Baking & Snack - February 2022 - 20

BAKING HALL OF FAME
Caregiver
THE
Tilmon (Tim) Brown worked his way up the ladder, supporting
customers, employees and many others along the way.
by Michelle Smith
In 1964, Tilmon (Tim) Brown left school to take care of
his growing family, taking a job as a route salesman for
Continental Baking Co. The industry was a good fit for
him, so he stayed and rose through the ranks, eventually
becoming corporate vice president and director of sales
for the company.
After 30 years at Continental Baking, he was considering
retirement when an opportunity came along with
industry leaders Peter Grimm and John Paterakis. It was
a chance to lead and eventually take over what is now
New Horizons Baking Co., Norwalk, Ohio. Under Mr.
Brown's leadership, the company grew from sales of
$30 million to $100 million today. New Horizons now
has about 500 employees and four facilities that operate
seven English muffin and two bun lines and recently acquired
a custom seasonings and ingredient company.
On his journey, Mr. Brown put his customers first,
served as a mentor to many and understood the value of
taking care of his employees. He was nominated to the
American Society of Baking's Hall of Fame by his daughter,
Trina Bediako, who is now chief executive officer at
New Horizons.
" My father is a giver. He's someone who helps many
and does a lot for others, " Ms. Bediako said. " My dad has
been a baker for over 50 years. It's his life's work. He's
sacrificed. He's contributed. He's supported customers.
He's helped mentor people in the industry. He's been a
shining star. "
Businesses that have worked with Mr. Brown over the
20 Baking & Snack February 2022 / www.bakingbusiness.com
years attest to his strong character and his commitment
to customer service.
" It was very clear that the company approach to how
to treat the customer was because of Tim, " said Paul
Ingersoll, senior director, Tyson Foods, in a letter supporting
his nomination to the ASB Hall of Fame. " He has
this positive can-do attitude that inspires and motivates. "
Mr. Brown understands the importance of nurturing
talent and training the next generation of bakers. He saw
the value of diversity of thought and seeking out new
and better ways to run the business. Robb MacKie, president
and CEO of the American Bakers Association, noted
that many in the industry value Mr. Brown's wisdom.
" His insights, kindness and keen intellect are what
make other bakers, suppliers and customers seek him
out for advice and counsel, " he wrote in a letter to ASB.
Mr. Brown also never forgets about the workers
and their families whose livelihoods depend on
New Horizons.
" We need to make sure that all of our decisions are
thoughtful, that we take time to make sure that we make
solid decisions with good facts, " he said. " And if we do
that, we will ensure we will be around for a long time. "
As a man of faith who supports his community, Mr.
Brown has also been involved in his church, several
charities, the American Bakers Association, McDonald's
Bakery Council and McDonald's Supplier Advisory
Council. And he went back to school and finished his
degree, just like he told his mom he would.
http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Baking & Snack - February 2022

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