Southern Roots Announces February 2026 Member Spotlight: Catherine Gilmore

MILLEN GA - This month’s Southern Roots Member Spotlight shines on Catherine Gilmore, Buyer at Royal Food Service. Take a moment to learn more about Catherine!

What is your favorite quote and why?

"I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free" – Michelangelo

This quote has always resonated with me because it mirrors how I think about personal growth and vision. Becoming the person that you want to be takes consistent effort, patience, and a willingness to work through uncomfortable moments. But as long as you have a clear vision of the "angel", however, every stroke of the chisel becomes worth it.

What are things that you do to ensure that you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

When given the chance to take on something new, I almost always just say "yes", even if it falls outside the official scope of my role. "That's not my job" is not a phrase you will ever hear from me. Saying "yes" has exposed me to many different parts of the business and helped me better understand the "big picture". It's pushed me outside of my comfort zone, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and made me a more thoughtful and adaptable member of the team.

What's the most important thing that you've learned in your career?

The value of leaning on others. No one has all the answers! Some of the best decisions I've made have come from working alongside other people, like picking a grower's brain for their deep product knowledge, or working closely with salespeople to truly understand the market. Building strong relationships and staying open to different perspectives has consistently led to better outcomes, and has made me a more confident decision-maker and a stronger leader.

What is one characteristic that you believe all leaders should possess?

Integrity. Doing the right thing, even when it's difficult or inconvenient, builds trust and credibility with both your team, your customers, and your external business partners. When people know your word means something, it creates stronger relationships, as well as a culture of accountability.

What is your least favorite mode of transportation?

Plane. I'm not afraid of flying, I just hate dealing with airports! I also admit, I pack heavy, and don't enjoy paying out the wazoo to bring extra bags. Give me a podcast and some snacks and I'll happily drive to wherever I need to be.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?

Sneak in a workout! Free time is rare for me these days, but when I do have a moment, I try to fit in some kind of exercise - usually lifting weights. Even a short session helps me reset, clear my head, and feel more energized for the rest of the day.

What is your favorite part of your career?

Relationships. I'm a people person at heart, and working in purchasing allows me to collaborate with a wide range of partners both internally and externally — from suppliers and sales to accounting and marketing. Building strong relationships and working together toward mutually beneficial outcomes is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

What is your guilty pleasure (TV show, food, etc.)?

Pizza! I generally try to stay conscious of my health, but pizza is my achilles heel. I can't say no to a slice!

What are you passionate about?

I am a huge animal lover. My mom worked at a veterinary clinic when I was a kid, and I would usually spend my afternoons after school hanging out there until her shift ended. That experience sparked a huge passion for animals for me. I am a huge advocate for shelters, fostering, and TNR programs, and I also have two cats of my own, Spud and Juniper, who completely run my household.

If you could spend the day with one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Steve Irwin. Growing up I watched more Animal Planet than I did Disney or Nickelodeon, and The Crocodile Hunter was one of my favorite shows. Beyond his energy and enthusiasm, Steve did incredible work for conservation and animal advocacy. I would have loved the opportunity to pick his brain about conservation, environmental challenges, and how he might approach protecting wildlife in today's world.