Carol Valencic

BS Clinical and Administrative Dietetics, Northern Michigan University
Registered and Licensed Dietitian
ACF Certified CCE
PC-1 Pro Chef Certification, Culinary Institute of America

Growing up in a family that was always cooking, Carol Valencic developed an early interest in food—but was also interested in how food and nutrition sustain the body. Her older Cousin had studied nutrition and served as a role model for Carol, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical and Administrative Dietetics from Northern Michigan University. While in school, Carol met an instructor who taught Culinary Education at a Vocational school. She encouraged Carol to complete the program, and later, as an assistant instructor to help her teach classes, which set her on the path toward a career that combined cooking and nutrition.

After graduation, Carol completed an internship in Dietetics at a hospital where clinical and community outreach activities allowed her to work with a diverse range of clients. Later, positions at a local University, the Dairy Council and a Broadline distributor with a strong Healthcare focus solidified her passion and skill for creating educational programs that taught food and nutrition in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable.

Carol brought these skills to Rich’s in 1998 as a Technical Consultant specializing in customer education. As a constant student herself, Carol loves any chance to learn about creative products, evolving diets and food possibilities, and helps her customers do the same.

“Helping customers to find what they are looking for, educating them about food, nutrition and trends, and how it can work in their operation —the culinary role is very diverse in our company and that's what I love!”