Amarillo Did it Again!Fifth QSA Division Excellence Award in Seven Years

Rookie Operations Manager Duke Pepper and Transportation Manager Shawn Treat led the Amarillo Division to their fifth QSA Division Award of Excellence in the past seven years. Amarillo is also the only five-time winner of this award. They took the lead last October and never looked back. Winning first place in six of the nine categories, no other division could come close. Congratulations to the entire Operations and Transportation group on a great job.

L to R: Transportation Manager Shawn Treat, VP Operations and Transportation Roy Markham and Operations Manager Duke Pepper.

A Big Win Calls for a Fun After-Party... and a Celebration Lunch!

There was plenty of dancing and partying after the banquet. Standing, L to R: Raul Quinonez, Oscar Najera, Everado “Junior” Lujan, Juan De la Rosa, Roy Montez, Mario Najera, David Aldaz, Raul Gonzalez; Kneeling, L to R: Daniel Aldaz and Brian Sanchez.

L to R: Fleet Crew Dennis Hart, Mack O’Daniel, Bobby Tabor, Chris Tabor and Mike Richardson get in line for the celebration lunch, cooked by Supervisor Jim Dintinger (above left).

SPECIAL Spirit

Employee Publication of Ben E. Keith Foods

Vol. 17 No. 2Spring 2015

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QSA COMPANYWIDE WINNERS

Eric WatkinsLittle RockEric came to Ben E. Keith in 2008, when the division began serving Sonic Drive-Ins. He has shown what it takes to be the best. His dedication to our customers and their needs far exceeds what is expected, and definitely blows our competition out of the water. He dedicates six days a week to his work, no matter what the circumstance, and always has a smile on his face. Eric has built a personal relationship with each of the customers on his routes. Customers have told Eric that, until he came along, they have never had a driver from any distributor treat them like family. If you try to compliment Eric, it’s always the same response, “Aw man, I’m just doing my job.” Eric drove 58,000 miles and delivered 220,000 cases to 1400 stops in 2014.

Juan VazquezSan AntonioJuan Vazquez is an excellent example of a positive outlook and constant improvement. He began his BEK career in 1997 as a Night Warehouse Supervisor, and moved up to Night Manager and then Day Warehouse manager. His current position, Supply Chain Process Manager, allows him to work with the warehouse, transportation and truck shop to make improvements in the entire process from selecting products, through the flow of trailers for delivery and any needed repairs on the trucks. Drivers contact him about their loads and truck repairs, and he works with the night crew and truck shop to get the problem solved. At the San Antonio Division’s QSA banquet, Juan received a standing ovation when his award was announced. The success of Juan Vazquez in this position is solely due to his dedication to BEK and his passion to improve our process from one day to the next.

Lowell FurrhAmarillo

Lowell has been with Ben E. Keith for over 18 years. In 2014, he put away and replenished about 1.8 million cases and 75,000 pallets, and is consistently error-free. Lowell has a tremendous work ethic and is a mentor to his fellow employees. He is the leader on the floor and the anchor of the day crew. In 2014, Lowell had perfect attendance and a perfect safety record. When not at work, Lowell enjoys spending time with his wife Cathy and their children. He also loves the Dallas Cowboys and Bud Light!

3

QSA COMPANYWIDE WINNERS

Carlos BalderasSan AntonioCarlos is an eight year veteran and usually pulls double duty selecting and helping on the forklift. In 2014, he selected 550,000 cases and did 2,000 letdowns, still maintaining a 224 cph when he selects. The only thing Carlos loves more than work is his family. He loves to play basketball and cards with friends and family. Carlos also has quite a shoe collection, mostly Jordans.

Trina AcostaAmarillo

Trina has been with BEK for almost four years, always with a smile and a great attitude. She has an excellent work ethic and desire to learn. In 2014, Trina was part of an inventory control team that managed an $18 million inventory with only a $65 variance at the end of the year. She and her husband Oscar have a new daughter, Mia.

Kham PanebounAmarillo

Kham is the fastest and most efficient selector in Amarillo and constantly leads in cases pulled per hour. Last year he selected 593,000 cases with six mispicks. He is a committed husband and

father. Just a few weeks ago, he and his wife Jasmine welcomed their second son.

Gerardo GalvanDFWGerardo has been one of the most consistent, efficient and productive selectors since his arrival at BEK 12 years ago. In 2014, he pulled 505,366 cases with only three mispicks -- that’s one mistake per every 168,455 cases pulled. Gerardo selects in the freezer and is one of the MBP (must be perfect) selectors. He has been recognized as selector of the month 23 times and selector of the year five times.

