Profile: Heyward Garner COO – Garner Foods
April 22, 2021
Sun’s Out. Buns Out.
May 19, 2021
by David Brashears
This month we had an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with another great member of the Garner Foods team. Nikki Green, our National Account Manager for the Foodservice Division, has been a key member of our foodservice team—helping Garner Foods support and grow our diverse group of chain and independent restaurant owners. Here’s what she shared.
Brashears: When did you begin working for Garner Foods?
Green: I started in January 2018 as the Northeast Regional for a year. Then I was promoted to National Account Manager in January of 2019.
Brashears: What attracted you to the Garner Foods organization?
Green: The family-owned organization was very attractive. I’ve always worked in family-owned businesses and enjoy the passion and commitment those kinds of companies have. I really liked everyone I met through the interview process.
Brashears: What was your prior experience before coming to Garner Foods?
Green: I worked for SeaWatch International in eastern Maryland; they are the world’s largest harvester of clam products. Seafood is my background, and I love it!
Brashears: What motivates or inspires you the most?
Green: My two little boys (2 1/2 and a 7-month-old). I want to be a good example for both of them. My mom raised 5 kids (I’m 4 out of five) while working full time, and that’s always been an inspiration to me. I hope I’m able to do the same for my kids as well.
Brashears: If Garner Foods was a sports team (any sport), who would they be and why?
Green: Obviously the Patriots—my hometown team. Like them, Garner is a fierce competitor who wins when all members of the team are performing at their peak.
Brashears: What are your favorite ways to unwind and recharge?
Green: Jumping on my road bike and going for a ride with my husband. With the kids, it’s been more time on my Peloton at home these days, lol.
Brashears: What is your professional superpower?
Green: Probably that I can always make someone laugh which is very helpful in helping to build good relationships with my peers and customers.
Brashears: What is your favorite food or cuisine?
Green: I love fried chicken with all the sides and a nice chardonnay. It’s so good!
Brashears: What are your top 3 favorite places to travel?
Green: Cape Cod is the very top, and I love any time of year that we get to go. We also love going to California, and then Maui has always been a special spot for me.
Brashears: What is a professional goal you have for 2021?
Green: To surpass my targets for the year and bring on new national accounts, and then help our team to be successful with the new dipping cups we’re launching.
Brashears: What was the last Garner Foods product you used?
Green: CHA! Sriracha Sauce by Texas Pete® on my eggs yesterday and will have them again today!
Brashears: What was the last thing (podcast, book, speaker, etc.) that really inspired you?
Green: Rising Phoenix is a new documentary on Netflix about Paralympics athletes and their drive to compete and win. It was very inspiring for me.
Brashears: What are you binge watching right now?
Green: I’ve really been into Bridgerton. It’s like Gossip Girl set in the 1800s. I’ve really enjoyed it.
Brashears: Who is your favorite musical artist?
Green: I love hot new country like Luke Bryan. On Friday night, it’s all classical music with a glass of wine.
Word association lightning round: (Tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear;)
- Hungry – Texas Pete
- Innovative – Dip Cups
- Happy – My Life
- Holiday – Christmas
- Memory – Wedding
- Dream – To Fly… Anywhere (lol)
- Family – Love
- Mentor – Edie
- Fun – The Beach
