DOUGLAS COMPANIES OFFERS THE PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF OTHER BROAD-LINE SUPPLIERS. WHAT SEPARATES US IS OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS, TEAM MEMBERS, AND VENDOR PARTNERS. THEIR SUCCESS IS OUR GOAL.
From category leader to category innovator. As the tobacco category changes, we are focused on supporting our distributor partners. Today, more than 20 million U.S. adult smokers are seeking potentially less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. We are committed to making sure that your success continues, even as the tobacco category changes.
NJOY
What a Journey
What an incredible journey it has been. With over 35 years of dedication to this industry, I stand before you today with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities it has bestowed upon me. Through the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, my journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of this remarkable community.
As I reflect on nearly four decades of experience, I’m reminded of the enduring legacy of our association, The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors.
To reach the remarkable milestone of 101 years is a feat achieved by only a fraction of organizations worldwide.
Yet, The Southern stands tall, built upon the contributions of industry giants and the enduring dedication of its members.
From legislative advocacy to fostering supplier relationships, The Southern has been at the forefront of progress, driving our industry forward with grace and integrity. Moreover, our commitment to community outreach, embodied through initiatives like “Metting with a Mission” and our scholarship fund, underscores our collective dedication to making a positive impact beyond business.
But what truly sets The Southern apart is the genuine respect and camaraderie shared among its members. As we stand on the brink of our 101st anniversary celebration, I urge each of you to reflect on what The Southern means to you. Consider the memories cherished, the mentors revered, and the investments made in both yourself and others. As we embark on this historic milestone, let us recommit ourselves to the continued success and vitality of our association.
For those already deeply engaged, I commend you for recognizing the value of our collective efforts. But for those yet to fully embrace the opportunities afforded by The Southern, I implore you to seize this moment. Whether it’s through board involvement, legislative advocacy, or nurturing the next generation of leaders through The Southern Leadership Division, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our industry.
So, as we embark on this next chapter, let us pledge to uphold the legacy of excellence and camaraderie that defines The Southern.
Together, we can ensure that our association remains a beacon of leadership and inspiration for generations to come.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your 2023-2024 SAWD President. It has been an honor to be part of this extraordinary journey, and I look forward to the continued success of The Southern in the years ahead.
God Bless and GO DAWGS! Sam
Unlocking Efficiency: Navigating the AI Revolution in Wholesale Distribution
As I reflect on my two-year tenure as President of the Southern Leadership Division (SLD), a subset of the esteemed Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors (SAWD), and my twenty-year journey with Merchants Grocery Company, I am compelled to delve into a topic that continues to shape the landscape of our industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In recent years, AI has evolved from a buzzword to a transformative force across various sectors, including wholesale distribution. Its potential to optimize processes, enhance decisionmaking, and drive efficiencies cannot be overstated. As leaders in our field, it’s imperative that we not only acknowledge this paradigm shift but also actively embrace it to stay ahead of the curve.
One of the most significant impacts of AI in wholesale distribution lies in its ability to revolutionize supply chain management. With AI-powered predictive analytics, we can forecast demand more accurately, optimize inventory levels, and streamline logistics operations. This not only reduces costs but also improves customer satisfaction by ensuring timely deliveries and minimizing stockouts.
Moreover, AI empowers us to personalize the customer experience like never before. By analyzing vast amounts of data, we can understand consumer preferences on a granular level, anticipate their needs, and tailor offerings accordingly. Whether it’s suggesting complementary products or recommending promotions, AI-driven insights enable us to foster deeper connections with our clientele, driving loyalty and repeat business.
Furthermore, AI holds immense potential in enhancing operational efficiency and costeffectiveness. From automating routine tasks such as order processing and invoicing to optimizing route planning for delivery trucks, AI-powered solutions can free up valuable time and resources, allowing us to focus on strategic initiatives and value-added activities.
However, it’s essential to recognize that embracing AI is not without its challenges. As we integrate these technologies into our workflows, we must ensure proper training and upskilling of our workforce to harness their full potential. Additionally, we must address concerns surrounding data privacy and cybersecurity to safeguard sensitive information and maintain customer trust.
In conclusion, the advent of AI heralds a new era of possibilities for wholesale distribution. By leveraging these technologies effectively, we can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As we navigate this transformative journey, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to embrace change, adapt to evolving trends, and lead our industry into a prosperous future.
Sincerely,
Robbie Surratt
To the Next 100 Years
As we move toward our association’s next centennial, there’s much to be excited about. With 100 years under our belt, this gathering, unlike any other, remains a true family reunion. Every year in June we come together to reconnect, share ideas, meet new people, and have some fun.
Our educational agenda this year features expert advice and cutting-edge research that helps us better understand the dynamics of leadership, cyber security and the 2024 election. It is meant to be helpful in moving you toward your ideals in your leadership duties.
Chris Lane, a Pollster and the Director of Client Strategy at Cygnal, an award-winning firm specializing in polling, public opinion, messaging strategy, and predictive analytics will kick us off by sharing insights on the 2024 election and how it could affect our industry.
Nicole Carignan, the VP of Strategic Cyber AI for Darktrace, has 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, networks, computer science, data science/artificial intelligence and IT supporting numerous private and public institutions in cybersecurity solutions and data science. In her session, Nicole will provide insight into technology, tools, and techniques for unique solutions as it relates to cybersecurity.
Our keynote for this year is Dick Burleson, a former SEC referee and two star general. Drawing on his 25 years as a head football official in the Southeastern Conference, as well as a distinguished career as a Major General in the U.S. Army, Dick Burleson offers a cavalcade of anecdotes, stories, and lessons designed to not only entertain, but inspire, motivate, and educate. Dick will share his “traits for success” developed during his time with great leaders such as Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and General Colin Powell.
In the evenings, please don’t forget to stop by the Hospitality Suite where you can take part in the silent auction which benefits The Southern Education Fund. Enjoy a drink and the entertainment!
For all the excitement there is for the 101st Annual Meeting, one member of The Southern family will be missed. Bill Wilkerson of JL Gaddy passed away this past March after a brief battle with cancer. He dedicated his life to the family business and cherished it. In a note, his daughter Leanne said, “Bill enjoyed being a part of the SAWD organization and made some great friends there, who became like family to him and all of us!” We will miss our brother Bill but know that his legacy and that of JL Gaddy’s endures.
