CHRISTIAN J. FISCHER
Christian J. Fischer is the Co-Founder of the Campus Dining Purchasing Society. With over 35 Years of experience, Christian knows first-hand the industry's challenges. He opened his first restaurant at the age of 19 in his hometown in Austria. Christian has directed and managed the purchasing programs for a multi-billion dollar organization for over a decade. This experience and commitment to excellence is an invaluable resource to the Campus Dining Purchasing Society.
As an author of multiple best sellers, Christian is passionate about bringing accessibility, vision, and purchasing power to independent food systems. He thrives on seeing his customers succeed and thrive in the competitive marketplace with an intense relational work ethic. His unique vision to showcase individuality, being cost-effective, and inspiring business growth has made Christian a highly sought-after industry leader.
When Christian is not sharing his passion for the industry with College and University leaders, he resides in Kensington, Connecticut with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children. He enjoys playing tennis and skiing with his family.
Patrik Waxin
Patrik Waxin is Co-Founder of the Campus Dining Purchasing Society. He is also the Co-Founder and Chairman of The Restaurant Society and National Golf Course Restaurant Association. A leader and pioneer in the restaurant industry for several decades, Patrik has become a preeminent entrepreneur in both Europe and America.
A proud native of Sweden with an exceptional track record in the food and beverage industry, Patrik was able to replicate a similar business model in the United States after building one of the most successful GPO’s anywhere in the world, Svenska Kögare. Patrik has been essential to the growth of our company and remains heavily involved in strategic partnerships and acquisitions, while also serving on the Board.
Patrik resides with his family in Jupiter, Florida. When Patrik is not traveling the world for business, you can find him charming guests at his highly renowned Swedish restaurant, Waxin’s. Patrik is a golf fanatic and boasts Club Champion at his home course.
Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen is the CEO and Co-founder for The Restaurant Society and National Golf Course Restaurant Association. With over 40 years’ experience in the world of Restaurants & Hospitality, Steve has built a company with the most robust and cost-effective program in the F&B industry. With his outside of the box and infectious entrepreneurial spirit, Steve has shown throughout his entire career that strong communication and tremendous people skills are the key ingredients behind companies building successful teams and exceeding shareholder expectations.
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Steve received his master’s degree from Cornell University in Hotel & Restaurant Management and has never looked back. Always a hands-on approach and open-door policy, Steve has been a performance driven Senior Executive at many prolific companies throughout the industry. Steve’s extensive background in Food & Restaurants has a proven track record for taking companies to the next level, while constantly offering value to those around him. As company CEO, Steve oversees all operations and is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization. Steve is instrumental in business development, acquisitions, and brand building on a national level.
When Steve is not thinking of ways to propel company growth, he enjoys playing golf and spending valuable time with his family at their home in Naples, Florida.
Kip Mewborn
As a Senior Sales Leader, Kip develops the sales team and is Head Liaison to the Distributing Partners. Kip is also the Senior Vice President for The Restaurant Society and National Golf Course Restaurant Association. While he was initially tasked with launching the NGCRA in the Mid-Atlantic market, Kip has been instrumental in taking the companies coast to coast.
Kip caught the restaurant bug working at his local Country Club during his late teen years. After attending James Madison University, Kip began his restaurant career in Miami working for a privately owned casual dining chain. Kip closed the chapter on the restaurant industry after 25 successful years and forged a new path to the food service distribution world. It was during this rewarding time that Kip met company CEO, Steve Cohen and their business relationship quickly turned into a friendship based on their kindred entrepreneurial spirit.
When Kip is not traveling for work, he resides in Hartland, Wisconsin with his wife, Faith, and their four children. He enjoys a smooth bourbon and a round of golf, but takes the most pride in coaching his children’s sports teams and watching them compete.