08 Apr BEMA Board Spotlight: Kerwin Brown
Kerwin Brown, President
Company: BEMA
Q: What got you into the baking industry?
A: I was hired at Shick Tube-Veyor, now Shick Esteve, to do special projects. Starter job that got my feet in the door. Started attending BEMA, ASB, and IBIE meetings in the early 90’s.
Q: Why do you love the business of baking?
A: I love the products that the industry makes. When I tell someone that I work in the baking industry, the response is often, “I love bread, donuts, cookies, pie, etc”. The industry feeds the world, a noble cause. I also love the comradery of the industry, the life-long friends I have made and the family atmosphere.
Q: Who do you consider a mentor in the industry? Who has made an impact on your career?
A: Joe and Mark Ungashick – For giving me a starter job and then allowing me to grow, take on more responsibilities, travel, attend BEMA and other industry meetings.
Hans van der Maarel – Hans was a friend, so supportive and willing to give me honest feedback or coaching that was always helpful. His smile, humor, and positive attitude were infectious. I also admired his willingness to serve and give back to the baking industry, IBIE and BEMA so unselfishly.
Fred Springer – Fred is the best example of volunteering and making a difference in the baking industry. He also had and still, today has the respect of everyone that has ever spent time with him.
Rich Hoskins – Rich hired me at BEMA, made sure my first day and so many other days went well. He helped grow IBIE and BEMA significantly. He and Linda always treat me like family.
Q: What goals do you have for your board membership tenure?
A: I want their time on the BEMA board to be valuable in their personal and professional lives. To build relationships, learn, be challenged, and know they made a difference at BEMA and in the industry.
Q: What trend are you most excited about in the baking industry right now?
A: Labor, the need for automation and the supply chain seem to be the ongoing issues for our industry with little end in sight. More automation means more orders for many of our member companies who continue to solve issues for the industry.
Q: What was your favorite baked good as a kid, and now?
A: I go right to my mom’s cherry pie. In fact, that is what I always wanted for my birthday as a kid. Still to this day if I’m home within a month or two of my birthday, my mom will make me a cherry pie.
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