What Drives Us: Our Core Values

At the heart of everything we do are five core values that shape our culture, guide our decisions, and keep us moving forward as a team. These aren't just words on a wall—they’re the standard we hold ourselves to every day.

1. Be Proud, Be Passionate

We believe great work starts with ownership and enthusiasm. We take pride in what we create—not just in the final product, but in how we get there. Every project is a chance to bring our best selves forward, to stand behind our work with confidence, and to let our passion drive innovation and excellence. We care deeply, and it shows.

2. Find the Good, Spread the Vibe

Positive energy creates momentum. We seek out what's working, celebrate wins (big and small), and uplift the people around us. Challenges come and go, but our attitude is what sets us apart. Whether we’re collaborating with teammates or serving customers, we lead with kindness, optimism, and the belief that every day is an opportunity to make someone’s day better.

3. Stay Curious

We never stop learning. Curiosity fuels our growth and keeps us adaptable in a world that’s constantly changing. We ask questions, dig deeper, and stay open to new ideas and perspectives. If there's a better way to do something, we want to find it. We embrace experimentation, welcome feedback, and strive to learn something new—every single day.

4. Respect Everyone, Respect Everything

Respect is the foundation of trust—and trust is the foundation of great teams. We listen before we speak. We value different viewpoints. We honor our commitments, treat people with dignity, and take care of the resources we’re given. Whether it’s a teammate’s time, a client’s business, or the planet we live on—we believe everything deserves thoughtful attention.

5. Get It Done

We show up with purpose and deliver with focus. When we say we’ll do something, we follow through—no excuses, no shortcuts. We believe in rolling up our sleeves, solving problems, and pushing through obstacles to make things happen. Results matter—but so does the grit, resourcefulness, and accountability it takes to get there.

Join Us

At the intersection of foodservice and innovation, you’ll find Culinary Depot—a company built on hard work, hands-on experience, and a relentless drive to serve. Founded by Sholem Potash in 1999 and expanded under CEO Michael Lichter, we’ve grown from a trusted equipment supplier into a full-service solution for commercial kitchens across the country.

Our mission is simple: deliver excellence to our customers and opportunity to our team. We’re passionate about what we do, and we believe that when our people thrive, our business thrives. Whether you're on the front lines or behind the scenes, your work matters here.

We’re proud of where we came from—and even more excited about where we’re going. If you're ready to grow with a company that values dedication, curiosity, and getting things done, we invite you to explore our open positions and apply today.

Retail Sales Associate

Lakewood, NJ

Full Time

Entry Level

Culinary Depot is hiring a motivated Retail Sales Associate for our Lakewood store. This is a hands-on sales role focused on helping customers in-store, building relationships, and driving sales from the showroom floor while also following up with leads and opportunities by phone. If you enjoy working directly with customers, closing sales, and being part of a fast-paced environment, this could be a great fit.

Spanish-speaking is a big plus.

What You’ll Do

Assist walk-in customers and provide a strong in-store sales experience
Recommend products based on customer needs and project requirements
Build relationships with contractors, business owners, and repeat customers
Handle inbound store calls and convert inquiries into sales
Follow up on quotes, leads, and past customers to drive additional business
Prospect and perform outbound outreach to generate new sales opportunities
Maintain product knowledge and stay engaged with promotions and inventory
Support day-to-day showroom and store operations as needed
Log customer interactions and sales activity in internal systems

What We’re Looking For

Prior sales or customer-facing experience preferred
Comfortable speaking with customers in person and over the phone
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Motivated, outgoing, and goal-oriented personality
Ability to multitask in a busy store environment
Comfortable with follow-up calls, prospecting, and closing sales
Reliable, professional, and organized
Spanish speaking is a plus

Why Join Culinary Depot

We hold high standards and support our team accordingly.

Competitive compensation with performance-based reviews
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off plus paid holidays
Hands-on training, mentorship, and internal growth opportunities

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