Our Team

Catersource's range of products require an incredible amount of work to maintain, and we count on some of the most talented industry professionals to make that happen. From the skills of our internal staff to the outstanding support from industry leaders, the Catersource team is working hard to meet your needs!

Mike Roman
Founder

Mike, along with his wife Bernice, started Catersource in 1982 with the simple mission of helping all types of caterers achieve increased profitability along with a better quality of life. His vision and passion for catering have made him a dynamic force in the industry.

In addition to having more than fifteen years of "hands-on" catering experience, Mike is also a college level instructor with a Masters Degree in Education, has written and published three books on catering tactics, strategies and solutions and is one of the most sought after consultants and speakers in the industry. Mike’s leadership of Catersource and teachings have shaped the direction, raised the level of professionalism, and brought a positive public image to the catering industry.

Pauline Hoogmoed
CEO

Pauline has over 28 years of international and domestic experience working in multiple sectors of the hospitality industry in such cities as New York, San Francisco, Tokyo and Amsterdam. She spent more than 10 years as the VP of Operations for the largest independent catering operation in the state of Minnesota where she developed her passion for this industry. The move to Catersource was a perfect fit as it gave her the opportunity to apply her organizational skills and her love of catering combined.

“I believe that out of all the food service sectors, catering requires the most hard-work, creativity and flexibility, making the people in this industry the most dedicated, passionate and intelligent people that I have met anywhere in the hospitality industry," says Pauline. "Catering is not a field where you can open a company and run it as a hobby, it requires true love of the craft. It is an honor to be able to provide education, information and products to the catering industry which is filled with people who are so inspired and dedicated to their art.”

Nan Hildebrandt
Vice President Marketing / Publisher

Nan uses her award-winning skills in marketing,  design and brand management to manage the many communication needs of Catersource. She oversees the talented marketing department as they produce and promote the annual Catersource Conference & Tradeshow, Catersource Consulting Unit, catersource.com and many other advertising, tradeshow, partnership and customer programs.

Nan is also responsible for guiding the overall direction of Catersource Magazine in her additional role as Publisher. Her varied experience in print production, photography, graphic design, product development and advertising and promotions come from more than 15 years of creative expertise with companies that range from US Bancorp to Sesame Street Live.

Jolene Ihle
Vice President Sales

Jolene Ihle is responsible for connecting with industry resources to bring fabulous vendors to the Catersource Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Las Vegas.

Jolene's knowledge in the catering and event industry is gleaned from years of hands on experience, producing award-winning events for Mintahoe Hospitality Group. Her clients have ranged from Elton John to the Carlson Worldwide Marketing Group, to President George W Bush. She was one of the founding members of the Minneapolis/ Saint Paul ISES Chapter (International Special Events Society) and was a board member for several years. In 2003, Jolene was recognized by MPI (Meeting Planners International) as 'The Supplier of the Year'. Most recently she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Minnesota Meetings & Events for her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.

Carl Sacks
Vice President Business Development / Director of Consulting Services

Carl wears many hats with Catersource. Mike Roman refers to Carl as "One of the brightest people I know on creating profitable growth in a catering business". Carl's twenty plus years of catering experience and his total understanding of the business of catering makes him a valuable asset for Catersource to share with their members and clients.

Jean Blackmer
Creative Director

Jean joined Catersource in November 2005 bringing with her 20 years of award-winning design, advertising and print production experience. Her fresh perspective, sense of humor and unmatched determination for meeting deadlines are all welcomed values to our team.
 
As creative director, Jean is responsible for the layout, design, art direction and production of Catersource magazine and other Catersource projects including books, DVDs, website, marketing materials and more. She is an important part of the planning and development of materials for the annual Catersource Conference & Tradeshow as well.

Dave Pruka
Director of Tradeshow Sales

With over 25 years of back and front of the house hospitality experience, Dave’s expertise and knowledge of the catering industry is second to none. With a marketing degree from the University of Minnesota, Dave has been combining his keen industry knowledge with his business acumen to become a premier and unwavering resource for clients for years. After his tenure with one of the premier caterers in Minnesota and his leadership contribution to an award winning national steakhouse franchise, Dave expanded his skill set and joined the fast paced wine industry. His extensive knowledge ranges from sales to distribution to wine education. 

Since joining Catersource in 2006, Dave’s role as the Director of Tradeshow Sales has allowed him to pull the right companies into the Catersource Tradeshow for an experience that is positive and successful for both the vendors and the attendees.  His commitment to the Catersource Conference & Tradeshow ensures a well executed event containing the best experience, opportunities and resources for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees alike.    

Laurie Scheel
Advertising Director

Laurie has been a part of Catersource magazine since the first issue rolled off the press in 2003. An award-winning journalist, this Minnesota native now based in Southern California manages the magazine’s advertising department and helps advertisers and agencies discover the buying power of America’s professional catering industry. Laurie combines professionalism and her expert knowledge of the catering industry with a genuine relationship-based commitment to her customers. Over two decades of advertising and media leadership experience empower Laurie to deliver effective Catersource print, online and e-newsletter programs for her clients.

Kathryn Frankson
Advertising Account Executive

Kathryn brings a strong advertising background to Catersource magazine. She has been partnering her journalism skills with the business side of the publication industry since graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. She has developed an expertise in creating results orientated and effective marketing campaigns with a specific goal of achieving ROI for her clients. With a strong background in niche publications, Kathryn has successfully developed and launched hospitality/events trade magazines in a variety of markets. Her work on consumer and trade publications, along with her keen understanding of the catering industry affords Kathryn the unique perspective to customize marketing programs for her clients.

Catersource Board of Directors
Mike Roman
Bernice Roman
Kelvin Lee
Annette Lee