45 Years of Forward Momentum
Jim Hall, CEO
This year, Riteway Sales and Marketing proudly celebrates 45 years of serving CPG brands and retailers across the Southeast. What began in 1981 as a vision from our founder, Doug Hall to represent quality brands and create meaningful partnerships with retailers like Publix has grown from one small office into an organization of more than 50 professionals across three offices in Lakeland and Jacksonville, Florida, and Greenville, South Carolina. Along the way, we’ve embraced growth opportunities, from regional expansion in the 1990s to the Winn-Dixie and Bi-Lo merger in 2011 that fueled new possibilities, to investing in proprietary data software in 2015 and expanding our fresh, meat, and produce expertise.
Through every season of growth, including opening our Greenville office in 2021, our philosophy has remained the same. My father always said, “You hire good people, give them your expectations, and get out of their way.” That belief continues to guide us. We invest in high-caliber professionals and challenge ourselves daily to ask both the brand and the retailer, “What else can I do?” It’s a simple question that drives real value.
Today, as a second- and third-generation family business with Alex Hall Payne and Foster Hall, part of the organization, I’m grateful for the strong foundation built over the past four and a half decades and even more excited about the road ahead. With exceptional people, trusted partnerships, and a vision for the future, the strongest chapters of Riteway’s story are still to be written.
Here’s to next 45!
Jim Hall, CEO
2025 Impact Award Winner: Karen Martin
Each year at our annual meeting, the Riteway Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the success of our clients, our team, and our company culture. This year, we are proud to recognize Karen Martin as one of the 2025 Impact Award recipients.
Over the past year, Karen has made a significant impact on growing sales for Riteway clients while also strengthening relationships with key partners. Her dedication to delivering results and her ability to build trusted partnerships continues to make a difference for both the brands we represent and the retailers we serve.
Karen is also an active leader within the industry. As a member of the Florida Grocery Manufacturers Representatives (GMR), she was recently re-elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Through her work with GMR, Karen continues to build valuable relationships across the CPG industry and with Publix leadership, representing Riteway with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
Beyond her client work, Karen plays an important role in the culture of our Lakeland office and sales team. Whether contributing ideas that make our meetings more engaging or helping foster collaboration across the team, she consistently brings energy, creativity, and a team-first mindset. We are grateful for Karen’s leadership and proud to recognize her well-deserved Impact Award.
Making an impact in the community. Karen volunteered at the Orlando Convention Center filling soup packages during the MLK Day of Service – Million Meal Pack. At the Orlando location, a total of 700,000 packages of food were filled for U.S. Hunger organization.
Celebrating a Remarkable Career: Mark Edwards
Mark Edwards, Senior Business Manager
After an incredible 46-year career in the CPG industry, including more than 13 years with Riteway, Mark Edwards will be retiring on April 30, 2026.
Throughout his time with Riteway, Mark has made a lasting impact on our clients, colleagues, and the many relationships he built across the industry. Known for his professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of the business, Mark played an important role in strengthening the partnerships that are the foundation of our success.
Earlier in his career, Mark made the transition from working directly for a manufacturer at Scott Paper to the fast-paced world of food brokerage, an experience he describes as one of his greatest professional challenges, learning to balance multiple CPG brands and clients while navigating an ever-changing retail environment.
Reflecting on his time at Riteway, Mark says he will miss the daily challenges of working with accounts and buyers and the relationships built along the way. He also fondly recalls the company’s annual meeting in St. Augustine at The Collector Inn as one of his favorite memories complete with cottages, bonfires, and plenty of time for the team to connect.
Mark has also enjoyed watching Riteway grow over the years and takes pride in knowing he was part of that journey. As he prepares for retirement, we thank Mark for his many contributions and wish him all the best in this well-earned next chapter.
Riteway in the Community
Lakeland Pig Fest
Left to right Alex Payne, Chris Smith, Angela Vigliotti, and Liz Russell
Left to right Ed Field, Melissa Henderson, Mark Meyer and David Taylor
Members of the Riteway team enjoyed attending the 29th Annual Lakeland PigFest in late January, a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates world-class barbecue while supporting multiple local charities. It was a great opportunity to spend time together outside the office and be part of an event that gives back to the Lakeland community.
Natural Products Expo West
Left to right: Rana Whitaker, Jamie Mann, Karen Martin, Chris Smith and Steve Critelli
This March, members of the Riteway team are attending Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, one of the leading events for natural and organic products. The show is a great opportunity to discover emerging brands, explore new product trends, and connect with industry partners from across the country.
Industry Insights & Trends
