Colleen Zenk, CDM, CFPP

Eden Prairie, MN
ANFP Member since: 1987

Colleen Zenk, MS, CDM, CFPP is the current Secretary for the MN Chapter of ANFP and has been a CDM, CFPP since 1987. Colleen is also a past national chair for ANFP (2002-2003), served as a member of the Certifying Board (CBDM), and has served ANFP in various other roles at both the state and national level.   

Colleen has been a practicing food safety instructor and consultant for over 25 years. She holds the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional credential as well as certification in food safety education with the National Restaurant Association. She is also a registered instructor with the MN Department of Health and holds a MN Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate (CFPM).  

Colleen has often been a presenter at conferences for ANFP, Minnesota healthcare associations, trade conferences, and school nutrition programs.     

Becky’s Recipe for Success 

  
1. Be a Lifelong Learner. Knowledge constantly evolves. Make time to keep up with trends and new developments in the field. Remember that knowledge is sometimes found in the most unlikely places and a variety of sources.   

2. Invest in yourself. Never forget that you are valuable to yourself, your employer, your family, and your friends. Seek out what makes you better and find the time to do it.   

3. Network, network, network! Build a network of colleagues and individuals that can help you do your job better, advance your career or even just provide support. You will be richer for it.  

4. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Take a chance on an employee, a new technique, or a new menu item or even a new job and see what happens. Don’t let fear of the unknown get in your way.   

5. Identify those who help you in your career and in life and be grateful. We all need a support system, especially when life or the job becomes difficult. Taking the time to express your gratitude, either to yourself or others, can make you feel better and keep you going when times get tough.  

6. Volunteer whenever possible. There are so many opportunities to volunteer - in the community, with your state chapter, or even within your facility.  Volunteers are often the backbone of many organizations and provide valuable support for the services that may be provided. We learn so much when we help others and step out of our comfort zone. And you never know what connections or opportunities may come your way.  

7. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell in the past. Sometimes a mistake can result in a creative new idea or expose a vulnerability or weakness that can be corrected or modified. Remember that you are human so don’t beat yourself up about it. Learn from it and move on.  

8. Protect your mental health. Think about what makes you happy or what brings you joy and use those things to cope, reduce stress and find enjoyment in life. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask for it. Many organizations have employee assistance programs and communities have mental health services available. Don’t try to go it alone if the going seems too much. Being able to admit we need help is a strength, not a weakness.  

9. Share your knowledge with others but refrain from being a “know-it-all”. Teaching others what you know strengthens relationships and helps everyone learn. It also builds your self-confidence.  

10. Build bridges instead of roadblocks. Don’t try to get ahead by treating others badly. When you leave a job, or move on in your career, leave good feelings behind. Make sure the path behind you is clear and for those that follow in your footsteps. Even if a change is difficult, focus on the positives, and the possibilities ahead of you.  

View the archive of My Recipe for Success articles at www.ANFPonline.org/myrecipeforsuccess. 

Nominate Yourself or a Fellow ANFP Member

Have you spent a career in foodservice? Share your wisdom and advice in a new feature from ANFP. My Recipe for Success is aimed at retired members or those who have spent a long career in foodservice. Share the biggest lessons you’ve learned to a lengthy, fruitful, and successful career in the non-commercial foodservice industry. 

Nomination Form

My Recipe for Success Archive

January 2021 - Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP
March 2021 - Wanda Dickson, CDM, CFPP
May 2021 - Tom Thaman, CDM, CFPP
July 2021 - Chef Richard "Nick" Nickless, CEC, CCA, AAC, CDM, CFPP
September 2021 - Karen Swift, CDM, CFPP
November 2021 - Paula Bradley, CDM, CFPP
January 2022 - Deborah McDonald, CDM, CFPP
March 2022 - Trish De Leo, CDM, CFPP
May 2022 - Deb Dawson, CDM, CFPP
July 2022 - Rosalind Davis, CDM, CFPP
September 2022 - Ken Owens, CDM, CFPP
November 2022 - Janice Hemel, CDM, CFPP
January 2023 - Bonna Brown, CDM, CFPP
March 2023 - Becky Massey, CDM, CFPP