JIM FINLEY
Co-Founder + President
Jim Finley launched Southern Food Concepts in 1997 after starting his foodservice career in 1989. He led the company through rapid growth, a major acquisition, and a regional joint venture before serving in executive roles with a national firm. In 2019, Jim relaunched SFC to refocus on personalized, regional client representation.
MARK JOHNSON
Account Executive
Mark Johnson began his foodservice career with Sysco in 1999 and joined Southern Food Concepts in 2003, driving growth with US Foods and key accounts. He later specialized in multi-unit and non-commercial segments, bringing deep knowledge of GPOs and healthcare regulations. In 2019, Mark rejoined SFC, focusing on independent distributors, K-12, and healthcare.
MEET OUR TEAM
RENE' DEAN
Co-Founder + Vice President
Rene’ Dean started her food brokerage career in 1992 and co-founded Southern Food Concepts in 1997. She has held key roles in operations and sales, building strong partnerships with US Foods and Ben E. Keith. In 2019, she relaunched SFC, continuing her commitment to service and regional growth.
TRACY MILLS
Customer Services/Sales Support Specialist
Tracy Mills began her foodservice career in 2010, specializing in sales support, sample management, and event coordination. She joined Southern Food Concepts in 2019, where she now leads customer service and sales support with outstanding communication and organizational skills.
ANDREW BAGGETT
Account Executive
Andrew began his food career at 14 with Cooper’s Country Meat Packers, gaining 18 years of experience in manufacturing, sales, and territory management across the Southeast. He joined Southern Food Concepts in 2024 as Mississippi Account Executive, managing key distributor and operator relationships.
DON GARDINO
Account Executive
Don Gardino began his foodservice career as a successful pizzeria owner before joining Southern Food Concepts in 2003. He later became Account Executive for Sysco Gulf Coast, earning national recognition for his expertise and presentation skills. Don rejoined SFC in 2019, focusing on Sysco and key multi-unit accounts across the region.
WAYNE LEMELLE
Account Executive
Wayne began in foodservice at 13 and managed New Orleans restaurants before joining Sysco for 15 years. In 2005, he became a top foodservice broker with Pinnacle Marketing and Advantage Waypoint, managing major accounts across Louisiana. After a brief retirement, Wayne joined Southern Food Concepts in 2023, focusing on distributor relationships in the Louisiana market.
At Southern Food Concepts, the expectation is success and for us success achieved with professionalism, integrity, and a tireless work ethic that gives our customers an edge over our competition.
SOUTHERN FOOD CONCEPTS