On behalf of the association, I would like to thank our wholesale distributors and vendor partners who have ensured that The Southern remains a viable and vibrant organization for the industry.
See you in Naples!
VJ Mayor
DICK BURLESON FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Have you ever watched a football game and wondered who the people are on the field wearing the striped shirts? The answer may be no because you normally are more concerned about why they made the call they made or why they penalized your favorite team you are cheering on. But if you ever stopped and looked beyond the game day and delved into who these people are you’d probably be fascinated.
For starters, the football officials that choose to have a part-time career and take to the field every week have a genuine love of the game. Most are retired players who once took to the field, in their glory days, under the Friday Night Lights themselves. Many were All-state athletes, lots with college football scholarship offers
and illustrious college playing careers. So being on the football field as an official is a way for them to continue their love and respect for a game that has brought them so much joy and been such a big part of their life during their formative years.
There’s also a comradery that the crew of officials has that’s unparallel. Have you ever been in front of 100,000 screaming fans that are going to hate you just for doing your job? No matter whether the crew does a flawless job or makes a human error, it’s a thankless job. And trust me when I say, if an error is made no one suffers over that mistake more than the striped shirts. They are constantly studying and staying up to date and knowledgeable every week on rules and procedures so that when game time comes, they are at the top of their game.
With the knowledge they continually gain, these officials possess the confidence to take to the field and provide the leadership and control these players and coaches need throughout 4 quarters of the football game. It might not seem like it, but to be in this position this crew, in particular
RICHARD B. (DICK) BURLESON is Vice President of Neel-Schaffer, one of the leading Engineering firms in the United States.
He is a native of Alabama and was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Dick graduated from Georgia Tech with a Civil Engineering degree.
the head referee, must possess certain traits of leadership to have the skills necessary to do the job at hand. The head referee gets a lot of airtime being the one who announces calls and penalties, so his role includes making sure his crew is accurate and everyone comes out unscathed. This is 100% in line with that referee’s ability to take the lead.
So, if you are still asking yourself why do these striped shirts do what they do? Officiating, even at the professional level, isn’t a full-time career. It’s a parttime gig that you definitely won’t get rich from. Most of these officials have impressive careers outside of officiating… engineers, lawyers, physicians, accountants, CEO’s, professors, even a judge or two. Is it just for the love of the game? The experiences? The relationships? I can’t wait to share with you some of my stories that help explain why I and so many others choose to stay on the football field for decades. I’m looking forward to enjoying a wonderful evening of fun, laughter, and learning a little more about the striped shirts in college football!
Besides his engineering career, Dick also rose to the Army Reserves highest rank, that of Major General. He graduated from the Army War College and was Commanding General of the largest Army Reserve Command in the World. His command covered eight states, 40,000 troops and included over 5,000 soldiers placed on active duty during Desert Storm. General Colin Powell personally decorated General Burleson’s units.
One of his highest personal honors came, when General Burleson received the Spirit of America’s -Audie Murphy Patriotism Award. He was only the 23rd American to receive this award.
In addition to his engineering and military careers, Dick Burleson has been a football official in the Southeastern Conference for 25 years and worked a full schedule of top SEC games every year as head referee. Dick has served as Chief Referee and President of the SEC. He officiated fifteen major bowl games and the SEC Championship game.
His last game on the field was as the head referee for the National Championship Rose Bowl game.
His most recent position was as an SEC staff advisor on officiating, including evaluating officials performance each Saturday from the SEC Command Center. In 2019 he was inducted into the inaugural class of The Alabama Sports Officials Hall of Fame.
His book, “You Better Be Right,” has reached the #1 Best Sellers list at Barnes & Noble Bookstores. n
You’re invited to the
Hospitality
SUITE
Be sure to drop by our Southern Hospitality Suite during the day for a cup of coffee or a soft drink and, in the evening, a hosted bar. It’s a great place to meet, make plans with friends, or just relax. Adjacent to the Hospitality Suite will be the Silent Auction to benefit our Education Fund. This Silent Auction features over $15,000 worth of items contributed by the members of the Board of Directors, vendors, and others.
HOURS OPEN:
June 18th: After dinner (about 9:00pm) - Until June 19th: After Dinner (about 9:00pm) - Until
The “Southern Hospitality Suite” is provided to all convention delegates by the Manufacturer & Broker Representatives on your Southern Board of Directors:
Altria Group Distribution Company
Burdette Beckmann
Creative Data Research
Dot Foods
ITG Brands
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
Lil’ Drug Store Products
Matrix Brokerage
National Tobacco
ProCat Distribution Technologies
Reynolds
Republic Brands
Swedish Match
Swisher International
The Hershey Company
Golf TOURNAMENT
NAPLES GRANDE GOLF CLUB
MONDAY, JUNE 17TH
TEE OFF 8:00 AM
Naples Grande Golf Club is a highly acclaimed, Rees Jones-designed private course located a short drive from downtown Naples. Renowned golf architect Rees Jones designed a par 72 championship course that proves both interesting and challenging. Each hole at this demanding course promises an exhilarating new experience. With extraordinary elevations and unique water features expertly incorporating the indigenous Florida foliage, this course offers stunning fairways for year-round play for Premier Club members and guests of Naples Grande Beach Resort.
SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS CODE OF ETHICS
(From the original formation of the Association)
FIRST: To manufacturer or handle only goods that are made of pure and palatable ingredients; goods which are pure, wholesome, and valuable for human consumption as food; to support any reasonable laws which may be enacted for the purpose of protecting the purity, wholesomeness and cleanliness of candy products.
SECOND: TO strive at all times to upbuild the Confectionary Industry; to cooperate with the retail dealer in arriving at an understanding of the proper quantity to buy and the care to give it, that he may at all times furnish the consumer with goods that are wholesome and valuable for food.
THIRD: To deal justly and honorably with my dealer customers, in order that they may realize just rewards with fairness to all concerns; to sell to those retailers who can handle my goods with credit to themselves, to me, to the manufacturer of the goods and with maximum service to the Public.
FOURTH: To deal justly with the manufacturers whose goals I distribute; to do my business with manufacturers whose goods I can handle in fairness to myself and all concerned; to deal only with the manufacturers
who respect and practice the principles of my Code of Ethics, thus encouraging me in practicing my Code of Ethics, both in letter and spirit.