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QSA DIVISION WINNERS

Transportation Support

Albuquerque Amarillo DFW

Houston Little Rock Oklahoma San Antonio

Albuquerque Amarillo DFW

Amarillo DFW

Houston Little Rock Oklahoma San Antonio

Houston Little Rock Oklahoma San Antonio

STEVE FAIR MARTIN BACA CHUCK WHITE

BEN CHAVEZ ERIC WATKINS JASON COOPER JOSE ENCARNACION

MARCELINO CORREA LOWELL FURRH ALFREDO VASQUEZ

ISAAC MOORE MATT SMITH JAVIER LUNA JOHNNY MENDOZA

STEVE BURNS JUAN SIGALA

DAVE CONNOR TINA ROEDELL TRACY McCONNELL JUAN VAZQUEZ

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QSA DIVISION WINNERS

Operations Support

Albuquerque Amarillo DFW

Amarillo DFW Houston

Amarillo DFW

Houston Little Rock Oklahoma San Antonio

Houston Little Rock Oklahoma

Little Rock Oklahoma San Antonio

WAID MELTON KHAM PANEBOUN GERARDO GALVAN

DANIEL ALDAZ JAIME MUNOZ BRANDON GRIMBLE

CORNELIUS REED DONALD BUELL CARLOS BALDERAS

TRINA ACOSTA MANUEL RODRIGUEZ

LEROY DOUCETTE ALFONSO PULE WESLEY HOLLAND RODLEY NG

ROSA DIAZ PEREZ CHRISTOPHER RUSH SIOBHAN GABRIEL

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IN THE NEWS

Joe Gonzalez joins the Houston Division as a Graphic Designer with more than 25 years experience. He and his wife Bella Aurora have two children, Bella Rose and

Michael.

David Estilette comes from the manufacturing side, and will be a DSR in the Lafayette market.

Dawn Goode has four years experience with Z Cajun Foods, and will be in Sales.

Harper Zeno is an Arkansas native, who previously worked for VISTAR in Houston before joining BEK Houston’s sales team.

Naomi Linker has joined General Office as an Executive Assistant to Executive VP Mike Sweet. Previously, Naomi has served as Executive Assistant to Sr VPs at Radio Shack and the CEO of Volunteers of America.

Sara Hall joins our National Accounts team as an Analyst. She came to us after more than eight years at Reinhart Foodservice in Chicago. Sara and her husband Steve have two children, Mason and Autumn.

AmarilloBetter late than never in welcoming John Sadler to Amarillo as Controller. He is a CPA and earned his BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M. John has a wide range of experience with public accounting and auditing firms, oil & gas companies, and medical centers.

Tony Nguyen started his BEK career in 2008 in temporary offices in Houston as a DSR, then the Beverage Manager. Once the division opened, he moved to purchasing as a PM. In February, Tony transferred to the Albuquerque Division as a Category Manager. Good luck in the land of balloons!

Catherine Smith has been a Marketing Assistant in General Office for the past three years, and has now “moved across the room” to join VP Roy Markham’s staff as Administrative Support Analyst for Operations and Transportation. She will complete her MBA this spring from Texas A&M - Commerce.

Congratulations to Kevin Todd, DFW PM on his promotion to National Account Manager in General Office. Kevin was a DSR at DFW for seven years before moving to purchasing three years ago. He was a restaurant operator for ten years before coming to BEK.

In the Amarillo Division, congratulations go out to Josie Land on her promotion from Route Reconciliation Specialist to Accounting Supervisor, and to Martin Adams on his promotion from Sales Support Specialist to DSR.

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IN THE NEWS

NOEL RAMOSSan Antonio

KIM DYSONAmarillo

JACOB THOMPSONAmarillo/Lubbock

DAVID SMITHHouston

TIM BARTEEOklahoma

KACEY IACOMINIDFW

AMANDA WILLIAMSDFW

BRAD FLICKNERDFW

JOE NORWOODDFW

DAVE PERRINAlbuquerque

PATRICK HAYNIELittle Rock

The foodservice industry continues to evolve and grow with new technology. This group of savvy individuals will be responsible for training our customers, DSRs, DSMs and BDMs on all BEK customer facing software programs, such as Entree System, KBit

for Customers, Keith Pay/EZ ACH Applications and eMenuManage. The new position is called Applications Support Specialist. The majority of the group are either moving to this position, or will be adding these duties to their current position. There are a couple of new faces to welcome to BEK - Jacob Thompson in Lubbock and Kacey Iacomini in DFW.

Division Controllers met at General Office in March. L to R: Lindsey Snyder (DFW), Larry Neal (GO), Colleen Morris (OKC), Jason Evans (ABQ), Julio Jimenez (DFW), Lou Citro (HOU), Arturo Hernandez (SAN), Dedee Morris (WINN), John Johnson (GO), Taffy Nelson (SAN), Steve Reilly (GO), Patti Crisp (LTR), and John Sadler (AMA).

Also in March, the inaugural class of Keith Fellows Initiative celebrated the end of their program. L to R: Leadership Coach Marilyn Bushey, Chris Bender, Beth Rudolph, Darryl Akers, Janice Barnard, Lauren Brown, Tiffany Grubb and Krista Bohr.

