Theresa Gervenak

Theresa Gervenak brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the food service industry to Rippe Associates. With a degree in International Business Administration and a specialization in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism from the University of Wisconsin Stout, she has honed her skills in various roles, from corporate food service operations and management at Apple American Group to project management at Rapids Foodservice. Her journey includes overseeing complex projects, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and driving successful outcomes across multiple concurrent initiatives. Theresa’s expertise in design-build projects, estimating, and contract and construction management, playing a key role in the successful delivery of high-quality outcomes for senior living facilities, educational institutions, and hospitality venues nationwide.

Theresa approaches every project with an operator-first mindset, rooted in a lifelong connection to the foodservice industry that began in her family’s restaurant. From a young age, she was immersed in the rhythms of hospitality, gaining firsthand experience that shaped her understanding of what makes a space truly work. She is passionate about creating environments that are not only aesthetically compelling and future-ready, but also practical, efficient, and centered on the needs of the people who use them. Outside of work, Theresa stays inspired and creative through her hobbies, including volleyball, reading, working out, and gardening, which reflect her dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.