Celebrating Our People: KATE THOMSON FENDER

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!

KATE THOMSON FENDER
Human Resources

POP:  Hi Kate – thanks so much for taking some time to  chat with us. To start, what advice would you share with others at the beginning of their career?
KATE:  Work hard, make yourself an asset and advocate for yourself and for what you want for the future of your career. Don’t stop until you get it!

POP:  What values have shaped your life?
KATE:  Loyalty, integrity, compassion, and empathy.

POP:  What was your favorite meal as a kid growing up?
KATE:  I was a picky eater growing up. The only meat I would eat was chicken. My parents and nanny would lie to me and tell me that everything was chicken. Steak (chicken), fish (chicken), turkey (chicken). My favorite meal was called “Good Chicken.” It was just grilled chicken breast with Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning on it. Hmmm…I wonder if it was really chicken?

POP:  Who has influenced you the most in life?
KATE:  My parents have had a massive impact on my life and are, of course, the reason for so many qualities that I possess both personally and professionally. They have both always been the most incredible mentors in all aspects of my life.

But my husband, too, has had such a massive impact on my life. He is the most determined, hardworking, and motivated person I know. He does absolutely everything to the max and I admire his drive so much. He’s truly my better half (don’t tell him I said that!).

POP:  What is your favorite inspirational quote or lyric?
KATE:
“They say “Love is more precious than gold”
Can’t be bought and it can’t be sold
I got love enough to spare
That makes me a millionaire”
– Chris Stapleton

POP:  What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
KATE:  Growing up, both my parents worked, and my mom traveled 95% of the time. I had Au Pairs that lived with us and took care of me. I had ten total over the course of my childhood. Almost all of them came from Denmark. Proof’s Founding Executive Chef, Vagn Nielsen, helped us set up the very first Au Pair and from there, they would each recommend the next one. They could only stay for one year until their Visas ran out. When I was 18, we went to Denmark and had a reunion with all of them. It was an incredible experience!