Profile: Nick Russell – Sales Specialist – Garner Foods

The Garner Foods’ sales team is a close group of like-minded professionals who have committed themselves to serve their industry partners and customers with the highest level of service and consideration. Each member of our team works diligently to make sure all our professional relationships are focused on mutual respect and practical solutions. We met with Nick Russel, a Sales Specialist within Garner Foods, who shared some insights on his time within the organization and the ways it has shaped his professional experience.

Brashears: When did you begin working for Garner Foods?

Nick: I came onboard on December 6, 2011, initially as a data entry specialist in the production department. I also worked in sales in a small close-knit department that grew and extended to the team we have now. I knew I wanted to be in sales, so I invested in growing my professional development in that area. I became a sales assistant, then promotions coordinator, and then became a sales specialist this year.

Brashears: What attracted you to the Garner Foods organization?

Nick: I grew up in Winston Salem, and I knew about Texas Pete® as a great product that many in my family and close friend groups genuinely loved. I didn’t know they were based in WS until later. Then I got excited to have the opportunity to work with them when I learned of a job opportunity through my mother, who was friends with some Garner Foods team members.

Brashears: What was your prior experience before coming to Garner Foods?

Nick: I’ve only worked at Garner Foods through my professional career. I’ve loved growing up in this organization.

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

Nick: I love that nothing is ever the same. Things are always growing and evolving. There’s always a challenge or opportunity in the food industry that you can work on and improve. It pushes you to stay sharp and develop to meet the growing customer’s expectations.

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

Nick: My wife and I love to travel. It’s the best way to disconnect and find your center again.

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

Nick: I like encouraging people to think outside the box. I want to be someone who helps people feel empowered to find new perspectives and new ways to improve our product and customer’s experiences.

Brashears: What is your favorite food or cuisine?

Nick: I love Greek food (that’s my family’s origin). My wife is Italian, so I’ve really loved all the REAL Italian food I’ve been getting through her family.

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

Nick: We love going to the beach. Hilton Head is one of our favorites. We also enjoy going to Grove Park Inn in NC.

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

Nick: I would like to grow more skills and learn new things that help me better serve our customers and our team. I just finished my master’s in international business last year. So, that’s an area I want to help contribute to Garner Foods’ growth—the international market.

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

Nick: My wife and I love the Texas Pete® Sautéed Garlic Flavor Hot Sauce. We do a taco turkey dish, and I love putting it on that.

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

Nick: I think I would have enjoyed the 1960’s and 1970’s. I love the old school shows like The Brady Bunch, I Love Lucy, The Partridge Family, and those kinds of shows from that era. It always seemed like an amazing time for television shows.

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

Nick: Probably encouraging people to reach their full potential. Some sort of self-help book that focuses on inspiring action and courage in young people. I look back on my own life and would love to help others to believe in themselves and at least go out and try something they are passionate about.

Brashears: What are you binge watching right now?

Nick: My wife and I are big into Outlander. We love that show. We also love Riverdale and Schitt’s Creek.

Brashears: What is your favorite musical artist?

Nick: I love Michael Jackson, he’s always at the top. I was also always a big fan of Bon Jovi; I know that sounds weird, but I love it. I’m a big fan of lots of different kinds of music, I enjoy all of it.

By David Brashears, Public Relations Director