Words of Wisdom from an "'Ol Pro"

From VANEEpedia

“The attitude you get from being a salesman keeps you out of the hospital. You have to have a positive attitude with cancer and a positive attitude to sell.” -Gary Wagner

Gary Wagner has worn almost every hat in the foodservice industry. Born into a grocery family 68 years ago, he weighed lutefisk and swept floors at his family’s SuperValu in Elgin, ND. After three years in the military, Gary worked as a territory opener for a bread company in northern Minn. This job gave him a passion for people, hard work and the foodservice industry—three themes that have characterized his entire life.

Additionally, Gary has operated five restaurants (as either a manager, an opener or owner), worked as a sales representative and sales supervisor for two large food manufacturers, and as a sales agent and supervisor for two brokerages.

It wasn’t until ten years ago that Gary slowed his pace. He was diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. He applied the same persistent and positive attitude he used as a salesman in the restaurant industry to his battle with cancer. And it looks like he won. “My Doctor said to me, ‘Gary, you are my poster child for cancer. Ten years ago I thought you weren’t going to make it six months.’ Now I just live one day at a time.”

Gary is now working part-time for R&W in Savage, MN. “Gary has focused on Vanee and done a remarkable job in creating demand for your companies products,” remarked Owner Chris Tangen.

When Gary isn’t scoping out new restaurants or delivering samples , he provides support and encouragement to cancer victims and spends time with his grandchildren.