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First Quarter Employee Service AwardsRecognition

5 Years

10 Years

2014 Anniversaries recognized annually:

Seated, L to R: Mark Ulliman (10), Randy Tollison (10). Standing L to R: Sue Moon (10), Neena Stephens (10), Sheila Thornburg (25), Sam Lasuzzo (15), Janet Hendrix-Duncan (25), Susan Pina (15), Lyndol Oyler (25), Bob Ulliman (15), Steve Reilly (15), John Hall (10), Dick Hairston (30), Chris Klein (15), Zoe Bartlett (20), Adam McCaskill (15), Mike Roach, Kim Pate (5), Owen Stull (20), Steve Reiling (20), and Todd Hale (10).

25 Years

L to R: David Pewett (10 years), Arlene Towne-Gilliam (20 years), Nay Phillips (10 years), Carolyn Maxwell (10 years), Elisha Barnum (15 years). Josette Solis

Gary Schadegg Bill OBrock Carisa McPhail Charles Fernandez Rodney Briant Ottie Jones Tammy Woods

5 Years

Tim Zimmerman

Two 25 year veterans are recognized by Houston GM Mike Needham. Right: RSA Paul Daniel with Transportation Manager James Wallace. Far right: Operations IS Todd Jones.

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First Quarter

Yes! Keith Can

AwardsPatrick Sanchez

AlbuquerqueEnnis WatsonSan Antonio

James ManleyD F W

Recognition

Houston’s Pulling on the Rope Award

Rosa PerezHouston

Congratulations to Oklahoma DSR Jared Rideout on being named April 2015 DSR of the Month by the Association for Foodservice Distributor Representatives (AFDR) and an inductee in their Hall of Fame. Jared is a Johnny Beauchamp Award Winner and has earned Commissioned Series sales level for the past three years. He will be featured in an upcoming interview on the DSR Live Show with Dave Miesse. For more information, go to www.afdr.org.

Charles FordOklahoma

Tracy McConnellOklahoma

Adrian SheltonLittle Rock

CongratulationsSan Antonio Controller Taffy Nelson has been named to the Make-A-Wish Board of Directors, representing Ben E. Keith. She replaces Mike Needham, now Houston GM. Make-A-Wish is the preferred charity of the San Antonio Division. They have granted two wishes, and continue to raise funds for the program.

DSR of the Month

WFFAward

Texas Driverof the Year

San Antionio Regional Gloves

Corporate Director of Process Improvement Marilyn Jones, won the Chris Lowe Scholars Award at the Women’s Foodservice Forum 2015 Leadership and Development Conference in Orlando, Florida March 8 - 11. The award honors Chris Lowe, retired President, National Foodservice & On-Premise Coca-Cola Refreshments, who was a remarkable champion for women’s leadership and development.

San Antonio RSA Augie Gonzalez won Driver of the Year from the Texas Council of Safety Professionals. He competed in the San Antonio Regional Truck Driving Championships, sanctioned by the Texas Trucking Association, in May and won Overall Champion. He then won the state title in June. Augie was competing with drivers from HEB, FedEx, Yellow Roadway and many others. Augie has competed in BEK Roadeos for several years, winning his category three times, and third place at the IFDA National Truck Driving Championships in 2007. He has been with BEK for almost 18 years, and delivers in San Antonio, and towns to the south and west.

San Antonio Will Call Ambassador Patrick Clarke fought in the San Antonio Regional Gloves Tournament and placed first in his division. He had two first round TKOs and won the tournament with a first round TKO.

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IN THE NEWS

Stephanie Birdwell, the amazing wife of Oklahoma Day Warehouse Manager Jon Birdwell was named to the Class of 2015 Heroes of Hope by the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Seventeen years ago, Stephanie’s life was great until she got a diagnosis of Stage 4 bone cancer and State 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She fought back with chemo and radiation and every ounce of her strength. She was 30 years old, and not sure she would see 31. Stephanie won her battle, and found Relay for Life six years ago, and is grateful to give back to the organization that has given her 17 more birthdays, and hopefully, many, many more.

Our great customer Chef Morris Salerno (Bistecca) and DFW Chef Patrick Mitchell each won Gold Medals in the Expogast Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg in November. This is one of the world’s most prestigious events and occurs every four years. Their medals were won in the Single Exhibitor Culinary Art Programme category, a four course menu with hors d’oeurves and a dessert. The final product had to be measured against the highest standards by 55 world class judges. Both men received support from other Epicurean World Master Chef Society - USA team members: Michele Brown (Brookhollow Golf Club), Salvatore Gisellu (Urban Crust), Sean Daniels (Advance Sales & Marketing), Andre Bedouret (Dallas) and Mario Reyes (Nestle Professional).

One Special Truck

Amarillo’s Home Town Heroes (above L to R) night selectors Mario Najera, Daniel Aldaz and Oscar Najera caught a bad guy breaking into cars after they finished their shift on March 13. So, what did they do...chased him down, tackled him, and stood over him until police arrived. The suspect had already broken into three other vehicles in the same block.

