Bill Smith’s journey in retail began unexpectedly—with a speeding ticket on his way
home from school in Monroe, Louisiana. Knowing his parents would expect him to arrive home with a job to go with the ticket, that detour led him to a brand-new Sunflower Superstore, where he started as a bag boy. From there, he worked his way through nearly every department—cashier, night stocker, produce, and even the meat market—gaining hands-on experience in the grocery world while putting himself through college.
After graduation, Bill briefly stepped away from retail and joined the railroad industry,
following in his father's footsteps and becoming a fourth-generation railroader. It was
during this time in McGehee, Arkansas, that Bill met his wife, Pam Howell. The two have now been married for 44 years and are proud parents to two sons, Jordan and Parker, along with two wonderful daughters-in-law and two cherished granddaughters.
In the early 1980s, Bill found his way back to the grocery business and has worn many hats since—HBC Specialist, Retail Specialist, Store Manager, and later, Sales and Marketing Analyst for a major tobacco company.
Bill joined Riceland Foods in July 2016, initially managing Midwest accounts. He quickly moved into a national role, where he helped expand Riceland’s presence at Kroger from a regional to a national footprint. Under his leadership, the Riceland brand has entered new markets, including Harris Teeter and Hy-Vee. Today, Bill serves as the Director of Retail Sales, leading a dedicated team focused on expanding Riceland’s retail presence while delivering value back to the cooperative and its farmer-members.
“When I say ‘team,’ I mean everyone—from the mill to marketing to sales support and logistics,” Bill says. “Each part of the Riceland organization plays a vital role in growing our retail business and increasing returns to our farmers.”
With decades of retail experience, Bill brings a unique analytical perspective and a deep understanding of regional product needs that help guide Riceland’s growth strategy.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time with his family—especially his
granddaughters—and loves to fish, hunt, and (attempt to) play golf. “Those who’ve seen me on the course know I’ll need to practice quite a bit when I retire,” he jokes.
Bill is always eager to connect with people across the industry and enjoys seeing
firsthand the diverse markets and stores that make up the retail landscape.
