating high-profile and large-scale events requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, and adaptability,” she explained. “I developed structured, efficient processes to ensure smooth event execution, and I now apply these principles to streamline operations.”
Driving Innovation and Growth
One of the things that excites Jill most about her role at CaterZen is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the industry. “What excites me most about joining CaterZen as COO is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an industry I’m passionate about! CaterZen’s commitment to empowering caterers aligns with my own mission to help businesses succeed by streamlining operations and providing valuable tools for growth,” she said.
With her commitment to product innovation and deepening client relationships, Jill has big plans to make CaterZen the go-to solution for catering professionals. “My approach will center on a customer-centric strategy, actively engaging with our clients to better understand their challenges and needs,” she said. By leading with this client-first mindset, she will ensure that CaterZen not only meets but exceeds the evolving needs of the catering industry.
Looking Forward
With Jill’s leadership, we’re entering a new chapter filled with exciting possibilities. We’re grateful for the legacy Meredith leaves behind, and we’re confident that Jill’s fresh perspective will bring even more value to our clients. Here’s to the future of CaterZen with Jill at the helm—making the catering industry not only more manageable but more profitable for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for more updates, and please join us in welcoming Jill to the CaterZen family!