FIVE: To act in fairness toward my employees; paying deserved salaries or wages and giving them that personal cooperation which will enable them to develop their lives and improve their usefulness; to respect their personal rights and grant such privileges as will contribute to their proper development, into more valuable, contented American citizens; to accord equal opportunities and favors to all.
SIXTH: To earnestly endeavor to prevent the use of any means or device in the sale of candy which embodies the element of chance or gambling, believing such practices tend to develop the gambling habit amongst children, thus resulting in injury to the Public.
SEVENTH: To cooperate in all lawful ways with offices and members of our association in the promotion of the welfare of our association in the promotion of the welfare of our industry; to use this Code of Ethics as a Guide which will serve to encourage me and my fellow confectioners to an ever-Higher Plane of Service, knowing the untold value of its practice will bring to the Candy Consuming Public.
A NOTE ABOUT ANTI-TRUST: As this meeting begins, we must remind you of certain essential ground rules which must be respected, not only at this meeting, but on every occasion, social or otherwise, during any meeting of The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors. There can be absolutely no discussion between or among competitors at any time concerning prices you charge or propose to charge your customers, the price you pay or propose to pay your suppliers, or the terms and conditions under which you buy and sell the products in which you deal. The antitrust laws are designed to encourage competition at all levels of production and distribution. The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors is committed to adherence to those laws. Please keep these principles in mind for the benefit of us all.
Sherwin Herring, SouthCo Distributing
HERSHEY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Chad Pickel, Amcon Distributing
LIBERTY AWARD
Jimmy Stewart, Stewart Distribution
April
IMAGINE Children’s Health Center is a not-for-profit corporation established to treat emotional trauma in school-age children. Emotional trauma symptoms are seen in children who suffer from Autism, ADHD anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, stress, low self-esteem, self destructive behavior, sleep disorders, grief and traumatic events.
Our mission is to provide psychological treatment and health education that is effective and compassionate for children in need and their families. IMAGINE will give hurting children wth an opportunity to avoid lifelong suffering and to function again at their highest level in school, at home and within their community.
“As the director of IMAGINE Children’s Health Center, I use my twenty-five years of licensed psychotherapy experience and clinical psychology training and research to improve a child’s mental and physical health, and to help improve their choices, self-esteem and social interaction with family and friends. Children deserve to heal, feel happy, to learn, be loved and to want to give back to others.”
- Molly Barrow, PhD Director
Please join us in our mission to make IMAGINE Children’s Health Center a trusted and reliable source of care for local families. Our goal is to provide these services to children at no cost through generous and caring people like yourself and help our kids be happy and healthy. n
For over 30 years, 100% guaranteed has always meant exactly that.
At National Tobacco, we have always stood behind our products with a 100% guarantee. From trade to consumer, our only goal has been complete customer satisfaction across our diverse OTP portfolio.
MANUFACTURERS Get $ocial & $ave!
We encourage all manufacturers to follow us on all channels. So much so that we’re having a contest! One lucky winner will recieve 10% off of our 2025 marketing program. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn by June 23rd to become eligible. Winner will be announced July 1st!
What's on Your Plate?
Core-Mark’s innovative foodservice programs include vast and craveable menus that allow retailers to pick and choose the options they want to meet their needs and create offerings customers will love!
Our easy to execute, turnkey foodservice programs include quality branded components from the PFG family of brands, no franchising fees, low start-up costs and marketing support.
Atlanta
Eric Meyer
4820 North Church Ln. Smyrna, GA 30080 (404) 792-2000
Kentucky
Scott Clark 1055 Salt River Rd. Leitchfield, KY 42754 (270) 287-5401
Carolina
Michael Davenport 1144 Broadway Rd. Sanford, NC 27332 (919) 975-3132
Louisville
Saint Julian Snider 439 Park Loop Rd. Shepherdsville, KY 40165 (502) 281-5402
Forrest City
Brad Flint
3400 Commerce Rd. Forrest City, AR 72335 (817) 401-4432
Jason Nevin 6401 Will Rogers Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76134 (813) 313-6626
Rockmart
Brent Shay
326 S. Marble St. Rockmart, GA 30153 (317) 561-2607
Gibsonton
Wally Barry 13040 Bay Industrial Dr., Ste. 400 Gibsonton, FL 33534 (813) 462-4296
Tampa
Chris Enrique 9020 King Palm Dr. Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 924-1508
You’re invited to the
27TH ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION
TO BENEFIT THE EDUCATION FUND
THE AUCTION WILL BE OPEN FOR BIDDING JUNE 18-19.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18TH
9:00 TO 5:00 PM AND AFTER DINNER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH
AFTER AWARDS DINNER
The Southern’s Education Fund was established a number of years ago to provide educational opportunities for members, their employees and family members. The Silent Auction, which will be held during the convention, will raise money for the fund. Our Education and Convention Committees last year were successful in raising over $15,000 for our Education Fund through the Silent Auction. With your support and participation, we hope to exceed that figure this year. Items are offered through the generosity of Southern members and vendors.
Striking a Chord: SLD Hits the High Notes in Nashville
In November the Southern Leadership Division (SLD) headed to the music city capital Nashville, Tennesse for our annual Business Resource Meeting. We kicked off the 3-day meeting with a Round Table Discussion. Facilitated by Robbie Surratt, SLD President, this popular session allows attendees to get together in an informal setting to discuss issues related tothe industry or a specific business process while sharing best practices. Technology, labor, and automation were a few topics of discussion.
Following the roundtable, we partnered with Altria to support Hands On Nashville to make close to 100 fleece blankets for families of need.
After lunch, we headed over to US Smokeless Tobacco, for a plant tour. Altria, the parent company of USST is a long-time member and supporter of the association. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, USST pulled out all of the stops on this very informative tour.
A special thank you to Brandon Mohr and Monical Lewis for taking time out of their busy schedules to host our group.
On day two, we kicked off our Leadership Workshop, with Angela Garmon founder and CEO of ARG Coaching Consulting Group. Angela is an award-winning business owner and philanthropist, who has been recognized as a Top 100 Women to Know across America in the Spring 2022 issue of Know Magazine and amongst the 19 Top Leaders Who Are Making a Real Difference in the Valley in the December 2022 issue of InBusiness magazine.
