Food & Beverage

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the data and metrics coming your way? You're not alone. In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with Scott Sutton about one of marketing's biggest challenges: figuring out what's actually worth measuring.
Scott shares real-world insights from his experience managing media for major restaurant brands like Hardee's and Carl's Jr. You'll discover why measuring everything can actually hurt your marketing efforts, how to identify the metrics that truly matter to your business and practical strategies for getting leadership buy-in on your measurement approach. 
This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone trying to cut through the noise and focus on outcomes that drive real business growth.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Scott Sutton:
Scott Sutton helps brands cut through complexity and focus on what truly moves the needle. With a deep belief in practical measurement and cross-channel accountability, he ensures media decisions are grounded in business impact—not just impressions or trends. Scott’s career spans iconic brands including Bridgestone, Nissan, Mars Petcare and AT&T. He is known for building integrated measurement frameworks that align media investments with real business outcomes—whether that’s driving app downloads, loyalty sign-ups or in-store traffic. His recent work includes orchestrating the Alix Earle “Hangover Burger” campaign, which generated over 4 billion paid and earned media impressions—without a Super Bowl buy. At Mars Petcare, he helped establish Pedigree as a founding partner of Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl, creating breakthrough engagement through content-led partnerships. Scott brings practical, tested insights on driving results in today’s fragmented media environment—where focus, flexibility, and accountability matter more than ever. Scott can be reached at [email protected].
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

 
The restaurant industry has been hit the hardest during the pandemic. According to the National Restaurant Association, 110,000+ food and beverage establishments in the U.S. temporarily or permanently closed for business. 
How did local restaurants stay afloat? What creative pivots did they embrace? Were the changes temporary or here to stay? 
If you’re a marketer or salesperson in the restaurant industry, you need to know how independent operators tick. Listen to this conversation with the co-owner of a local Vietnamese restaurant to better understand the needs and challenges independents face.
 
About Chris Nguyen 
Chris Nguyen is the co-owner of Superior Pho Vietnamese Restaurant. Under his leadership, the small, ethnic, mom-and-pop restaurant has become a local household name. In fact, Superior Pho has received accolades and recognition from national media outlets such as Food Network Magazine, The Travel Channel, Esquire Magazine, Buzzfeed and more.
Chris is dedicated to serving under-resourced and underrepresented communities. He’s used his position at Superior Pho to employ and empower a variety of underrepresented people from various communities and teach leadership through service. 

 
Independent restaurant owners face many challenges that are unique to those of large chains. If you work in sales or marketing for the food service industry, you must understand these differences to successfully communicate with Independents. 
The best way to learn? Hear the struggles and needs of restaurant owners first-hand. Listen to industry veteran, Laurie Torres, share the ups and downs of restaurant ownership on this episode of the Lead(er) Generation podcast.
 
About Laurie Torres:
Laurie Torres is the Owner of Mallorca, a fine-dining experience in Cleveland, Ohio. She manages the operational and strategic vision of the restaurant, which has been serving Spanish and Portuguese cuisine for 20+ years. 
Laurie is instrumental in identifying emerging trends in the food industry. She serves as the President of Cleveland Independents. Plus, she’s won multiple industry accolades, including the 2021 Rising Star Award by the Ohio Restaurant Association.

Our inaugural episode was streamed live, Thursday, 12/12 at 12 pm PT. Tessa's guest is Linda Owens, Digital & Ecommerce Marketing Manager at Nestlé Professional.