TROY TAYLOR
CHAIRMAN, CEO & founder, COCA-COLA BEVERAGES FLORIDA, TAMPA
Coke Florida is a family-owned bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Co. serving 47 counties. It makes and distributes more than 600 beverages and employs more than 5,000 associates. In June, it opened a new $84-million, state-of-the-art distribution center in Orlando. Taylor founded the company in 2015. “I've been intentional about supporting small and minority entrepreneurs, banks and vendors, while directing our company's resources toward scholarships, digital access, workforce readiness and long-term community investment,” Taylor says.
EDUCATION: Marshall University (BA)
INDUSTRY TRENDS: Automation, efficiency, product and packaging innovation, sustainable infrastructure and sharper local execution are major themes. Consumer preferences keep shifting, so winning now means staying agile, running a strong distribution network and serving a broader, faster-changing beverage portfolio.
GIVING BACK: The Boys & Girls Clubs of America will always be personal for me because I was a club kid growing up. ... I've seen firsthand how life-changing that support can be.
NEXT BIG FOCUS: Continuing to deepen Coke Florida's connection to the communities we serve. We strive to be more than just a business operating in Florida by being a more significant part of the social and economic fabric of our state, helping to build stronger communities and families.
IN MY DOWNTIME: I've always loved cooking. At one point, I seriously considered becoming a chef. There's something rewarding about bringing people together over a great meal. A lot of leadership principles transfer over from the kitchen, including preparation, teamwork, timing and making sure people leave better than they arrived.
DAILY RITUAL: I'm a big believer in staying curious. I spend time everyday reading — industry trends, what's happening in the broader economy and perspectives from other leaders. It helps me stay grounded but also think ahead about where our business is going.
FOOD FIX: Breakfast food, every time. It's comfort food, it's familiar and after a long day sometimes the simple things are exactly what you need.