Innovator Makes Leap From Media to Product Marketing
Hospitality Technology presented Brooke Heinzmann, Director of Product Marketing, Olo, with the Top Women in Restaurant Technology Innovator Award at MURTEC 2024.
Heinzmann was one of 10 individuals honored March 13 in Las Vegas. HT’s 2024 Top Women and Rising Star in Restaurant Technology Awards were sponsored by WWT Digital.
Creating Successful Processes
Her colleagues point out that before she joined the company, Olo had no product marketing functionality. She has stood up significant product marketing processes, built a team that now plays an integral part in the GTM strategy and product development and fostered deep relationships across many departments.
Heinzmann is deeply embedded in the full product journey. “She leads her team with grace and tenacity and is the type of colleague you can always count on,” her colleagues say. “…Her
impact spreads beyond guests and operators as she strives to lead by example and be a positive influence for both the industry and her peers.”
Last year Heinzmann oversaw the launch of 40+ features and played a notable role in the launch of Catering+.
Embracing Restaurant Technology
Heinzmann started her career in media then transitioned to restaurant technology. “I witnessed the impact of digital transformation on viewing habits. Now, I'm eager to contribute to an industry in its early stages of leveraging technology to scale hospitality and make every guest feel like a regular,” she says.
Looking over her career to date, Heinzmann says her “biggest accomplishment was switching industries to be a part of the restaurant community. I take immense pride in being a part of the restaurant community that fosters social connections, provides spaces for people to gather, share, and celebrate.” At Olo, “every feature launch is a big accomplishment for our team because it helps our customers better serve their guests,” she adds.
These days, Heinzmann is passionate about technology “that feels personal and fosters a connected experience. Despite misconceptions, technology has the potential to enhance interactions rather than making them impersonal,” she explained.
A Better Guest Experience
Looking ahead, Heinzmann is keen on tech's role in evolving QSRs and the drive-thru experience. “Due to high volume, drive-thru's can seem very transactional. There's an opportunity to make a personalized experience and use technology to recognize guests and leverage that to make a better guest experience,” she explains.
Mentorship Matters
Mentors have played a crucial role in Heinzmann’s career development. “I've benefited from many mentors whose unique insights have profoundly shaped my professional identity. Their guidance, knowledge sharing, and supportive networks have accelerated my learning, boosted confidence, and facilitated navigating challenges, contributing significantly to my personal and professional development,” Heinzmann said.
Receiving HT’s Top Women in Restaurant Technology Innovator Award “signifies recognition for my contributions and advancements for the restaurant industry. It goes beyond me and celebrates women's exceptional role in shaping and driving innovation within this specific sector,” Heinzmann said.
About the Top Women & Rising Star Awards
After a call for nominations, Top Women in Restaurant Technology Award winners were chosen by Hospitality Technology magazine editors and members of its Research Advisory Board. The winners were announced and honored during an awards program, sponsored by WWT Digital, on March 13 at the 29th annual MURTEC (Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference), in Las Vegas. HT will begin accepting nominations for the 2025 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards and 2025 Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology in mid-October.