2017 Men of the Year: Edwin "Cookie" Rice Jr.

Motivating Factors

Family: I had a wonderful mother and father. My sister was my best friend and always an equal business partner; we never had an argument. I have two wonderful daughters and three neat grandsons.
Words you live by: One of my favorite quotes which I heard for the first time many years ago says, “I would hate to come to the end of a long career and realize that I had talents I did not use.”

There may be no bigger fan of Coca-Cola products than Edwin “Cookie” Rice Jr. He’s the chairman emeritus and CEO of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. in Springfield, though he’s worked in every aspect of the business over the course of his 64 years with the company.

That’s right.

Rice has been an employee of Coca-Cola since 1953.

“During this time, I have carried on the business values set by my father, which includes treating our associates with courtesy and respect while encouraging them to exceed our customers’ expectations,” Rice says.

While the company began in 1905, it wasn’t until 1920 when the Rice family became one of the original bottlers that entered an agreement for the right to hold the Coca-Cola franchise in perpetuity. Under the Rice family’s leadership and direction, Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Co. now employs approximately 500 people, provides production, warehouse, delivery and equipment services, manufactures products in Springfield and operates sales centers in Springfield, Bolivar and Rolla.

The bottling company he watches over today has been run by three generations, according to Ozarks Coca-Cola’s website.

“Family values influence the company’s business decisions and have helped us grow in a consolidating and shifting industry for 97 years,” Rice says.

More than six decades has given Rice time to rack professional accomplishments and grow the company. In 2014, Ozarks Coca-Cola was a Top 10 Bottler, and in October 2015, the company expanded its franchise territory with the acquisition of new territories from The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO).

Leadership positions Rice has held within the company include treasurer, vice president and president for the Coca-Cola Bottlers Association as well as a board of directors member for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. He’s also served on the American Beverage Association Board of Directors, advocating for the industry and giving smaller bottlers a voice.

“I have a passion for philanthropic fundraising and believe in giving back to our community,” Rice says. “I’ve been an active supporter and maintained relationships with the federal, state and local legislatures who support small business objectives.”

In turn, Rice encourages employees to build meaningful, productive relationships with customers.

“Our employees carry the family values of caring and fairness to our customers, and by all continuing this focus, we will be successful,” Rice says.

“We work to advance the skills of our associates to seek performance in excellence.”

Rice explains many Coca-Cola workers are “homegrown,” living out their careers with the company to achieve greater skill levels. Ozarks Coca-Cola even encourages its management team to think independently, giving them ownership of outcomes.

“Our management team is highly respected in our industry due to their participation,” Rice says. “Our family of employees includes multiple members and generations of families – we have an average tenure of 11 years. Many retire from Ozarks Coca-Cola with 30 to 40 years of service, which is a great source of pride.”