Tabitha Mason
Managing Partner, Zingerman's Cornman Farms
Tabitha Mason brings her diverse experience in customer service and business management to her new role as Managing Partner at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms.
After serving as the business’s Venue Manager for several years, this position allows her to focus on propelling the business forward and continuing to position the farm as a leading destination for unique events and culinary experiences, all while delivering the highest standards in customer service.
Tabitha joined Zingerman’s in 2010 as General Manager of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, one of its top performing businesses. Under her management, the business continued to flourish and excel in delivering top quality food and customer service, her true passion. As GM, Tabitha, and a team of more than 80 staff, was responsible for delivering “The Zingerman’s Experience” to the thousands of guests who dine at the Roadhouse each year.
In 2012, she was presented with the unique opportunity to serve as “Service Steward” for the entire Zingerman’s organization. In this role she was responsible for overseeing and implementing Zingerman’s nationally renowned approach to customer service for all 10 businesses. She did this by analyzing and leveraging company wide service data, managing internal customer service training and chairing a committee of service champions to execute company wide service improvements.
In 2015, Tabitha joined Zingerman’s Cornman Farms as its Venue Manager, a perfect match for her vast service experience. Soon after she realized the immense potential for the business and embarked on her path to partnership. In 2017, Tabitha joined Kieron Hales as Managing Partner and is one of seven female partners within the organization.
In addition to her position as managing partner, Tabitha has continued her role as a trainer with ZingTrain, in which she shares the renowned Zingerman’s approach to giving great service with businesses throughout the country. She is also passionate about volunteering and is involved with two local nonprofit organizations, Give Merit and Junior Achievement.
Q&A
How many Zingerman's businesses have you worked for?
Two! I started my career here at Zingerman's as the General Manager at Zingerman's Roadhouse and after two years moved to Zingerman's Service Network, our shared services office, as the Service Steward. I now work as the Venue Manager at Zingerman's Cornman Farms.
What is your favorite business book?
"Customer Satisfaction Is Worthless, Customer Loyalty Is Priceless" by Jeffrey Gitomer. I've had the same dog-eared copy for over 10 years. It's full of post-it notes, highlighted sentences and handwritten notes to myself in the margins, but I'll happily lend it out to anyone who wants to get fired up about the customer experience.
What is your dream vacation?
My ideal vacation could take place anywhere but would involve lots of reading, red wine, cheese and a strong wi-fi connection. To make it my dream vacation, it should include my husband and take place in a foreign country.
What is your favorite way to learn?
I need to take notes and doodle to help me process and then do the task in order to really cement things in my mind.
What do you like best about working at Zingerman's?
Open book Management.
What is your presentation style?
Conversational and informal.
What is your "secret" skill - that skill you have that you don't have the ability to show off at work?
I'm a mad shopper. Seriously. Whether it's finding just the right thing at a thrift shop or quickly processing reviews and choosing a product online, I love to shop and take pride in my ability to give gifts the recipient will love.