It’s a small world. One of DFW DSR Patrick Ferreri’s prospective customers, Dawn McLain is related to one of the partners of Harkrider-Keith-Cooke, the forerunner of Ben E. Keith Company. The grandfather clock pictured was given to her great grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Cecil

Cooke, as a wedding gift by members of the firm, including Mr. Keith. Steve Cooke (Cecil’s brother) was a partner in the firm until 1917, when he left to open a Dodge auto dealership in Fort Worth. The four cards (left) have been taped to the back of the clock since it was presented to the Cookes in 1911.

Treasured Clock

Oklahoma DSR Bill Murphy is a regular, no-nonsense kind of guy. When he finds something that works, and he likes it, he sticks with it. Shortly before he joined BEK in April 1989, Bill bought a brand new 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup. In the following 27 years, he has driven it 739,892 miles, virtually all of which are BEK miles in running his territory. Bill has his oil changed every 3000 miles at the local Toyota dealership, and is conscientious about all maintenance on his truck. In December 2014, while Bill was having his oil changed, the service manager came to him with an offer. He offered Bill the use of a brand new 2015

Tacoma truck in exchange for using Bill’s truck in a promotional campaign Toyota was launching. Bill took them up on the deal. The dealership completely detailed Bill’s truck and put it on the showroom floor with 2015 Tacoma trucks. It was on display for two and a half months. When the promotion was over, the dealer tried to get Bill into a new truck. Bill said that although the 2015 Tacoma is nice, he will continue to drive his truck. His wife says it is just now getting broken in!

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In the News

San Antonio’s night warehouse crew watches the Superbowl on their dinner

break.

Houston Produce Professor Gary Hill (second from left) conducted a Lunch ‘n Learn for 20 employees. Pictured L to R: Sandra Symon, Gary, Stacy Harris, Ty Scott and John Pickney.

Houston Souperbowl Winners, L to R: Stacy Harris (2nd), Lauren Holmes (1st) and Mike Herzog (3rd).

Serve it Up AmarilloEntree System Presentation

Jack Bolinger, SAN Beverage Manager spoke at the Stars

Restaurant Convention

Ashley Treat, SAN VPT Contract Specialist and her father Sam Treat have been lifetime volunteers at

the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Amarillo’s E&S Specialist Monika Barbee, Chef Rocky Dunnam (winner of 2015 Panhandle Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Round-up Top Chef competition) and Chef Bud Andersen.

OKC-Wichita Driver Supervisor Brandon Endicott was instrumental in helping Senior Services of Wichita after a fire closed them down. For several weeks they operated out of their parking lot with a refrigerated trailer Brandon coordinated.

Above (left): Houston HR Lynn Stefanutti with Rodeo Lunch organizer Vaughn Poe Sales Training Manager. Above right, L to R: Rick Thomas, Gary Talley, Stephon Chavalier and Trey Benson enjoy the Rodeo lunch Vaughn organized. Proceeds of approximately $3,000 went to Stephon to help with rebuilding his family home after it was destroyed by fire.

FOOD EXPOS

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Amarillo

Sales Specialist Mike Disney and DOP Mark Herzog

Entree System Demo

Chef Patrick Flannel from Bay City CC and DSR Todd Richards

Culinary competition contestant’s tribute to the late Chef Bernard Urban

Left: Lively panel discussion with local restaurateurs, L to R: Darrin Straughan (James Coney Island), Judy Camarena (Taquerias Arandas), Mike Knapp (Beck’s Prime) and Barry Hart (Hart Insights).

Chef Bud’s Cooking Demonstration

DSR Benny Esquibel (right) with Josh and Betsy Shields from La Fonda Restaurant in Artesia, NM.

DSR Barry Frye (left) with caterer Ed Weiser from Tulia.

DSR Raul Ochoa with Cindy Fisher and Sammy Villareal from Uncles C-Store chain in Midland-Odessa.

DSR Stephen May with Tim Sinard and Jonathan Harrington of the Elizabeth Jane Bivins Culinary Center and VP Division Management Robbie Fish Houston

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FOOD EXPOS

Albuquerque

Abilene

Beverage/Chemical guy Bruce Rasberry and DSR Dave Huffman

talk warewash.

DSR Mike Young with Josh Allen, Joe Allen’s BBQ.

GM Doug Swick finally got his racing driver buddies to come to a

show.

Produce Specialist Shaun Neal loves to talk Produce.

Reagan Noble from Coyote Drive In with GO Produce Category Director Wes Holcomb

and DSR Landon Loggins.

DSR Henry Estrada and Tom Willis of 66 Diner

DSR Randy Wentworth and Josh Martin at the Fischer Nuts booth

DSR John Sandoval and folks from Rialto Bistro

DFW COP Specialist Mark Tilley, Jennifer (Mrs. Todd) Hickam and IT/HR Manager

Michelle Schroer

DSR Laura Dosstter and Rochelle McKeown of 1st Street Cafe

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DSR Gerry Weitzman and Margaret Brightwell, Local Diner

FOOD EXPOS

Nicky D’s from Crowley, TX, L to R: Nick Danelski, DSM Brian Cox , Elizabeth, DSR Hunter Harris, Barrett Danelski, Tammy Danelski and Trent Danelski.

