The “Celebrating Our People” series is aimed at highlighting the many talented employees that make up Proof of the Pudding’s teams across the southeast. We hope you enjoy learning more about our hospitality and culinary POPstars!

JAMIE FEARRINGTON
Catering Manager – Trident Provisions at Duke University

POP:  Hi Jamie, we appreciate you taking some time to share with us today. To start, share with the POP readers what adversities have you faced during your career in hospitality?
JAMIE:  The hospitality business is very overwhelming at times; even more overwhelming when you’re an African American. I had to show and prove myself a lot of times to let people know that I have the skills to pay the bills — no matter what race you are. Being a Black male in this day and time as a company/team leader surprises a lot of people who would assume I was Caucasian. Stereotyping and having low expectations was kind of an automatic standpoint from some people, but not all.

POP:  How did these adversities affect your career?
JAMIE:  It really didn’t affect my career, it made me go stronger and harder. I had to give 110% instead 100% to get the job done. It also helps me understand that some people have a lot to learn about life and equality. It’s either stand for something or fall for nothing!

POP:  What has been your motivation for staying in the industry?
JAMIE:  Seeing clients happy and very satisfied. As my GM would say, “If the guests are not WOWED when they leave, we have work to improve on. Never settle for good, settle for greatness!”

POP:  How long have you been with POP?
JAMIE:  I’ve been with POP for 3 Âœ years going on 4 in September 2021! YAAY!

POP:  What do you love about working at Proof?
JAMIE:  Proof is a great company to work for! I feel like everyone is family from the dish room to the executive board. It’s a place where you can be yourself and strive to be great with other great people. It’s a great experience to travel over the southeast region to different locations and learn more about your different colleagues. Proof won’t die, it will multiply and it’s growing more and more every day.

POP:  Where do you eat when you eat out?
JAMIE:  Jamaican Caribbean restaurants.

POP: What dish best represents you or your culture and why?
JAMIE:  Smothered oxtails with red beans & rice with some green cabbage on the side. It’s good for your soul, I promise. LOL!

by Kelly Treadway in Team