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James Laughlin has extensive work experience in purchasing and logistics, primarily in the food and beverage industry. James started their career in 1976 as a Food Service Production Manager and later worked as a Recruiter for the US Navy. In 1990, they became a Consultant and Instructor of Food & Beverage, providing assistance and training to dining facilities in the Pacific Rim region. Laughlin then joined the US Navy as a Food & Beverage Logistics/Purchasing Officer, responsible for purchasing and logistical support to fleet ships. In 1997, they transitioned to the private sector and became the Director of Food & Beverage Service at Chartwells. From 2002 to 2012, Laughlin worked as the Director of Purchasing at Levy Restaurants, handling purchasing, supplier communications, and contract negotiation for multiple locations. James then served as the Corporate Director of Purchasing at Americrown/International Speedway Corporation, overseeing procurement and distribution for NASCAR track locations. After a brief role as the Group Purchasing Office Coordinator at Westminster Communities of Florida, Laughlin returned to Levy Restaurants as the Area Purchasing Manager and later as the Regional Purchasing Manager. Throughout their career, Laughlin has demonstrated expertise in contract management, budgeting, and inventory control.

James Laughlin has a diverse education history. James obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Management major from Hawaii Pacific University, where they studied from 1994 to 1997. Prior to that, they earned an Associate's Degree in Supervisory Leadership from the same university, completing their studies between 1993 and 1995.

In 1985 and 1986, Laughlin attended Johnson & Wales University, where they received a Certificate of Completion in Culinary Arts through the Military Program.

Additionally, Laughlin holds various certifications in the food and hospitality industry. These include the A.C.T. Responsible Alcohol Training Certification from the National Hospitality Training Institute NHTIUS in November 2019, the TIPS Responsible Alcohol Service Training from Health Communications, Inc. in August 2019, the Food Service Manager certification from the State of Florida & Wisconsin in June 2018, the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation in June 2018, the Heart Saver First Aid / CPR Certification from the American Heart Association / Bellin Hospital in May 2019, and the TEAM Responsible Alcohol Certification from TEAM Co., which complies with Wisconsin statutes, in April 2019.

Lastly, Laughlin's education history also includes their time in the United States Navy, where they served and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (SS), E8.