She helped attendees ignite and maximize the potential of their teams by inspiring a shared vision, establish strong sales goals and accomplish those goals through your team, and connect with and build a strong team that will in return connect with customers, driving revenue growth. Special thanks to SLD member Maria Miro-Narlock from Spotlight Innovations for all her help in planning this wonderful educational opportunity.
2023 SPONSORS
Following the Leadership Workshop, the team was ready for their team building activity. Team building activities are an essential part of the SLD meeting in order to build effective working relationships, foster trust among members, understand and improve communication skills or just to have fun!
This year we had a songwriting competition. Attendees were split into three groups with each group being led by an accomplished songwriter, one even wrote a song for Tim McGraw! Needless to say, but the team with Tim’s songwriter won the competition.
We ended the meeting on day three with a recap and idea share of what was learned during the previous days.
The 2024 SLD Business Resource Meeting is scheduled to be in Greenville, South Carolina with a tour of EA Sween from November 12-14. Save the dates!
You’re invited to the
Spouse’s SOCIAL
Amy Casanova would like to extend an invitation to all spouses and guests attending the Annual Meeting to join her for the Spouse’s Social which will be held on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 10:00AM UNTIL 11:30AM
This is an ideal opportunity to meet some of the other attendees while enjoying brunch. This event is also a great meeting place to gather with friends prior to going out for the day.
Please check your onsite schedule for location.
NOV 12-14 HYATT
SAVE THE DATE for this year’s Southern Leadership Division’s annual conference. It is designed specifically for emerging leaders and provides an excellent educational format that focuses on leadership skills, management training and business planning.
Show DEALS
A major component of the House of Deals (scheduled for Thursday, June 20) are the Show Deals vendors provide to our wholesale members.
Show Deals are a tangible benefit that allow wholesalers and vendors to build and strengthen business relationships.
ATTENTION 2024 VENDORS
Orders will be placed directly between the wholesaler and vendor during the House of Deals, along with agreed upon delivery dates.
NOTE: Show Deals will be extended for two weeks after the Annual Meeting expiring on Friday, July 5th.
New VENDOR HIGHLIGHT
We would like to extend a warm Southern welcome to the following vendors who are joining us for the first time (or who have not been with us in several years):
Double Diamond Smokes
GEBHART Logistic Solutions
Grocery Supply Warehouse
Max Recall Technologies
McCalls Farms - Peanut Patch
Morrison Cups Solutions
Pepper
PX Wholesale
Simple Inc.
Sweetwood Smoke
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All details are subject to change. The-Southern.org will always have the latest information. The on-site program supersedes all pre-printed materials. All times are EDT.
MONDAY, JUNE 17
2:00 - 5:30PM Registration Desk Open
7:00AM - 1:30PM Golf Tournament: Naples Grande Golf Club offers varied elevations and unique water features. A portion of our Rees Jones designed course was centered around a 30-acre lake that is the picturesque backdrop for one of the more challenging golf holes.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
9:00AM - 5:00PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 - 9:45AM Chair/Vice Chair Meeting
10:00 - 11:00AM Committee Meetings - Convention, Education, Special Projects, Government Affairs
Representatives of all distribution companies are encouraged to attend. This meeting is open to distributors only.
4:30 - 5:15PM SLD Board Meeting
5:30 - 6:00PM New Vendor Reception All Buyers and First-time Vendors
6:00 - 6:45PM Welcome Reception, All invited
7:00 - 9:00PM Chairman’s Dinner; (For Board of Directors and Past Presidents)
After Dinner-Until Hospitality Suite, Open to All
Continue our Southern themed evening with cocktails, dancing and entertainment at our Hospitality Suite. Shop our Silent Auction, whose proceeds fund the $22,000 in annual scholarships given out each year to deserving member students, as well as funding education sessions and more.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
7:30AM - 5:00PM Registration Desk Open
8:00 - 8:30AM Kick-Off Breakfast (Continental) Join us for a fresh breakfast and plenty of coffee to help you get ready for a jam-packed schedule.
EDUCATION SESSIONS
8:15 – 9:15AM SESSION 1
“2024 Election from a Pollster’s Eyes”
Chris Lane, Director Client Strategy, Cygnal
Chris Lane is a Pollster and the Director of Client Strategy at Cygnal, an award-winning firm specializing in polling, public opinion, messaging strategy, and predictive analytics with its headquarters in Washington, DC. Cygnal has been named America’s Most Accurate Polling Firm by FiveThirtyEight, the past three cycles (2018, 2020, & 2022). At Cygnal, Lane has served as a pollster for political campaigns across 35+ states, including local, state legislative, gubernatorial, congressional, US Senate, and presidential races. He also conducts survey work for independent expenditures, non-profits, and corporations nationwide and has lead survey work on campaigns internationally.
Before joining Cygnal, Chris Lane spent many years working for Governor Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, where he served as Political Director and later as Finance Director. He still resides on the south shore of Massachusetts with his wife, Jessica, and daughter, Ellie.
9:25 – 10:25AM SESSION 2
“Cybersecurity Threats”
Nicole Carignan, VP of Strategic Cyber AI for Darktrace
While generative AI tools have the power to increase productivity and augment human creativity, businesses need to move quickly to keep up with the pace of innovation. These tools carry potential
privacy and security risks if used incorrectly or without proper policies in place that match the unique needs of the business – creating challenges. In her session, Nicole will provide insight into technology, tools, and techniques for unique solutions.
Nicole Carignan is the VP of Strategic Cyber AI for Darktrace, and she has 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, networks, computer science, data science/artificial intelligence and IT supporting numerous private and public institutions in cybersecurity solutions and data science. She has 20 years of federal USG experience. Her expertise in Cyber Threat Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Defense in Depth Solutions, Operations Engineering, and Network Security products.
10:00 – 11:30AM Spouse’s Brunch
10:45AM – Noon GENERAL SESSION
“Mandatory Leadership Traits”
Dick Burleson, Inspirational Speaker and Former SEC Referee
In his “Leadership” presentation, Dick shares his “traits for success” developed during his time with great leaders such as Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and General Colin Powell.
