Faces Behind The Breakroom: Justin Saling

Every industry and even job has its rhythm. For some, it’s slow mornings and steady pacing. For others, it’s nonstop motion from the moment the day begins. As a Sales Director it truly depends on the day which one you’re going to get and Justin Saling can tell you it best. He didn’t step into leadership overnight but has built years of showing up, learning the business from the ground up, and staying close to the people and the work.

He’s spent more than 16 years with Five Star starting in 2009 as an Operations Manager in Nashville, learning the day-to-day realities of the industry from routes, installs, customer needs, and what it actually takes to keep things running smoothly. Over time, he has worked his way into larger roles, including Vice President/General Manager and later Senior Area VP, where he led teams, oversaw markets, and stayed focused on delivering a better, more consistent experience for both clients and employees.

Now serving as Director of Sales, he brings that full-circle perspective into how he helps companies think about their breakrooms not just as a convenience, but as something that can genuinely support people throughout their day. His education in religion and public relations also shows up in how he leads and connects, but at the core, his approach has stayed steady: take care of people, stay close to the work, and keep finding ways to make the everyday experience better.

We wanted to get a better sense of his perspective and give anyone considering breaktime solutions a closer look at the people behind the breakroom. So we asked him a few questions:

Are you more of a “power through the morning” or do you need a mid-morning break to get going?

“I am 100% a power-through-the-morning individual. I can be off and running and forget about breakfast… but lunch is a must. A typical morning is emails, phone calls, out the door, scheduled appointments or cold calling... all mixed in with installs, grand openings, and family life.”

What’s your go-to breakroom combination that helps you reset and keep going?

“My go-to grab-and-go is a Snickers bar and Funyuns.”

Whatever your go-to-snack combo is says a lot about your personality. According to psychological and behavioral studies, the flavors and textures you crave tend to mirror your daily mindset, lifestyle, and social habits but beyond personality, a survey done by Statista on snack foods revealed Consumers primarily snack to satisfy hunger (56%) or meet a specific taste (45%). However, 81% also use snacking for self-care and "me time"

Justin understands that better than most and more importantly, he knows how to make those moments count. When asked to describe his perfect break, he didn’t overcomplicate it: 

“A Snickers bar, a bag of Funyuns, a bottle of Dasani, and a nice place to sit outside, soak in some fresh air, and enjoy a little sunshine.”

It’s simple, but it fits his lifestyle. 

One thing for certain is that he is consistent. Whether he’s in a Five Star pickup basketball game or competing in Major League Fishing where he’s recorded a career win, a Top 10 finish, and competed in 35 events. One thing is for certain; he’s used to staying active, focused, and always moving. And that’s exactly why those intentional pauses matter.

“When your day gets busy, how do you make your breaks actually feel useful instead of just a pause?”

“Sometimes this is the only recharge time I get. It’s a chance to let my brain pause for a minute and organize my next task.”

What’s one small habit you’ve built into your day that helps you stay energized and focused?

“Drink more water. The days I stay hydrated, my concentration and brain function are better.”

Simple doesn’t mean small. From filtered units to Water by the Pallet, we know workplace hydration solutions play a critical role in keeping employees safe, healthy, and productive. Access should be effortless, with organized spaces that reduce decision fatigue and make essentials easy to find. Thoughtful placement of water coolers and coffee stations in central, high-traffic areas naturally brings teams together, encouraging connection and collaboration throughout the workday.

How do you feel that breakroom moments (snacks, drinks, quick chats, etc.) impact a team’s energy?

"Having A Great Looking Space to Sit and Enjoy some downtime…with TONS of Snack, Beverage & Food Options….it gives a team a renewed focus and energy when they are appreciated and well taken care of by their employers!

When People feel appreciated and well taken care of; It’s where everything connects. The space. The options. The experience is not just a break but it’s how teams reset, connect, and come back better."

At Five Star, it’s not just about putting snacks in a room but it’s about creating a breakroom people actually want to spend time in. From the initial consult to the rendering, we take the time to design a space that fits your team. Whether that’s a modern breakroom market or a simple coffee setup that just works, and once it’s in, we don’t disappear. Our local team keeps everything stocked, fresh, and running the way it should, so your employees can count on a great experience every day without you having to think twice about it.

To wrap it up: what would you say to someone who isn’t using their breakroom or taking real breaks yet; but probably should be?

“Everyone needs recharge time… even if it’s just 10–15 minutes. Slow down, take a breath, grab a snack, and hydrate.”

It’s easy to skip breaks when the day gets busy and even easier when most breakrooms just… exist. Same old vending machine, same routine, nothing that really adds to the workday. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you rethink the space, your breakroom can actually become something your team looks forward to.

Truly a place that feels designed for them, not just filled with snacks. That’s where having the right partner makes all the difference, bringing in fresh ideas, better variety, and a setup that runs the way it should without adding more to your plate.

The right breakroom doesn’t interrupt the workflow. It supports it. That is why you should have someone who also knows the importance of the little things and setting you up for success. Lucky for you if you are in the Middle Tennessee area because Justin is just the person you need.