Profile: James Johnson South-Atlantic Retail Regional Sales–Garner Foods

We’re always looking for talented professionals to strengthen our team at Garner Foods. This year we’ve added several skilled and passionate people to our team who believe in our products and our commitment to the food industry. James Johnson, our new South-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager for the retail division is one of those professionals that is already making an impact for Garner Foods. We spoke with James to learn more about his background and his vision for the Garner Foods’ brands.

Brashears: When did you begin working for Garner Foods?

James: I started on October 4th, 2021. So, I’m one of the newer members of the team, but I’m very excited to be learning from some of the best and bringing my experience to add to the Garner Foods reputation.

Brashears: What attracted you to the Garner Foods organization?

James: I had prior interactions with Garner Foods through my previous position in the industry. I was really attracted to the heritage and reputation the Garner Foods team has among their peers in our industry. I also love how aggressive and how passionate they are about their business and people. It’s a very family-focused organization that treats every member of the team with a lot of respect and collaboration.

Brashears: What do you love about working in the food industry?

James: I love that our industry is typically recession-proof. Everyone has to eat, haha. Even with that established market stability, it’s still a very innovative and energetic industry. Companies are regularly re-inventing themselves to keep up with the buyer behaviors and demands of their partners. It keeps everything very fresh.

Brashears: What are your favorite ways to unwind and recharge?

James: My family is my core way to recharge. I am also a huge golfer and love that time to recharge and improve. My family also loves the water and playing on our jet skis at the local lakes.

Brashears: What’s your favorite way to help or inspire other professionals around you?

James: I’m a very enthusiastic guy. I feed off other people’s energy and am very optimistic in my perspective about our business and our industry. I like to utilize my experiences and background to help others and inspire improvement.

Brashears: What is your favorite food or cuisine?

James: I love Cajun food. New Orleans is one of my favorite places to visit. I love anything spicy.

Brashears: What are your top 3 favorite places to travel?

James: Obviously New Orleans. My wife and I also love to go to Barbados. My family has a place there, and we love the beaches, water, and people in that area. Destin is another one of our favorites.

Brashears: What is a professional goal you have for 2022?

James: To really get acclimated to my new role. I want to be able to make a big impact on Garner in my region. Topline sales and growth are the main ways I’m going to focus on my professional success for the company.

Brashears: What was the last Garner Foods product you used?

James: For lunch today, I had hot wings with Texas Pete® Hotter Hot Sauce.

Brashears: If you could have been born in any era of history, what would you choose and why?

James: This era. The high-tech innovative times we live in really intrigue me. I love to see all the creativity it has unlocked for people, the connection we can have through technology in ways we’ve never been able to. I see so many people building their own platforms and inspiring others. It’s very exciting.

Brashears: If you were going to write a book or some other piece of media, what would it be about?

James: I would like to inspire people and motivate them to push for their potential. I’d love to be able to help people to discover their best selves. That would be really fulfilling for me.

Brashears: What are you binge-watching right now?

James: I don’t watch a lot of TV. That’s not my world. I do love sports, though, so that’s my time in front of the screen and this has been a great sports season all around.

Brashears: What is your favorite musical artist?

James: I’m a huge Alicia Keys fan. I love how talented, versatile, and generous she is.

By David Brashears, Public Relations Director