Our Faces Behind the Breakroom: April Swafford

We recently got to ask April Swafford, Sales Director for the Knoxville, Cookeville, and Cleveland, TN markets a few questions. April’s mission is simple yet powerful: to build lasting client relationships by creating solutions that elevate the employee’s experience. With a background rooted in health and wellness and a passion for workplace culture, April brings a relationship-driven approach built on trust, follow-through, and measurable results.

Meet April

April Swafford attended Belmont University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education/fitness. Her career journey spans from being a physical education and wellness teacher to serving as an instructor which gives her a deep understanding of the importance of health and balance in everyday life.

One thing is certain: April knows how essential a well-designed breakroom and healthy options are for a productive workday.

We had the opportunity to ask April some questions and learn more about her unique approach and what sets her apart.

We wanted to know how April leverages her past experience to emphasize the value of a great breakroom. Here’s what she shared:

On a common misconception about sales: “Many people think sales is purely transactional; one deal in, one deal out. For me, it’s about building relationships and solving real problems. Every conversation is a chance to listen, understand a client’s needs, guide them toward the right solution, and ensure they feel supported long after the sale is complete.”

On shortcuts that can cause issues with breaktime solutions: “One shortcut I often see is choosing a smaller, lower-cost provider without considering long-term impact. While price matters, larger partners can offer greater value through broader resources, consistent service, and innovative solutions that scale as a business grows. The key is finding a partner that balances reliability, expertise, and long-term goals.”

At the end of the day, April’s approach shows up where it matters most.. in the breakroom.

By prioritizing relationships, long-term solutions, and the right partners, she helps create spaces that are reliable, scalable, and designed to support people well beyond day one.

That mindset doesn’t just stop there but it also shapes how April shows up every day. We asked her a few more questions to understand how she puts partnership, value, and proactive support into action day by day.

What’s one thing you’d love people to ask you more often?  

“A question I wish clients asked more often is: What's the best way to maximize the value of your service?  This shows me that a client is thinking beyond the transaction and wants to get the most out of what we offer.  It gives me the chance to share strategies, insights, and best practices that truly make a difference for their business.  To me, that's what being a sales partner is all about, helping clients elevate their employee experience, not just making a sale.”

What does servicing your area look like on a day-to-day basis?  

“For me, servicing my area is not about daily operations.  I rely upon our very capable operations team for that.  My focus is on daily discovering opportunities where our company can make a real impact.  Every day, I am focused on identifying businesses we haven't partnered with yet, understanding their needs, and finding ways our solutions can bring value.  My job is about growth, building new relationships, and expanding the reach of Five Star to help more clients succeed.

What’s one thing you do behind the scenes that makes a huge difference for customers?

“ I am always ready to move, whether it is following up on a lead, answering a question, or tackling a challenge.  Being proactive means our clients receive fast, effective solutions and a partner who is on their team!”

Your team deserves better, and with a rep like April, that’s achievable and approachable. Next time you think of sales, remember it’s not about the pitch, it’s about the person. Ready to rethink your breakroom solutions? April is just a conversation away.