Baking & Snack - February 2015 - 40

Q&A: MANAGEMENT

Heeth Varnedoe taught me especially valuable lessons. From Heeth, who was COO at Flowers and my supervisor for many years, I learned the fundamentals of
operations. He also taught me that humility is a big part
of being an effective leader. Most important, from Amos
McMullian, who served as the CEO at Flowers for 24 of
his 50 years with the company, I learned the finance of
the business and that "growth for growth's sake" should
never be a goal of the company. The focus should always
be on being the best that we can possibly be. If we got
bigger as a result, that would be a wonderful thing. In
addition, he taught me a great deal about leadership and
how to become an effective CEO.

What are the biggest technological or new
product innovations that have affected the
baking industry?
With regard to product innovation, Nature's Own was
definitely ahead of its time when it was introduced in
1977. With no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives,
it was one of the first of its kind in the markets that we
served in the South. Today, it is the No. 1 bread brand
in the US, leading the soft variety category, which it
helped create.
In regard to technological advancements, the introduction of integrated proof-and-bake manufacturing
systems in the 1970s that were a lot more cost-effective
was a true innovation. Another technological innovation with great impact is the company-wide integration
of data from inventory and production through logistics, distribution and administrative functions. These

interconnected systems share data that allow us to be
more productive, more efficient and less reactive as we
continue to meet our commitments to the market.

What's the best piece of advice you received
during your career?
Curtis Chapman, a senior executive with the company,
once told me, "Every day, always do your best at the job
you're doing and you will be recognized and rewarded for
your contributions," and I firmly believe that. For me, it
gets back to teamwork - if everyone does what he or she
is supposed to do, the entire team will be successful.

What do you know today that you would
have told yourself as you started out in the
baking industry?
I would stress to my younger self the importance of gaining knowledge, self-education and continuous improvement. Whether it's learning about leadership, general
business practices or industry-specific trends, you can
never get too much education - balancing that knowledge, of course, with day-to-day practical experience.

What's the next chapter for you?
Well, first and foremost, I intend to spend more time
with my children and grandchildren. Also, I will continue to serve as chairman of the board for Flowers Foods
and be involved with the company's strategic direction. I
will also remain available, as needed, for the current and
future leadership of the company - just as the previous
leaders have been available for me.

AMF Bakery Systems provides Complete System Solutions improving
efficiency and reliability from mixer to marketplace. We build better bakeries,
setting the industry standard with the following state-of-the-art equipment:
Dough Systems, Make-Up Systems, Proofers/Ovens/Coolers, Pan & Product
Systems, Packaging & Distribution Systems, and Automated Solutions.

Your bakery is our world.
complete bakery solutions | www.amfbakery.com | 1-800-bakers-1
a markel bakery group company

http://www.amfbakery.com http://www.bakingandsnack.com

Baking & Snack - February 2015

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