Wholesaler Highlight: Q&A with Sherwin Herring, SouthCo Distributing

SOUTHERN: Could you give me a brief history of your company and how you got started in the business?

The business started in 1956, under the name of Southern Wholesale. It operated out of a garage and sold product out of the back of two panel trucks. Products included cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, candy, a little HBC and a few paper items. In 1981 the company was sold, and the name was changed to Southco Distributing with an emphasis on the c-store industry. Groceries and food service were added to the product mix. In 1996 the company was purchased by myself, Marvin Wooten, and Chris Wise, all who are still involved with the company.

SOUTHERN: Number of years personally in the business?

I have been at SouthCo since 1971 – 49 years. I started in the warehouse pulling orders at $1.60/hour, worked as a truck driver, night shift supervisor, office employee who was responsible for putting together our first price book, General Manager and VP. I was promoted to President in 1986 and currently serve as CEO.

SOUTHERN: How many years has company been in business and how many employees are there?

Been in business since 1956 and we currently employ about 220.

SOUTHERN: What is necessary to succeed in this business?

The best way to succeed in business is to surround yourself with good people who take pride in their job and the company. Plus, you must stay with the company, and work 40 to 60 hours per week. You have to be hands on in order to succeed.

SOUTHERN: Is there anyone who has been a mentor for you in the industry?

In my early years at Southco, I was given the opportunity to become General Manager by one of the absentee owners, David Weil. He spent over six months working with me to earn the only degree that I have, which is on the job training. He taught me employee relations, customer relations, how to read a financial statement, margins, expense control and the importance of giving back to the community where you live and work.

SOUTHERN: How long have you been a Southern member?

We have been a member of the Southern since the early 1980’s. Jack Head (Head Distributing) called me and asked me to serve on the Southern Board representing North Carolina. At my first board meeting Jack was not present and I didn’t know anyone. Mike and Jean Jones (with Andalusia Distributing) walked up to Becky and myself at the cocktail reception the first night and introduced themselves.

SOUTHERN: What keeps you coming back to the meetings?

Friendships that my family and I have developed over the years with current members and their families is probably the biggest thing that keeps us involved. Also, the networking opportunities with new members and vendors is very important.

SOUTHERN: What is the best part of the meetings?

The Education sessions, catching up with old friends and networking.

SOUTHERN: What are your words of wisdom to someone getting started in the business?

Develop friendships with your peers so that you will have someone that you feel comfortable reaching out to when you have a question. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from veteran members.

SOUTHERN: What is the main reason someone should be a member of the Southern?

The networking ranks as the number 1 reason to be a member of the Southern. Certainly, the education sessions, government updates, the Ten 2 Profit, are also important reasons.

SOUTHERN: What is the biggest issue facing this industry today?

Certainly, the biggest issue right now is surviving COVID-19. Under normal conditions our issues include labor shortage, government regulations, consolidation in our industry from customers, vendors, and wholesalers.

SOUTHERN: If someone were interested in coming to the Annual meeting for the first time …what would you advise them?

Don’t be a fly on the wall, meet and greet, attend all functions. Get to know everybody, their family, and something about their business.

SOUTHERN: Tell us about yourself and your family?

My wife Becky and I have been married for 49 years. We have two children, April and Kevin. April currently serves as Executive VP; she is married to John Garver who also works at Southco and heads up our wholesale program and special projects. They have an 8-year-old daughter, Gray. Kevin is our Operations Manager; he is married to Allison who is our Office Manager and Assistant Controller. They have two children, Hayden (7) and Baileigh (3). I enjoy getting to see my whole family just about everyday but especially enjoy spending time with my 3 grandkids.