NICA's 2024 Board of Directors Election Results
Thank you to all those who voted! Each newly elected Board Member will start their term beginning in February 2025. We thank all Voting Members and Board Nominees for their participation in this year’s election! The Director Elects are: Michelle Allen, CCE, H&M Funnel Cake Express; Nathan Vandewarker, Maverick Concepts; and Trent Wilkes, Wilkes Concessions. Read more about them below and in the December issue of NICA News.
Michelle Allen, CCE, H&M Funnel Cake Express
As a Third Generation Concessionaire, my family and I have dedicated our lives to the Concessions Industry. In 2012, my husband and I made the decision to embrace this life full-time, moving our family from Utah to California to join our family business. We now operate at ten fairs across the state, and I’ve fallen in love with this incredible industry all over again.
My journey with NICA began in 2023 as a member of the West Council, and I had the privilege of serving as Ex-Officio in 2024. I’m passionate about tackling challenges like inflation by improving communication and collaboration with fairs. I also believe in the potential for NICA to grow significantly, and I’m committed to helping us expand our membership and opportunities in the years to come.
I appreciate your support and I’m excited to work together for the future of our Industry!
Nathan Vandewarker, Maverick Concepts
My journey in this Industry began at seventeen with my first job at the San Diego County Fair. Since then, I’ve spent over twenty years immersed in the Concession Business, working fairs across the West Coast and Midwest. With a degree in economics from UCLA and the support of my wife and three kids, I’ve embraced the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic field, guided by the philosophy of "failing forward."
As a Board Member, I will be committed to tackling the complex challenges facing Concessionaires today—rising food costs, labor shortages, and compliance issues—by focusing on strategies to enhance profit margins and provide resources for navigating regulations. I also believe in the power of advocacy and collaboration, and I envision a future where NICA continues to grow its membership, influence, and resources to better serve all of us in this Industry.
Thank you for this opportunity. Working together will ensure that NICA remains a vital partner in navigating the evolving landscape of the Concession Industry!
Trent Wilkes, Wilkes Concessions
As the owner of Wilkes Concessions / The Baker Man, my wife Katie and I, along with our four-year-old daughter Finn Hadley, live and breathe this business. From starting out at 15 selling soda and popsicles to now working 30 events annually across Indiana, including the Indianapolis 500 and the Indiana State Fair, our business remains family-owned and operated—a value we deeply cherish.
I’m passionate about addressing the challenges of inflation, rising costs, and credit card processing fees, which impact both our ability to sustain our businesses and provide family-friendly prices. As a Board Member, I will focus on fostering networking opportunities, sharing strategies to protect profit margins, and offering resources to help Independent Concessionaires thrive.
Looking to the future, I want to see NICA continue to grow and attract more young families and Independent Concessionaires to ensure our industry remains vibrant for generations to come. Together, we can share the many benefits of NICA and build a stronger community.
I am truly honored to serve you. I look forward to contributing to NICA’s success and supporting all members as we navigate the challenges ahead!