D F W

Oklahoma

COP Specialist Art Hamilton and AGM Michael Powers DSR Mike Matthews with Jason Clark and Stan

Wimmer, prospective customers from Eggington’s and GM Kirk Purnell

DSR Conley Ernst and prospective customers Karen Sanchez, Holly Sawatzky and Sandra

Sawatzky from Neptune 66.

Ready for Entree System demos

DSR Luis Montez with Chris and Patty Wilkinson, Farm Luck Soda Fountain in Waxahachie, TX

Looks like our DSR to Cowboys (AT&T) Stadium Joey Cryer is recovering from an off-season injury. Keeping him in line are

daughter Jenna and Sr VP Ron Boyd.

BDM Pat Baldeschwiler tries to drum up interest in Entree...I would turn my head too...

15

In the News

Congratulations to our great customer in Oklahoma City, Cheevers’s Cafe, owned by Keith and Heather Paul, on being named by MSN as the best restaurant in the State of Oklahoma. Cheever’s has also been voted

Best Fine Dining by the Oklahoma Gazette, and Best Southwestern Food by Local Eats. The Pauls own several restaurants in

Oklahoma City, including Iron Star Urban BBQ and Red Prime Steak.

Happy BirthdayProud Pappa Ocie Patillo’s son Tevin was

recently sworn in to THE United States Marines. He plans to study Avionics after basic training at the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego. Dad Ocie is a Purchasing Manager at the Little Rock Division. Good Luck Tevin!

Congratulations to Alexis Ann Toney, daughter of Little Rock DSRs Gordon and Tammy Toney, for adding more crowns to her collection. She won the 2015 Miss Teen Arkansas USA Ambassador including the overall interview award, teen interview award, runway model, fit and fabulous model and casual wear model award. She will compete in Nationals in Tampa in July. Alexis is a freshman at Arkansas State University majoring in Animal Science.

Congratulations to Daniel Lee, son of San Antonio’s Quality Control Supervisor, Jeremy Lee, on his Grand Champion Broilers win at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February. He is ten years old, and won a $10,000 scholarship. Also, his birds were purchased at the auction for $28,000. Good Job Daniel!

General OfficeEmployee Appreciation Luncheon

Kids Korner

Happy Birthday to longtime San Antonio Executive Assistant Helyne Frischenmeyer! And, the San Antonio Division thanks you for all you do every day.

Albuquerque’s Jersey Day

L to R: Javier Dominguez, Joseph Lucero, Isaac Trujillo, Brittney Vigil and Nick Smith.

River Kirk, son of Little Rock DSM Howard Kirk, had fun on a recent snow day. Nice hat, Frosty!

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K E W L

Little Rock

Little Rock joins in celebrating Autism Awareness Month by wearing blue. Left, a group photo from the office. Right, AGM Rick Gammill shows off the “I Light It Up Blue” autism support certificate. Above, BDMs Tom Pangburn,and Randy Hatfield,AGM George Knollmeyer and Denis Somerfield get in on the action.

Amarillo

San Antonio

Oklahoma

General Office

Wear Red Day & Go Red for Women’s Heart Health

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K E W L

Houston

San Antonio

General Office

Winners of General Office’s Chili Cook-off were, L to R: 4th place Linda Hart, 3rd place Janet Hendrix-Duncan, 2nd place Krista Bohr and 1st place winner Whitney Rayborn.

Breckenridge Park was the setting for San Antonio’s Family Day, beginning with a 5K run/walk. The Health Fair followed with about twelve organizations including Santa Rosa Health Care, YMCA, American Heart Assn., and an Anti-Bullying group. It was also the final weigh-in for the weight loss competition that began January 1. Leon Clay, with a loss of 42 pounds was the winner of $600. Then, there was a great burger and dog lunch cooked by Juan Vazquez, David Lopez and Abel Alcantar (above). Also, $500 was raised for Make-A-Wish from the 5K run, shirt and bag sales, and jeans day.

Left: Meat Doctor Charlie Estrada and Shellie Guinn, PM and KEWL Committee member, gave the residents at Tuscany Village an Easter party with grilled steaks and fish.

Amarillo

DFW & General OfficeDFW and General Office held their annual blood drive on March 23 , and donated enough blood to aid approximately 150 individuals.

The San Antonio Division donated lunch to the North East ISD Electrical System Technology Magnet Apprenticeship Program. For the seventh year, approximately 40 kids from the program install the electrical wiring in four Habitat for Humanity homes.

Kids get a lesson on anti-bullying.

5-K Runners include Angie Martinez, Taffy Nelson, Cynthia Garza, Isaias Martinez, Lucy Neumann and Scott Nelson.

