“I believe leadership is an intentional act of service that requires identifying potential and nurturing growth. My approach focuses on creating space for mentorship, empowering team members to think critically, and fostering a human-centered culture where trust and clear guidance drive sustainable success.”

Kim Lorang, president and co-founder of FS Foodservice Solutions, entered the equipment finance industry through a unique intersection of her background in the foodservice sector and a strategic partnership with a finance provider. Seeing the practical impact that financing had on dealers and operators firsthand, she recognized that capital is a fundamental tool for improving access and flexibility. Over the years, her perspective has evolved from seeing finance as a transaction to understanding that it is an educational necessity. She now emphasizes the importance of guiding both dealers and customers to understand how financing fits into their broader operational processes, viewing this education as the primary driver of value creation.

The professional achievement she is most proud of from the past year is the launch of FS Foodservice Solutions alongside her business partner, Sandra Van Buren. After years of dedicated experience in the industry, they made the bold decision to build an intentional company designed to meet specific needs within the foodservice landscape. This project highlights her problem-solving philosophy: identifying a clear gap, taking ownership and building a purpose-driven organization from the ground up.

As a leader, Lorang champions a human-centered approach that prioritizes intentionality. She believes the industry must proactively identify and nurture leadership potential, creating space for mentorship rather than relying solely on technology. For Lorang, the future of the industry relies on trust, guidance and empowering team members to grow into roles that they might not yet fully see themselves in, ensuring long-term resilience and professional excellence.