Drawing on his 25 years as a head football official in the Southeastern Conference, as well as a distinguished career as a Major General in the U.S. Army, Dick Burleson offers a cavalcade of anecdotes, stories, and lessons designed to not only entertain, but inspire, motivate, and educate.
1:00 - 5:30PM Ten-2-Profit
Fast-paced and full of energy, these 10-minute “appointments” with buyers and vendors can be used to showcase new products or services, conduct a mini-business review, or introduce anticipated program changes.
6:00 - 7:00PM Get Acquainted Reception
7:00 - 9:00PM Awards Banquet
This evening is an opportunity to recognize some of The Southern’s best – those who have demonstrated extensive commitment to service and achievement in the industry.
After Dinner-Until Hospitality Suite, Open to All
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
7:30 - 8:30AM Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30AM General Membership Meeting
8:30 - 1:00PM Registration Desk Open
8:45 - 10:15AM House of Deals
Use this additional time to review and discuss “show deals”, write orders, share samples or simply use it to catch up with your business partners. In an environment that is fun and relaxed, this event is a great way to discuss next steps and finalize opportunities.
11:45 - 12:30PM Executive Committee Meeting
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Naples Grande Resort
475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103
To make hotel reservations, visit https://book.passkey.com/go/SAWD24 Deadline for group rate is May 29, 2024.
REGISTER NOW
prereg.net/2024/sawd Deadline is May 29, 2024.
1st Distributor Attendee: $800
Each Additional Distributor: $600
Spouse and Children are FREE. Everyone MUST register for a badge.
THANK YOU!
Allison Wholesale
Altria Group Distribution
Amcon Distributing Company
Andalusia Distributing
Ashland Specialty Company
Atlantic Dominion Dist.
Benestar Brands
Burdette Beckmann
C&B Distributors
Caldwell Wholesale
Charles C. Parks Co.
Cheyenne International
Church Point Wholesale
Core-Mark North
Corso, Inc.
Creative Data Research
Davison Fuel & Oil
Dot Foods
Douglas Companies
Franklin Supply, Inc.
Golbon
Glidewell Distributing
Gummer Wholesale
Hardec’s
Imperial Trading Company
ITG Brands
J.L. Gaddy Wholesale
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
Kellanova K3S
Lil’ Drug Store Products
Long Distribution
Lyons Specialty Co.
M.R. Williams
Matrix Brokerage
Merchants Grocery Company
National Tobacco Company
PDQ Sales
ProCat Distribution Technologies
Renfro Supply Co.
Republic Brands
Reynolds
Smokey Mountain Chew
Southco Distributing Company
Stephenson Wholesale
Stewart Distribution Co.
Swedish Match of North America
Swisher International
Team Sledd
The H.T. Hackney Company
The Hershey Company
Venture Sales
W.L. Petrey Wholesale
Wishing All The Southern Attendees Great Success and Sunny Days!
CHAD PICKEL AMCON Distributing Omaha, NE 2022-2023
RANDY LONG Long Distribution Corinth, MS 2016-2017
SHERWIN HERRING Southco Distributing Company Goldsboro, NC 2004-2006
HUGH RAETZSCH Lyons Speciality Port Allen, LA 2021-2022
PAULA GLIDEWELL Glidewell Distributing Fort Smith, AR 2014-2016
STEVE SHING Grocery Supply Co. Sulphur Springs, TX 2002-2004
MARTY HOWELL H.T. Hackney Opp, AL 2020-2021
DICK DUNHAM Stephenson Wholesale Co. Durant, OK 2012-2014
MIKE JONES Andalusia Distributing Andalusia, AL 2000-2002
SCOTT MCPHERSON Core-Mark Colleyville, TX 2019-2020
RICKY JONES Andalusia Distributing Andalusia, AL 2010-2012
BOB PIERPOINT Imperial Trading Co., Inc. Elmwood, LA 1998-2000
STEVE DOUGLAS Douglas Companies Conway, AR 2018-2019
JIMMY STEWART Stewart Distribution Waycross, GA 2008-2010
RANDY EMANUELSON Team Sledd Wheeling, WV 2017-2018
MARK DAVENPORT J. T. Davenport & Sons, Inc Sanford, NC 2006-2008
JACK
2024-2025 SAWD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JACK
President Church Point Wholesale Church Point, LA
SAWD 1st Vice President SouthCo Distributing Goldsboro, NC
SAWD Board Chairman
Stewart Distributing Waycross, GA
CHRIS SMYTHERS
SAWD 2nd Vice President Merchants Grocery Co., Inc. Culpeper, VA
SAWD CEO
GA
APRIL GARVER
CASANOVA
VJ MAYOR, CAE
LaGrange,
SAM STEWART
ROSS HAYNES
SAWD 3rd Vice President Hardec’s Elizabethtown, KY
Congratulations for 70 Years!
2024 SAWD STATE DIRECTORS
Allison Wholesale Paint Rock, AL
Glidewell Distributing Fort Smith, AR
AR
DONNIE CHILDERS SouthCo of Augusta Augusta, GA
MORGAN ALLAIN Franklin Supply Franklin, LA
ROSS HAYNES Hardec’s Elizabethtown, KY
JACK PARKER The Corr-Williams Co. Pearl, MS
JACK CASANOVA Churchpoint Wholesale Churchpoint, LA
DAN MCINTYRE PDQ Sales & Marketing Jackson, KY
NELSON PARKER
PAULA GLIDEWELL
RANDY LONG Long Distribution Corinth, MS
SUSIE MUNSON Douglas Companies Conway,
CARLOS ZUMARRAGA Zuma & Sons Medley, FL FLORIDA
APRIL GARVER SouthCo Distributing Goldsboro, NC
NORTH CAROLINA
JAKE STEWART Stewart Distributing Blackshear, GA GEORGIA
CHRIS HOBSON Core-Mark Tampa, FL
CHRIS D’AMICO BTC Wholesale Alabaster, AL
2024 SAWD STATE DIRECTORS
LAWSON WILLIAMS M.R. Williams Henderson, NC
PICKEL Amcon Distributing Crossville, TN
RAY Atlantic Dominion Distributors Virginia Beach, VA
JIM NAIFEH
Standard Distributing Co. Sapulpa, OK
WELDIE MURRAY Renfro Supply Company Williamsburg, KY
Merchants Grocery Co., Inc. Culpeper, VA
Stephenson Wholesale Durant, OK
Sulphur Springs, TX
EMANUELSON Team Sledd Wheeling, WV WEST VIRGINIA
OH
GREG CROSS
LEANNE JENNINGS J.L. Gaddy Hickory Grove, SC
CHAD
STEVE YAWN McLane Temple, TX
CHRIS SMYTHERS
ROBIN
CHAD GUMMER Gummer Wholesale Heath,
JOHN PRICKETTE Grocery Supply Company
RANDY
2024 SAWD
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
Imperial Trading
Elmwood, LA
Shreveport, LA
2024 SAWD
BROKER REP, SLD REP, & LEGISLATIVE LIAISON
MAX WEINER
Broker Representative
Burdette Beckmann Inc.
