Richard Nix Jr. always keeps his word.
“Provide what is promised; deliver more than expected,” said Nix, president, Butler’s Pantry, an independent catering and hospitality company in the St. Louis region.
Born into catering, Nix’s parents started the company in 1966 to fill a void in the region for quality, affordable take-home meals for the working family. The second generation, including Nix, joined the family business in 1988. He took over as owner and president in 1992 and since then has revolutionized the business. He said his greatest leadership lessons have occurred in times of company growth.
“Most of the time, growing pains bring challenges in maintaining a positive company culture. I’ve learned that excellent communication and finding ways to express appreciation are paramount,” he said. “Placing a more palpable sense of importance and value on each role within the company gives employees more confidence. That added confidence is what invites inclusion, creativity and, ultimately, has cultivated higher profitability.”
He said innovation and technology are two key components in the company’s success.
“Innovation is one of our company’s core values and also a personal core value for many of our dedicated team members,” Nix said. “As for technology, we see that as one of our largest differentiators. Staying up to date and maintaining a pulse on technology available to us and to other industries helps us streamline our internal processes, improve our approach with clients and keep the business focused on innovation.”
Nix said in 2022, two new venue locations will open to “continue to diversify our dynamic portfolio of locations and allow us to tap into some underserved markets.” He added that with these new developments, Butler’s Pantry is anticipating a 150% growth from the current status (30% over pre-pandemic levels) in the next 3-5 years.
He added that his team is the most important key factor to future success.
“Now and into the future, we are nurturing a heart centered approach by utilizing our company core values and guiding principles of leadership. By intentionally hiring team members who embrace this style of leadership, we believe the quality of what we can provide will only continue to evolve,” Nix said.
Nix has served for a decade on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Development Board in addition to other boards including: Mercantile Library; COCA (Center Of Creative Arts); Boys & Girls Club; Royal Bank; and Books for Newborns. He is involved with The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Susan G. Komen Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters; and the Urban League.
Always the go-to leader when not-for-profit organizations are in need of meals, Nix stepped up during the pandemic donating countless meals prepared by Butler’s Pantry employees, not adding a penny to the bottom line, but a real win-win in Nix’s eyes.
According to others in his community, Nix is the titan everyone wishes for. They say when he sees a need, he addresses it, and looks for the next one. He is known as a big presence with a bigger heart.
A man who keeps his promises and delivers more than expected.