Family Day Picnie and Health Fair

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Congratulations to Oklahoma Driver Supervisor Brandon Endicott and his wife Kim on the birth of their daughter Macy Laken on January 20. She weighed 6 lb 3.7 oz and was 18¾”

long.

San Antonio Marketing Manager Jerry Kelly and his wife Jennifer welcomed their first child, daughter Margaret Ann (Margo) on February 14. She weighed 7 lb 2 oz and was 20” long.

Also in San Antonio, Amanda and Keith Hille announced the birth of their daughter Rowan Renee, born on February 24. She weighed 7 lb 9 oz. Keith is a management trainee.

Brook and Matthew Kirby, Amarillo PM, welcomed their second daughter Kambry on March 4. She weighed 7.1 lb and was 21.5” long.

Amarillo’s Selector of the Year Kham Paneboun is the proud dad of second son Kendrick Buathong, born on February 27. He weighed 7 lb 14 oz and was 19” long.

Carshena Jones and Bryant “Poochie” Bess, Jr. are proud parents of Bryant, Jr. born January 14, weighing in at 6 lb 11 oz. Dad is a night warehouse associate at Lindsey Road.

Winn Meat Warehouse Clerk Blanca Torres welcomed son Aziel on March 9. He weighed 6 lb 20 oz and was 20” long.

Congratulations to first time parents Ashley and Landon Loggins on the birth of their son Levi Gabriel, born on February 19, weighing 6 lb 8 oz. Dad is a DFW DSR.

Double congratulations to the Harris family. Both Dad and Grandpa are DFW DSRs. Hunter Harris and his wife Ashley welcomed their first child, daughter Marley Nicole on February 20 (5 lb 14 oz). Marley is the first grandchild for Hunter’s parents, Karen and Steve Harris.

Also at DFW, congratulations to Dallas DSR Jennifer Osborn and her fiancee, DFW IT Specialist Paul Greenwood on the birth of their daughter Molly Katheryn. She was born on March 12, and weighed 7 lb 13 oz. Molly attended her first foodshow in Fort Worth on March 18, in a logo outfit her Mom made.

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS

Mark Mullins DFW Transportation Manager gets double congratulations! We missed announcing the birth of his first grandchild, baby girl Isabella (Izzy), born October 5, 2013 to his son Andrew and wife Samantha. Now, grandson number one has arrived. Lochlan Jamison was born to daughter Danielle and her husband (DFW Transportation Supervisor) Chuck Boyd on April 17. He weighed 8 lb 12 oz and was 20” long.

Sheila Thornburg- VP Health & Nutrition Services, welcomed her tenth grandchild, Jaxon Kyle Goodman on February 25. He weighed 8 lb 10 oz. Parents are Sheila’s son Jason and his wife Jaime. Aunt is Jennifer Goodman Harris, DFW PM .

First time Grandpa Ernie Russell and his wife Reba welcomed James Russell Romero on March 25. He was 20” long and weighed 7 lb 9 oz. Parents are the Russell’s daughter Jennifer and her husband Jeremy Romero. Grandpa is a DSM in Amarillo.

Amarillo Router James (Eddie) Williams and his wife Dora are proud grandparents of Abigail Chesney born on January 8 to daughter Echo Williams and Cade Sherrill. She weighed 6 lb 8 oz and was 18” long.

Corporate IT Program Specialist Jeremy Ames

finally popped the question to longtime girlfriend Vanessa Ash. Since she said “Yes”, they

will be married August 29 at Noah’s in Las Colinas.

AnnouncingAmes

Congratulations and best wishes to Houston Night

Warehouse Supervisor Christopher Villarreal and his bride Erica. After being together for fourteen

years, the couple made it official on Valentine’s Day with a ceremony in Midland, TX.

Villarreal

DFW DSR Bruce Sutton passed on January 21, 2015 after a struggle with declining health. Bruce was truly raised in the foodservice industry, riding forklifts at

night with his dad, pulling groceries for Conco. He and his wife Anita (also a DFW DSR) owned several restaurants before moving to foodservice sales. He spent the last 9 1/2 years of his career with BEK, working the East Texas market. He is survived by his wife Anita, two daughters, Heather and Heidi and five grandchildren.

Sutton

Larry Spellins, former long-time Fort Worth Controller died on March 13, at the age of 77 in Albuquerque, NM. He came to BEK in 1983 and worked until moving into the new DFW warehouse in 2000. He is survived by his wife of 51 1/2 years, Linda, and son Jeffrey Todd and his family, including five grandchildren. Linda and Larry had moved back to Albuquerque upon his retirement in 2002.

