Leadership
Jeff Yarber, General Manager
Jeff began his career with Ben E. Keith Amarillo in 1980 as a day warehouse employee and within a few months became a route-serviceman. In 1982, Jeff moved into a District Sales Representative position covering the Hereford/Dimmitt/Tulia area and was quickly promoted to a Sales Director in Amarillo. After six years, Jeff assumed the position of Division Manager of the Lubbock Sales Office. In 1999, he moved back to Amarillo, with experience in practically every aspect of the foodservice industry, which has become invaluable in his current position of General Manager.
Jim Kelley, Assistant General Manager
Jim started with Ben E. Keith in 1989, after graduating from
TCU. Jim began his career as a Sales Trainee at the “Old” Fort Worth Division. Until January 1994, Jim worked as a District Sales Rep and was soon promoted to a District Sales Managers for the Oklahoma City Division. In 1998, he transitioned from the
DSM title to that of Center of the Plate buyer and moved to Amarillo where he is currently the Assistant General Manager.
Duke Pepper, Director of Purchasing
Duke started his career with Ben E. Keith in October 1997, as a District Sales Representative in the Midland area, and later moved to Amarillo and developed a territory in that market. He then moved into the purchasing area where he was the Grocery Purchasing Manager, and later pioneered a buying position as their Commodity Purchasing Manager. In September 2006, he was promoted to Program Development Manager and in May of 2008, was named the Director of Purchasing.
Henry Garcia, Operations Manager
Henry began his career with Ben E. Keith in 1994, as a Night Order Selector. After three years in the warehouse, he became a Route Driver for the Plainview/Tulia area. He returned to the warehouse and was later promoted to the Night Warehouse Manager. Seven years later, Henry was promoted to the Assistant Operations Manager and a year after that, promoted to his current position as the Operations Manager.
Josie Vongkhamphra, Human Resource Manager
Josie joined Ben E. Keith in 2002, with over 12 years of Administration and Clerical experience. She held positions in Accounts Receivable and then as a Payroll Supervisor before becoming the Human Resource Manager.
