In today’s fast-paced world where so much business is conducted remotely and electronically, Stephanie Stuckey believes that an effective leader is one who will take the time to establish real, human connections with their team and colleagues.
Stuckey’s manufactures pecan snacks and candies for a variety of distribution channels and strives to make the pecan —the only commercial nut native to our country — America’s favorite snack nut and Stuckey’s the go-to brand for snacks. Stephanie’s grandfather W.S. Stuckey Sr. grew the company he started in 1937 as a single roadside pecan stand to a major enterprise that included 368 stores in 40 states and a candy plant. After selling the company in 1964, it significantly declined under outside corporate ownership.
In 2019, Stephanie seized the opportunity to buy what was left of her family’s business. Within two years, she transformed a company of six employees operating in the red to a workforce of nearly 100 driving $11 million growth in revenue. In her short tenure, she has implemented three rounds of pay raises for front-line workers.
Under Stephanie’s leadership, Stuckey’s is reviving its brand by modernizing its practices. These include introducing new flavor lines, implementing more modern manufacturing equipment and processes, and providing pathways to prosperity for all employees, from warehouse pickers and enrober chocolate line workers to technicians and management. Stephanie’s background as an environmental attorney has introduced new practices to Stuckey’s operations, such as sourcing 100% from local farmers and all packaging and ingredients coming from domestic sources.
Today, the future is bright for Stuckey’s. Stephanie and her team remain committed to growing the economy in rural Jefferson County, Georgia, and growing jobs in their local community. “Our aim is to build lives and careers, not just offer jobs,” says Stephanie. Stuckey’s is now in almost 5,000 retail stores nationwide and aims to expand to more national chains to achieve revenues of $50 million in the next five years.
“In today’s fast-paced world where so much business is conducted remotely and electronically, I’ve found the mark of an effective leader is one who will take the time to establish real, human connections with their team and colleagues,” she said. “Success is ultimately measured by the strength of relationships. I firmly believe the old adage that people do business with people, not businesses. It’s all about that personal interaction.”
Stephanie champions family businesses, economic development in rural communities, and reviving classic brands. As such, she is often invited as a keynote speaker. Some of her many accomplishments include being elected to seven terms as a Georgia state representative, being named one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend magazine in 2018, and being selected as one of the Most Admired CEOs of 2022 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. But the accomplishment Stephanie is most proud of is reviving her grandfather’s legacy.