Spellins

19

AprilAlfredo Vasquez DFW 31Paul Fritz SAN 31Charles Elias LTR 29Jeff Gass LTR 28Estaban Castenon DFW 27Fran Puyear DFW 27Bill Murphy OKC 26Herschel Davis LTR 26Chesley Wyatt OKC 26Rick Hitsman OKC 26Mike Ferrell DFW 25Rita Sherwin OKC 24Rob Cook AMA 23Dewayne Gentry LTR 23Rusty Lombardino DFW 21Larry Ball DFW 19Segundo Chavis SAN 19Daniel Trevino SAN 18Melvin Gilliam LTR 18Fabian Quintanilla SAN 18Bob Daniels SAN 18Raymond Crosier LTR 17Mariah Strong Woods AMA 17Becky McCammack DFW 17Tim Gomez HOU 17Silverio Saldana SAN 16Joe Ard DFW 16Julio Rodriguez DFW 16Bernardo Lopez DFW 15Terry Knoch OKC 15Robert Boynton AMA 15Steve Caron AMA 15Jeremy Baldwin AMA 15Hugo Ortega DFW 15Antonio Espinoza DFW 14Joe Lawton DFW 14John Schroth DFW 14Art Navarro ABQ 14Randy Boudreaux DFW 13Jeremy Hughes GO 13Josie Vongkhamphra AMA 13Greg Payne HOU 13Joey Cryer DFW 13Donald Stone SAN 13James Woods SAN 13Gilbert Garley ABQ 13Rob Taylor DFW 12Rico Espinoza SAN 12Anita Ott LTR 12Brian Reed DFW 12Mark Ulliman GO 11Steve Marcom AMA 11Albert Aguilar SAN 11Don Medford DFW 11Maria Munoz DFW 11Michael Ashton DFW 11David Connor HOU 11James Garrett LTR 10Marco Quezada OKC 10Clayton Smith GO 10Pat Dubose DFW 10Oswaldo Gonzalez OKC 10Elliott Stephenson GO 10Paul Daniel HOU 10

May Bobby Lambright AMA 46Robbie Fish GO 31Ken Bell DFW 26Philip Stavens DFW 21Lance Ward OKC 21Scott Davison HOU 20Todd Hickam ABQ 20Ernie Russell AMA 20David Lopez SAN 18Jimmy Logan AMA 18Mark Mullins DFW 18Augie Gonzalez SAN 18Roman Olmos DFW 18Aaron Jensen LTR 18Eddie Wiggins AMA 18Roger Collins DFW 17Pedro Vela SAN 17Charles Tate OKC 17Paul Lanphear HOU 17Gary Hill HOU 17Steve Reilly GO 16Roy Wiatrek SAN 16Arnulfo Guerrero DFW 16Ginger Martin DFW 16Efrain Munoz DFW 16Brandon Boley DFW 16Joe Yokum OKC 16Catherine Parks DFW 16Larry Albrecht DFW 15William Page DFW 15Tammy Reynolds DFW 15Russell Towery AMA 15Maria Berzoza WIN 15Julio Jimenez DFW 15Jamie Holloway OKC 14Latresa King DFW 14Darci Nicolaidis DFW 14Destry Sweeney OKC 14Rigoberto Guerrero DFW 14Craig Ramsey SAN 14Luis Torres DFW 14Dale Reeves OKC 13Bryan Thomas DFW 13Edgar Robles DFW 13Steve Coleman LTR 13Gary Thompson DFW 13Angel Rodriguez HOU 13Roy Henson DFW 13Keith Studebaker OKC 13Jim Walters OKC 13Roberto Cervantes SAN 13Eleazim Puga DFW 13Melissa Anderson SAN 13Kent Zhu DFW 12Robert Kubesch SAN 12Landon Spence OKC 12Aaron Canada SAN 12Carmelo Jimenez SAN 12Jimmy Handloser LTR 12Mike Rye LTR 11Michael White DFW 11Aaron Miller OKC 11Terri Ashbrook DFW 11Carolyn Gammill LTR 11Darron Hefner DFW 11Lou Ann Beavers OKC 11

Wayne Huffman OKC 11Ernie Anastopolous DFW 11Marco Castro DFW 10Hector Cardona LTR 10Jacob Salas SAN 10Ronald Brown SAN 10John Smith SAN 10Nate Baker DFW 10Rocky Staggs OKC 10

JuneDave Huffman DFW 40Art Sanford DFW 37Mike Hood DFW 34Leon Hobbs DFW 34William Wilkinson DFW 29Karl Messer AMA 26Lloyd Eldridge DFW 26Larry Kassner SAN 25Harvey Kassner SAN 25Jeff Keel DFW 22Javier Olmos SAN 22Abel Alcantar SAN 22Alfredo Cardenas SAN 22John Wonder SAN 21Leon Clay SAN 21Alberto Benavides DFW 21Rusty Meason DFW 21Jesus Camacho DFW 20Mike Meason DFW 20Gary Hitsman OKC 20Sergio Chulin DFW 20Adalberto Rodriguez DFW 19Ricardo Ruiz DFW 19Vikki Salazar OKC 19Kyle Newman GO 19J Clark DFW 19Don Lotspeich DFW 18Marc Palacios HOU 18Michael Hidalgo SAN 18Richard Garza SAN 18Guy Albanese OKC 17Melvin Maroney DFW 17Jose Sanchez SAN 17Sergio Rodriguez SAN 16Jeff Crawford OKC 16Steve Deleon SAN 16Paul Burks LIN 16Jorge Meza SAN 16Sam Lasuzzo GO 16Pat Richardson DFW 15Robert Davis SAN 15Dave Teaff GO 15Jimmy Foster DFW 15Gildardo Tavera DFW 14Brian Arnold HOU 14Rogelio Juarez DFW 14Danielle Graves GO 14Adam Newman SAN 14Miguel Gutierrez OKC 14Charles Ford OKC 14Jim Dintinger AMA 14Ronald McCuiston AMA 14

