Her Story
About Annie
Annie Williams is a strategic marketing leader serving as Marketing Manager for DBH Distributing, LLC, a Master Distributor of Hunt Brothers Pizza, the largest branded pizza program serving convenience stores across America. With nearly a decade of experience with the organization, Williams has developed a comprehensive understanding of the business through roles spanning customer service, field training, corporate support, and consumer marketing. In her current role, she leads marketing initiatives, brand promotions, market tests, product launches, consumer research, creative development, and cross-functional collaborations that support brand growth and engagement across a network of more than 11,000 locations. Before joining Hunt Brothers Pizza, Williams built nearly 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including back-of-house operations, restaurant management, event planning, and marketing. Her broad background has strengthened her ability to connect operational insight with strategic marketing, enabling her to contribute to national campaigns, brand storytelling, partnerships, and initiatives designed to strengthen the customer experience and support business growth. Throughout her career, Williams has advanced through increasingly responsible roles while remaining committed to continuous learning, strategic planning, collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, with minors in Biological Sciences and French. She has further expanded her leadership capabilities through professional development, including a Performance Leadership Certificate from Cornell University through eCornell and participation in the Haslam College of Business C-Suite Insights Cohort 4 program. Williams credits much of her professional success to the strong support system she shares with her husband of nearly 20 years, their two children, and nearby family. Guided by curiosity, continuous growth, and a commitment to collaboration, she encourages others to remain open to learning, think strategically, and embrace the pioneering spirit that has long defined Hunt Brothers Pizza.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Annie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong support system I have at home. My husband and I have been together for nearly 20 years, and together we are raising our two beautiful children. I am also fortunate to have an incredible family, including my two sisters and my mother, who live nearby and are always there when I need support. It truly takes a village, and without the love, encouragement, and support of my family, I would not be able to dedicate the time and energy I bring to my work at Hunt Brothers Pizza.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay curious. Our business was built by pioneers, so I believe it is important to continue asking questions, challenging assumptions, and considering whether our decisions remain aligned with our overall strategy. I also try to honor the original vision and thinking of those who came before us while exploring how we can continue building on their legacy and moving the business forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to seek opportunities to be in the room, even when you may not yet feel that you belong there. Every opportunity to listen and observe can help expand your knowledge and understanding. Be willing to learn from the conversations around you, gain insight into the broader operations of the business, and avoid becoming siloed within your current department. The more you understand how the entire organization works, the more effectively you can contribute, grow, and identify new opportunities for yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in our field is sustainable growth initiatives. New store growth is essential to maintain our status as the largest branded pizza program in the c-store industry, but it is equally essential to preserve the qualities that have made us successful, including our strong relationships with customers and consumers. Our business is about more than just pizza; it is built on meaningful partnerships, trust, and a commitment to delivering value. The opportunity lies in continuing to grow while staying true to the relationships and core strengths that define who we are.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are continuous growth and lifelong learning. I believe there is always room to improve, while also remaining grounded in my core beliefs and principles. I value strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to connect people and ideas across an organization. Most importantly, I believe in having a clear plan, staying focused on the strategy, and following through with consistency and purpose.
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