Chesapeake, VA
ROBBIE SURRATT
SLD Representative
Merchants Grocery Culpeper, VA
WEBB ROBERTS
Broker Representative Matrix Brokerage Chapel Hill, NC
MATTHEW DOMINGO
Legislative Liaison Reynolds Winston-Salem, NC
MICHAEL WAGNON
Caldwell Wholesale
EMILE CANTRELL
KIM DUET
Lyons Speciality Port Allen, LA
2024 SAWD MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES
BRIAN WERTH Swedish Match
MATTHEW DOMINGO Reynolds
ANDREW PANAGOPLOS Republic Brands
T.J. HAM National Tobacco
KOURTNEY MODDY ITG Brands
BOB TROAST The Hershey Company
TOM BRICE Lil’ Drug Store
SCOTT HILL Country Fresh Meats
DEVIN FOGLEMAN Dot Foods
BRANDON MOHR Altria Group Distribution Co.
CRAIG SKONIECZNY Creative Data Research
STEVE STOMEL ProCat Distribution Technologies
SHANE MILLER Swisher
JOE NICOLAUS Xcaliber International Ltd.
OFFICERS
Robbie Surratt, Merchants Grocery, Culpepper, VA, President
Jeff Thompson, Douglas Companies, Conway, AR, SLD 1st Vice President
Stacey Goldsberry, AMCON, Omaha, NE 2nd Vice President
Joe Dilger, ITG Brands, Atlanta, GA, SLD Secretary
Morgan Allain, Franklin Supply, LA, Board Chairman
DIRECTORS
Brad Brown, Sweetwood Smoke, Geneva, IL
Colby Carmichael, Long Wholesale Dist., Corinth, MS
Bradley Cross, Stephenson Wholesale, Durant, OK
Devin Davis, Reynolds, Winston-Salem, NC
Patrick Donnelly, Trend Sales, Memphis, TN
Kim Duet, Lyons Specialty, Port Allen, LA
Kevin Herring, SouthCo Distributing, Goldsboro, NC
Jessica Kovacs, Team Sledd, Wheeling, WV
Jim Lutz, Altria Group Distribution Co., Richmond, VA
Darrell McGuffin, Hardec’s, Elizabethtown, KY
Maria Miro-Narlock, Spotlight Innovations, Luling, LA
James Newman, Lil’ Drug Store, Cedar Rapids, IA
Liam O’Boyle, Swedish Match, Atlanta, GA
Bradley Padgett, Davison Fuels, Mobile, AL
Steven Potts, Stephenson Wholesale, Durant, OK
Joni Rhoney, Jack Link’s, Minong, WI
Madison Roberts, Matrix Brokerage Co., Roanoke, VA
Mark Rollins, Swisher International, Duffield, VA
Brad Stephens, Renfro Supply, Williamsburg, KY
Caroline Stewart, Peanut Patch, Effingham, SC
John Stewart, Stewart Distribution, Blackshear, GA
Luke Wagnon, Caldwell Wholesale, Shreveport, LA
The Southern Turns 100!
The Southern’s 100th Annual Meeting was held at the Naples Grande in beautiful Naples, Florida. It was another great week of catching up with friends, conducting business, gaining new perspectives, and enjoying a beautiful property.
For our Meetings with a Mission initiative, we partnered with Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). We are proud to announce that we collected close to $3,000 in cash (in addition to a $1,000 check from The Southern). With nearly 40 years of experience assisting transplant families, they understand the challenges families face. These services are provided at no cost. With the support of community volunteers and COTA Miracle Makers, they help families overcome the financial challenges of a life-saving transplant. This organization is particularly close to our hearts as Greg Cross, with Stephenson Wholesale shared his son’s journey through an organ transplant with the help of The Children’s Health Association.
Our Southern Annual Golf Tournament provided a great day for networking with customers and prospects, as well as some friendly competition. This year it was held at the beautiful Naples Grande Golf Course. Thank you to our sponsor ITG Brands for their continued support of this event and The Southern.
It was standing room only for this year’s education sessions. “Warehouse Technology of the Future” was presented by Ed Romaine, VP of Marketing and Business Development, ConveyCo Technologies. This session focused on exploring the warehouse and business requirements to find the RightFIT level of technologies and automation required to increase your KPIs. where they make sense. Next, The Hershey Company’s Rocio Huerta, HR Manager, and Lori Thomas, MBA, Sr. HR Manager shared with us the unique program that they developed that is based on Hershey’s values of togetherness, integrity, and making a difference that helped them build a unique approach that enables them to hire the best candidates. Immediately following, “Lucky” Heather Penney shared her inspiring story of perseverance during our General Session.
This year’s Ten-2-Profit was an overwhelming success. With over 650 individual meetings occurring during this event, the room was a-buzz with excitement before, during and after. The House of “Deals” on Friday was a great way to end this very busy week. None of this would be possible without the continued support of all of our sponsors. We salute them for their commitment to The Southern each and every year. n
2023 SPONSORS
Altria Group Distribution Company
Burdette Beckmann
Creative Data Research
Dot Foods
The Hershey Company
ITG Brands
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
Lil’ Drug Store
Matrix Brokerage
National Tobacco Co.
ProCat Distribution Technologies
Republic Brands
Reynolds
SAWD Education Fund
Smokey Mountain Snuff
Swedish Match
Swisher International
Taking it to Palm Coast, Florida
This year’s Board of Directors Midyear Meeting was held at the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida. Situated near St. Augustine on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, its golf course boasts the most holes along the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. With temperatures in the high 70s/low 70s, it was a nice break from a cold winter, even just for a few days.
