Welcome to Zerocater’s Culture Club where you’ll meet the rockstars who are behind the scenes of our daily operations making sure our customers have delicious office meals and snacks, each and every time.
Dave is a true joy to work with. He cares deeply about his colleagues and our vendor partners. His superpower is knowing exactly what it’s like being a Zerocater vendor because he was one before starting in his role on the vendor team. Want to work with Zerocater as a catering partner in NYC? Dave can work with you to make it happen! – Monika Kunz, Senior Manager of Culinary Partnership Engagement
David Howard
Vendor Acquisition Specialist
New York
What is the best part of your role at Zerocater?
Discovering new restaurants, cuisines, and food trends and meeting passionate people who are dedicated to making incredible food.
How you’ve grown in your career since joining Zerocater?
Zerocater is the first office job I’ve ever had. The immediate change in my day to day workflow and culture has pushed me in ways that I’ve never been pushed before. I feel like an old dog learning new tricks every day, and I know this is just the beginning of the skills I will gain with this company.
What is your motto or personal mantra when it comes to your career?
Take risks and don’t be afraid of change. I’ve had many career shifts and each one has taught me something new and made me a more well-rounded person and employee.
Why did you decide to join Zerocater?
I developed a relationship with the Zerocater team while I was the chef of Paradis to Go, one of Zerocater’s longest and strongest vendor partners in New York. Working in the restaurant and catering world was taking its toll on me, and I wanted to take my knowledge and passion for incredible food into a more stable environment while pushing myself to gain new skills. I saw an opportunity to bring a different perspective and skill set to a company whose mission I believed in. I’m grateful to the people who took the risk to hire someone outside of the box.
What has been your most memorable moment with a customer, vendor, or candidate at Zerocater?
Discovering, qualifying, and on-boarding my first vendor, Bali Kitchen. Everything about this process was fun. Tasting a new cuisine, curating a menu, and helping to support a small, minority-owned and operated business was very exciting. I’m so proud of the partnership that we have developed.
What is your proudest accomplishment at Zerocater and Why?
Simply learning how to embrace and not be afraid of the technical side of this role. Simple office skills that are very commonplace to many people in this environment were completely foreign to me 6 months ago. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and not be afraid to ask for help, both of which are HUGE accomplishments.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the Zerocater team?
Try your best to be the person who comes to the table with new ideas and solutions, and don’t take it personally if not all your ideas work. A startup needs problem solvers and people who are willing to take risks. Challenges will arise at every corner, and how you handle them will speak volumes about your potential for growth.
What’s the best way to start your workday?
I try to be one of the first people in the office. That first hour of quiet allows me to make a plan on what I need to accomplish for the day and allows me to stay focused when the office gets busier and more distractions to arise.
Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself?
I lived in Sydney, Australia for 2 years
I lived in Italy for 7 months
I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland for 1 year
What does an ideal Sunday look like for you?
In warmer months it is usually a “Sunday Funday” with friends exploring the city, leisurely brunches, going to the beach, or taking advantage of the sunshine. In colder months it means snuggles on the couch with my hubby and our dog, Abigail.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Travel. It’s a big, beautiful, crazy world out there and I want to see, taste, smell, hear, touch and explore as much of it as possible!
Last question, what is your favorite meal you’ve had at Zerocater?
Every time I am surprised or challenged by something, it becomes a favorite experience. It is very easy to get caught up in preconceived ideas and biases, and I love being caught off guard by food. I’m excited to be surprised over and over again during my time at Zerocater.
Want to work alongside David? Check out the latest career opportunities with Zerocater!
**David lived in Edinburgh, Scotland but just for 2 months
