G&J Pepsi’s Brian Balzer on innovation, tech and fizzy pop
Founded by two women, Nell Gross and Esther Jarson, G&J Pepsi is the largest family-owned and operated Pepsi franchise bottler. In 13 11 locations in Ohio and Kentucky, G&J Pepsi is a market leader, offering Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, Tropicana Fruit Beverages, Starbuck’s Frappuccinos and more.
Working in the business and technology development section of the company, Balzer is responsible for strategically guiding the direction of the company and leading the transformation to outpace G&J Pepsi’s competitors. The executive also looks at ways technology can provide the best tools for the company’s workforce and bring real benefits to its customers - to do this, Balzer is leading G&J Pepsi’s transformation journey.
The company wants to reach Gemba through technology. Gemba is a Kaizen Six Sigma Production Philosophy and pushes the importance of leadership understanding what is happening at every level.