FOOD AND DRINK
the humility to recognize that we can always be learning new and improved ways to do things , and I think that ’ s a fundamental part of our culture .” Also key to that culture Tapick speaks of , is a desire from all of the company ’ s employees to ensure the company stays ahead of the curve and adapts to stay competitive or gain an advantage on competitors .
And that ’ s not something new , it ’ s something that has always been part of Martin Preferred Foods ’ identity .
Tapick says : “ When you think about my grandfather and great uncle , they had to think outside the box . If they ’ d just said ‘ I ’ m sorry Mr Customer , we don ’ t sell turkeys , we just sell canned goods ,’ then this company would never have been born .
“ To give another example of innovation , in the 1950s , the norm in Texas was to sell whole chickens . My grandfather though , went to New York City , and he walked into a grocery store and lo-and-behold that store was not just selling whole chickens , but also chicken parts that had been cut up into legs , thighs and breasts and sold separately . He thought
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Jeffrey Tapick
President and Chief Operating Officer
As a third-generation leader and owner of the company , Jeff Tapick is proud and grateful of the business success and legacy he inherited from his parents and grandparents . Jeff approaches his role as president and chief operating officer with openness and enthusiasm ; a dose of modesty and humility ; and an unwavering commitment to constantly improve the company ’ s performance and results . He believes strongly that his foremost obligation is to his family , and he is motivated by his mission to cultivate and grow the Tapick family ’ s business assets so they may be passed on for the benefit of future generations to come .
Jeff and his wife Rebecca became the first husband / wife duo to concurrently earn M . B . A .’ s in Family Business from the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University . Applying the knowledge they gained in that program , Jeff and Rebecca spearheaded the creation of a Tapick family council and the adoption of a family statement of values , a family mission statement , and the newly created Advisory Board .