The Faces of KeHE: Jim Urquhart
We have phenomenal employees here at KeHE®. The goal of our Faces of KeHE posts is to highlight KeHE employees who have been with us for 10+ years, and who have made a positive impact on those around them. Today’s featured employee is Jim Urquhart, Director of Merchandising.
Read about Jim below!
Q: What brought you to KeHE? How long have you been with the company?
A: I came to KeHE when KeHE purchased the distribution rights for the B. Manischewitz company in 1997. I’ve been here ever since.
Q: Tell us a little about your role at KeHE and how it’s changed over the years.
A: I started in merchandising, then I went to sales, sales supervision, and account management teams. I found my way back to the merchandising team where we specialized in onboarding new business and helping with any major resets, new stores, or unique initiatives such as the Super Premium project with Albertson/Safeway for example.
Q: How has KeHE fostered your growth within the company?
A: I’ve been blessed to have many different leaders over my years at KeHE. I learned a lot from all their different styles. One of my recent leaders saw an opportunity to bring independent merchandising across the country together and asked me if I was up for the challenge. Thank you, Amy!
Q: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen during your tenure with KeHE?
A: The growth of the company. When I first started, we were a Midwest, family-owned company. Look at us now!
Q: During your time with KeHE, what milestones are you most proud to have been a part of?
A: The growth of KeHE Cares®. It has always been a part of the KeHE culture but where it has grown to today is amazing.
Q: What has been your favorite memory during your time at KeHE?
A: The people and the culture. I love how we’ve been able to keep the family-owned feel to the company. It’s a testament to what Brandon has done with the company. I feel Deb will continue to keep that family feel to the business. The Friday morning prayer call really helps to cultivate that family feel (thanks Rusty).
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind with KeHE?
A: It was always my dream to run the merchandising team for the company. I hope to touch the lives of everybody on our team in a positive way and continue to develop people to keep our great company thriving. I hope to do many more serving trips and encourage our team to do the same. It’s such a special privilege to be able to serve in the way that we do.
To learn more about KeHE, please visit https://www.kehe.com/about/.