BEK Service

OUR MISSION: STRIVE TO BE A COMPANY IN WHICH BUSINESS SYSTEMS ARE ONLY TOOLS, AND BRICKS AND MORTAR ONLY MEANS TO AN END. A COMPANY THAT EXISTS TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL GOALS. A COMPANY THAT EXISTS TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS. A COMPANY THAT EXISTS TO ALLOW OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS TO SHARE IN OUR VISION AND THE BENEFITS OF ACHIEVING OUR MUTUAL GOALS.

SPECIAL SPIRIT is the official employee publication of Ben E. Keith Foods. Officers are: Robert Hallam, Chairman & CEO; Howard Hallam, Vice-Chairman; Mike Roach, President, Food Division; Mike Sweet, Executive Vice-President; Ron Boyd, Senior Vice-President; Andy McCaskill, Senior Vice-President. EDITOR: Zoe Bartlett; CONTRIBUTORS: Kim Snitker, Albuquerque; Nancy Smith, Amarillo; Karen Harrison, Corporate; Katie Miller, DFW; Krista Bohr, General Office; Lynn Stefanutti, Houston; Glenda Clark, Little Rock; Vikki Salazar, Oklahoma City; Lucy Newmann, San Antonio and Maria Berzoza, Winn Meat.

Contact: zabartlett@benekeith.com or 817-759-6857

Guiding Principles: Our customers are the primary focus of our efforts; our actions must always be rooted in honesty and integrity; and we should always foster trust, faith in others, fairness and respect; our learning through study, review, dialogue, and experimentation benefits our customers, ourselves and our organization; we must continually work together to create and improve processes, and eliminate those that are no longer valuable; we cannot tolerate actions that crush people’s self-esteem, aspirations, individuality or dignity; we must recognize that every employee adds value to the company; therefore, we must not allow job titles to stand in the way of an employee’s ability or willingness to contribute; we must acknowledge and use the experiences and insights brought to the organization through people’s diverse backgrounds, choices, life-situations and perspectives; and ensure the freedom to express our diversity; we must be flexible as individuals and as an organization; we must share ideas, information and knowledge freely, quickly, candidly and unemcumbered by organizational structures or individuals; we must responsibly act as faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us by others; work should enrich and bring joy to everyone.

Ben E. Keith FoodsP.O. Box 901001Fort Worth, TX 76101-2001

PRST STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDFORT WORTH, TX

PERMIT 1905

Paul Davidson OKC 13Dan Carman LTR 13Terry Shipman DFW 13Bill Layton SAN 13Chuck Boyd DFW 13Linda Hart GO 12Roland Deluna SAN 12Clint Weber HOU 12Juan Sigala DFW 12Mike Fleming SAN 11Mark Iacomini DFW 11Jimmy Payne AMA 11Steve Daghlian OKC 11Mike Kyzar SAN 11Steven Mesa ABQ 11Patrick Sanchez ABQ 11BerthaLoera DFW 11Pedro Gomez AMA 10Matthew Fuller LTR 10John Willhite LTR 10Joel Hupp OKC 10Roderick Ashworth LTR 10Robert Strand DFW 10Tim Tufts SAN 10Patti Crisp LTR 10Jeremy Austin OKC 10Rosemary Hummel SAN 10

BEK Service Cont’d.

Food ExposMay 6 Little RockJune 10 DFW - ShreveportOctober 21 DFW - Dallas

Truck/Forklift RoadeosMarch 21 San AntonioApril 11 DFWApril 18 Little Rock & Lindsey April 25 Oklahoma May 2 AlbuquerqueMay 16 AmarilloMay 30 HoustonJune 12-13 Companywide Roadeo - San Antonio

National Truck RoadeoSept 18-20 Orlando, Florida

Division SRPsJuly 10 HoustonJuly 11 Little RockJuly 17 San AntonioJuly 24 OklahomaJuly 25 DFW July 31 AmarilloAugust 1 AlbuquerqueAugust 15 Companywide SRP

2015 Calendar

January was busy for Eryn Jones, OKC DSR in Joplin. She worked with 20 of her customers to help refill the Crosslines Food Pantry in Joplin. JOMO Restaurant week was organized to get non-perishable donations from diners in exchange for a coupon, discount or special deal from participating restaurants. It’s a winning idea for everyone -- the pantry is refilled; our customers have increased patronage during a normally slow month, and Eryn sells more to the restaurants.