This annual planning meeting is very important as Board members meet to discuss financial matters, education resources, government affairs issues and other programs for the association. This is also a great opportunity for the Board to share key knowledge to ensure another successful year for our industry and all our members.
During free time, golfers were able to utilize the world-class facilities, spa goers took advantage of the amenities, and outdoor adventurers rode bikes along the beach.
We ended the week with attending the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona Speedway, thanks to the generosity of Philip Morris International. We thank our board members who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to get together. A special thanks to all our sponsors, whose continued support makes this meeting possible.
Altria Group Distribution Company
Burdette Beckmann
Creative Data Research
Dot Foods
ITG Brands
Lil’ Drug Store Products
Matrix Brokerage
National Tobacco
ProCat Distribution Technologies
Republic Brands
Reynolds
Swedish Match
Swisher International
The Hershey Company
BONITA SPRINGS, FL • 2025
We’re heading to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Pointe Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, FL!
June 23-26, 2025
Create lifetime memories at our tropical resort hotel in Bonita Springs, near the beautiful beaches and attractions of Naples, Florida. Get your day started with a Starbucks coffee at Cool Beans and end it lakeside watching the sunset during a fabulous seafood dinner on the Tarpon Bay screened porch. Sip artisan cocktails and enjoy live music in the bar on weekends. Savor coastal comfort food with an international twist in the tranquil atmosphere of Tanglewood. Or soak up the sunshine at lunch with a frozen drink at Corkscrew Pool Bar & Grill. STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION AT THE-SOUTHERN.ORG
Congratulations 2023 SAWD Scholarship Winners
Since 2012, The Southern has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to employees and children of its member organizations. Thanks to the Southern Education Fund and the Annual Silent Auction, scholarships are awarded to students who show their creativity by writing an essay on a trend or challenge in the convenience industry. The 2022 essay question was “Employees and employers are always looking for the right fit. What kind of workplace culture do you look for when pursuing a professional opportunity?”
Beginning in 2020, we awarded an additional scholarship called the Greg Martin Memorial Scholarship. This
Congratulations to JACKSON LORICK , winner of the 2023 Greg Martin Memorial Scholarship! He is attending Clemson University. Jackson is the son of Ken Lorick of J.F. Johnson.
Congratulations to EMILY GARZA, winner of one of the 2023 Southern scholarships! Emily is attending the Fresno Pacific University and is the daughter of Cristi Keiffer with Core-Mark.
scholarship was created to celebrate all that Greg did for our members, our businesses, our association and the industry over the last 20+ years. The Greg Martin Memorial Scholarship goes to the top elected entrant with the essay and details of that individual being shared with Greg’s family each year.
Choosing only four of these submissions from our 4-year college applicants and one for the Technical Scholarship was not easy for the scholarship judges! The Southern will be announcing the 2023 winners in June. Best of luck to everyone who has applied! n
Congratulations to EMERSON PHELPS, winner of one of the 2023 Southern scholarships! Emerson is attending the The University of South Carolina and is the daughter of Scott Phelps with Republic Brands.
Congratulations to ETHAN HELM, winner of a 2023 Southern scholarship! Ethan is attending the University of Arkansas and is the son of Julia Helm with Core-Mark International.
Congratulations to ALLIE DOTSON, winner of a Southern scholarship! She is attending Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. Allie is the daughter of Ralph Dotson with Core-Mark.
Employees and employers are always looking for the right fit.
What kind of workplace culture do you look for when pursuing a professional opportunity?
BY JACKSON LORICK
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS OF A WORKPLACE
I got my first real job in my junior year of high school. In the year 2020, while I had to do school online, I found myself constantly bored. One random day in December of that year, I applied at Walmart and ended up getting a call back from them. As I got ready to go in for my interview, I wondered what the workplace and coworkers would be like if I got hired. To my delightful surprise, I got the job! I started the next day, and it went well. Walking in blind, to knowing what to expect in a workplace, I’d say it was a pretty good experience. Everyone was happy to show me around and help me learn how to do my job. The longer I worked there, I learned how fast gossip goes around and that I should be careful what I say and whom I consider a friend. I learned the difference between a healthy and toxic work environment since it seemed to vary depending on the week. Experiences with both good and bad coworkers allowed me to create expectations of how I and others should be treated when looking for another job.
Two years later I applied at the dining hall at my university. At this point, I decided that if I got hired there, I would not tolerate anything less than respect. Excitement fulfilled me after my successful interview. Now having worked on campus for a few months, I can say that I love the work environment. Everyone is polite and eager to get work done. Compared to my job at
Walmart, I saw so many people come and go as well as many friendships form and disappear. At the dining hall, everyone has a good work ethic and wants to be there because they eagerly await a needed check to pay for tuition.
With these experiences, a workplace needs to have safety guidelines, management who resemble responsible leaders, and a healthy
professional relationship among co-workers. Making sure that all guidelines are met and thoroughly practiced and taking time to efficiently train the workers in a workforce is what makes a particular job a good place. Walmart always had us watch videos for training every couple of months to ensure that we knew what to do in case of fire, medical emergencies, harsh weather, or violence, and how to avoid such. There were consistent meetings held to announce and correct bad performance. A place that strives for its employees to partake in quality work is my kind of environment. A job with lazy people who only care about doing the bare minimum is not the place for me. I was raised to always do my best and to maintain a respectful attitude no matter the circumstance. Rain or shine, the job got done with the best efforts.
Aside from leadership and good coworkers, a place that chases diversity is highly important. Looking back on my previous job as a personal shopper at Walmart, diversity was appreciated and present. We had workers of nearly every race, and no one was excluded. If someone was not hired, it was because of expectations that management did not think could have been met. Of course, management has its reasons as to why some people fail at getting the job, but it is never because we already have too many of a specific race or because of racism. We also had a Deaf worker who was my friend. In high school, I took a sign language class so that I could sign with him. In that class, I learned about the adversities that the Deaf face and that they have their own culture designated to those who cannot hear. To them, they are proud to be Deaf and do not view it as a disability. I believe that workplaces should respect that part of their culture and honor it. It is very hard for them to find jobs, so I was pleased to see that Walmart did not exclude him because of a slight difference.
