KeHE Unwrapped: James Potts
At KeHE®, we’re proud to highlight team members whose dedication, leadership, and long-term impact help shape our business every day. This month, we’re excited to feature Jamie Potts, Senior Routing Manager, supporting centralized routing operations across the network.
With nearly two decades at KeHE, Jamie’s journey reflects deep expertise in transportation, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a passion for building scalable, strategic solutions. From starting as a Routing Coordinator to leading a centralized routing function, their story is a strong example of growth through adaptability, collaboration, and a big-picture mindset.
Q: What is your current position, and which KeHE location do you work at?
A: I am the Senior Routing Manager of Transportation, supporting KeHE’s centralized routing operations across the network.
Q: How long have you been with KeHE, and what inspired you to join the company? What was your first impression?
A: I have been with the company for 19 years and will reach 20 years in December 2026. I originally started with Tree of Life, which was acquired by KeHE in 2010. Following the acquisition, I had the opportunity to continue my career with KeHE, and it has been a very rewarding experience.
From early on, I was impressed by the people, the culture, and the opportunities for growth. I was also fortunate to remain in Florida within transportation at a time when there were limited roles, which made the transition especially meaningful for me.
Q: How has your role evolved during your time at KeHE, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A: At the time of the acquisition, I was a Routing Coordinator and the sole individual responsible for routing across the network. Since then, my role has evolved significantly.
Today, I lead a team that includes a Routing Manager, 4–5 analysts, and a centralized routing team of 14 routers. My responsibilities have expanded from execution into strategy, where I am now involved in nearly all transportation-related initiatives, including network design, routing optimization, and costing for both existing and new business.
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of balancing strategy with execution, understanding cross-functional impacts, and taking a holistic view of the business. One of the biggest lessons has been learning how to filter through large amounts of data and inputs to identify what truly matters—making decisions that are best for KeHE as a whole, not just a single function.
Q: Can you share a standout memory or experience at KeHE that holds special meaning for you?
A: One of the most meaningful experiences has been the evolution from a highly localized routing structure to a centralized routing model. Being part of that transformation—from essentially a one-person function to a scaled, strategic operation—has been incredibly rewarding.
Seeing the team grow, the processes mature, and the impact on service and efficiency improve has been a highlight of my career.
Q: What opportunities have helped you grow personally and professionally during your time at KeHE?
A: KeHE has provided continuous opportunities to take on new challenges and expand my scope. From leading large-scale routing initiatives to being involved in transportation strategy, system implementations, and cost modeling, each step has pushed me to grow both technically and as a leader.
Additionally, the opportunity to build and develop teams has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey. Mentoring analysts, creating new roles, and shaping the structure of centralized routing has contributed significantly to my professional growth.
Q: What changes at KeHE have made the biggest impact on you, your work, or the company culture?
A: The shift toward centralization and a more data-driven approach has had the biggest impact. Moving from localized decision-making to a centralized “control tower” model has improved consistency, visibility, and overall network performance.
Culturally, there has also been a strong emphasis on collaboration across departments—transportation, operations, and commercial teams—which has strengthened alignment and improved decision-making at all levels.
Q: How have your colleagues and the KeHE community shaped your experience?
A: The people at KeHE have been a major factor in my experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with strong leaders, supportive peers, and highly capable teams across the organization.
The level of collaboration and shared commitment to continuous improvement has made a significant impact. The relationships built over the years—both within transportation and cross-functionally—have not only helped drive results but have also made the journey enjoyable and meaningful.
Want to learn more about KeHE? Visit kehe.com/about.
Interested in joining our team? Explore open roles at careers.kehe.com.
