20 Jan BEMA Board Spotlight: Brandon Woods
Brandon Woods, President of Newsmith North America
Company: Newsmith North America
Q: What got you into the baking industry?
A: Persistence turned to relationships
Q: Why do you love the business of baking?
A: I love the culture and how close-knit this large business is. It is hard to put into perspective how this very large, global industry is, that you can be sitting next to a customer or colleague that knows you or the business you are with.
Q: Who do you consider a mentor in the industry? Who has made an impact on your career?
A: I have dozens, but I first would say DJ Lecrone. I started with DJ in 2008 and was able to get an understanding of the industry through his leadership. Secondly, John Hamilton helped refine my skills during his tenure with DJ. The help and friendship of dozens of people, Jay Hardy, Jeff Dearduff, Jordon Hale and my friendship with Clay Miller still impact me on a daily basis to name a few.
Q: What goals do you have for your board membership tenure?
A: I want to contribute back to the industry. It has been very good for me and my family. I would like to see the industry keep moving forward, I/we cannot be stagnant. I would like to help with Leadership and Succession Planning by assisting in the recruitment, evaluation, and development of senior leadership, and ensuring a strong succession plan is in place for the long-term health of the organization.
I would also like to continue to build relationships with key stakeholders, employees, customers, and the community, to ensure the organization remains responsive to their needs.
Q: What trend are you most excited about in the baking industry right now?
A: I may not be necessarily excited, but I am curious to know where Automated Intelligence goes within the industry. How can it help the suppliers help the bakers and how can the bakers supply a better/different product to their customers?
Q: What was your favorite baked good as a kid, and now?
A: When I was younger, my brother’s and I would eat the stalks of a rhubarb plant, so I would say strawberry/rhubarb pie was my favorite and now I am a cheesecake fan but also like a Fritter in the morning.
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