In many places, guidelines, respect, and diversity are strictly followed. However, some places make claims they do not follow. When looking for another job it is always important to observe how well or how poorly that company treats its workers. Thanks to my previous experience, I now understand how work culture should be. Although every place is not always sunshine and rainbows, how well specific situations are dealt with by higher powers in the workforce is yet another observation that should be held. Going forward, a job should not be a place that constantly brings you down or disrespects anyone, so make sure that it is a tolerable and healthy environment.
KEYS TO HARMONY IN A JOB
Corporate or workplace culture has become an increasingly important matter when considering an employer. There are many things to consider such as mission and/or vision statements, employee retention, purpose of the organization, mentorship, philanthropic interests, and employee encouragement. These are important factors that I search for in any employer and team.
First, in my opinion, it is important for the employers’ and the employees' values and morals to be similar. With that similarity, there can be much growth and advancement within the company and team itself. My first step would be to research the company’s mission and/or vision statement. I would want to make certain that they are inline with my own mission statement for myself. I believe you can tell a lot about a company based on how they perceive their purpose and values.
Communication is key to the harmony of a business. The more openness that exists between me and my employer the more trust will be built. I need to trust my employer and they need to trust me. I want to feel encouraged and be given the opportunity to grow in my role. Communicating the expectations
of the employees is also important in order to know what needs to be done. I find it very helpful when I know what is expected of me because it pushes me as an employee to exceed those expectations. Mentorship and training are vital to growth, whether it's in the same role as I would be hired for or in a larger role within the organization. Within this realm, feedback from a supervisor or colleague is an important tool that I would benefit from. I look at constructive criticism to help me become better both professionally and personally. In addition, goals and objectives are important to have continued growth. Guidelines, priorities, direction are essential but then be given the freedom to work within those boundaries.
Philanthropic goals of the employer would entice me to want to join the company. Giving back to the community is a personal purpose in my life. Focusing on goodwill and a desire to contribute to the well- being of others and society.
Employee encouragement is essential to me. I want to work for an employer that respects each employee for what they uniquely bring to the table. A company that values each employees’ opinions and ideas. A collaborative environment that will breed innovative thinking. My years in high school, at my church, and at my lifeguarding job have taught me the type of corporate culture that would best suit me. The experiences I have gone through helped me learn the type of environment I would succeed within.
TRUST AND RESPECT
My great-grandfather began his own business by selling items out of the trunk of his car. In 1947 my great-grandfather turned a room in his home into a candy and tobacco company into an incorporated wholesale business serving all over the state of South Carolina. My great-grandfather and grandfather established a workplace with drive and a vision. Long Lasting relationships have been built through the years. The stories of how perseverance, trust, and faith helped build a business that began in the back of a car into a family business for 75 years. My great-grandfather and grandfather believed in serving customers with quality and customer service. This mission continues today with my aunt and uncle overseeing daily operations and my father working as the sales merchandiser.
I knew when I began working I wanted a work culture with an employer I could trust and respect. Since I was a child, I have loved agriculture and wanted to get a job that would give me the experience needed as a young man who would be pursuing a degree in agriculture. As a little boy, I helped on my uncle's farm with cows. In elementary and middle school I wanted to know the poultry side of agriculture. I got chickens to raise at my home. My science fair projects in school were about poultry. I knew I wanted to know more about poultry science. In 2018, I worked for the summer for Bruner Farms and loved it. They only needed me for summer help so my time there was not long. I continued to look for other chicken houses to work in. In 2019 I began working for Taylor Poultry. In 2021 I began to develop a love of golf. This led to another job opportunity in the afternoons and evenings. All the jobs I have held taught me about workplace culture and the importance of a positive work environment with leadership, communication, and work ethic.
My job at Taylor Poultry has given me an insight into the life of a poultry farmer. My duties at work entail checking and picking up dead chickens, mixing supplements in water, cutting grass, maintenance of equipment, and cleaning houses. I have learned about the responsibilities of managing and owning chicken houses. The owner of Taylor poultry has a work environment with values of loyalty, kindness, humility, compassion, and integrity. effective leadership, communication, and strong organizational skills. He works side by side with his employees and never asks them to do something he would not do himself. When new employee begins they are trained and given feedback to help the employee become successful. Employees are valued, respected, and trusted and are expected to work together to keep everything working smoothly. All of this is done along with keeping everyone accountable and safe.
Through my work at the Ponderosa, I have learned how to manage the other side of the golf course besides the fun part of playing golf. My job was servicing members with golf carts, cleaning carts, and storing carts in the cart shed. I also picked up range balls and had them available for golfers. Although my job at the Ponderosa taught me responsibility and time management. The leadership skills, communication, and organization
had their flaws which led me to feel frustrated. There would be times I would make plans to go out with family and friends but had to change plans. Plans would have to be changed because of the need for more communication and the schedule of workers. This type of work environment is not the kind of environment I want to work in as I pursue a job following graduation.
I have been employed in different types of work environments, each helping me know and understand the sort of environment I want to pursue as a place of employment. I will be pursuing an environment that has clear communication with employees, a positive influence on the employees with mutual respect for the employer and the employee. Although the country club was a fun job, the leadership and communication flaws impacted the daily operations of the course. My experience with these flaws led me to know I do not want to pursue a job in an environment that lacks leadership, and communication and does not value its employees. I am pursuing a positive work environment where building relationships with employees and employers is the number one priority. Although my interest is in agriculture, I want to work for someone or have my own business with the same kind of drive and vision as my family. I also want to work for an employer like my boss at Taylor Poultry. The organization, expectations, and relationships he has built with his employees are why he has one of the most successful poultry businesses in the area. I want to build my business or work for someone that has built their business through perseverance, trust, and faith. I desire to work in an environment with good communication, listening, and understanding. A place where gratitude is shown for both employee and employer with clear expectations and guidelines. It is also important for me to work in a climate that builds on the strengths and weaknesses of others and where the employer leads by example. Everyone can not be good at everything so you take their strengths and weaknesses and build upon them. I desire my career to be in a place where there is mutual understanding and respect for one another. I believe when morale in the work environment is high productivity will be high as well. When productivity is high everyone in the workplace profits. n
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