KeHE Unwrapped: Carl Snyder
At KeHE®, we’re proud to recognize team members whose dedication, leadership, and commitment have helped shape our organization over the years. This month, we’re excited to feature Carl Snyder, Director, Legacy Systems.
Carl’s nearly 15-year journey with KeHE reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service. What began as a consulting opportunity with Tree of Life evolved into a leadership career supporting the growth and transformation of KeHE’s EDI infrastructure during some of the company’s most significant periods of expansion. Along the way, Carl has embraced opportunities to grow professionally while making a lasting impact through KeHE Cares initiatives around the world.
Q: What is your current position, and which KeHE location do you work at?
A: I currently serve as Director, Legacy Systems.
Q: How long have you been with KeHE, and what inspired you to join the company? What was your first impression?
A: I’ve been with KeHE for nearly 15 years.
At the time, I was looking for an opportunity to join a local Florida-based company and leverage my consulting background in EDI and Information Technology. What initially attracted me to Tree of Life was its strong values and employee ownership model. I was particularly impressed by the ESOP program and what the company stood for. From the beginning, it felt like an organization that genuinely cared about its people and its purpose.
Q: How has your role evolved during your time at KeHE, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A: My journey started as a consultant before transitioning to a full-time employee about six months later. Early on, I had the opportunity to learn the EDI infrastructure from Asghar Syed, whose expertise and guidance were invaluable.
As KeHE continued to grow, our team worked to expand and strengthen the systems that support the business. Over time, I progressed from individual contributor to Manager and now Director. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth requires adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Technology is always evolving, and success comes from embracing change while staying focused on supporting both the business and your team.
Q: Can you share a standout memory or experience at KeHE that holds special meaning for you?
A: One experience that had a profound impact on me was participating in my first KeHE Cares mission trip to Laredo shortly after becoming an employee.
The opportunity to serve others alongside fellow team members left a lasting impression on me and reinforced the values that make KeHE unique. That experience inspired me to become even more involved in service opportunities and remains one of the most meaningful parts of my journey with the company.
Q: What opportunities have helped you grow personally and professionally during your time at KeHE?
A: Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside strong leaders who empowered our team to successfully migrate and modernize complex EDI systems throughout the years. Those experiences challenged me to grow as a leader while helping support the company’s continued expansion.
Personally, KeHE Cares has had an equally significant impact. Through service projects and mission trips over the past 12 years, I’ve had opportunities to serve communities around the world—experiences that have shaped my perspective and influenced the way I approach both work and life.
Q: What changes at KeHE have made the biggest impact on you, your work, or the company culture?
A: From a business perspective, KeHE’s growth through acquisitions, including DPI Specialty Foods and Nature’s Best, has been both rewarding and challenging. Supporting the integration and expansion of our systems during these milestones has been an incredible learning experience.
From a cultural standpoint, KeHE Cares continues to have the greatest impact on me. I deeply appreciate the company’s commitment to serving communities around the world, and I’m grateful to have participated in many service trips throughout my career. It’s a powerful reflection of KeHE’s purpose-driven culture.
Q: How have your colleagues and the KeHE community shaped your experience?
A: The people are what make KeHE truly special. Over the years, I’ve built meaningful friendships and strong working relationships both within IT and across the organization.
What stands out most is the shared commitment to making a difference. Whether professionally or personally, our people consistently strive to serve others, improve lives, and support one another. Being part of a community with those values has made my experience at KeHE incredibly rewarding.
Want to learn more about KeHE? Visit kehe.com/about.
Interested in joining our team? Explore open roles at careers.kehe.com.
