Keith J. Haywood joined the firm May, 1983. Since joining the company, Keith has concentrated on marketing and sales primarily. His other areas of work have includes foodservice management, catering and special events, facility design, construction, brand development work including retail and franchise development.  Keith is the point person for the company’s business development initiatives , partnerships and new ventures.

Keith received a B.A. from North Carolina Central University in 1977 with a major in Business Administration and Marketing. He was a member of the 1974 MEAC Championship Tennis Team.

After graduation from college Keith joined Gourmet Services, Inc, and clerked for the company’s Vice President for Operations and Financial Affairs. During his career, Keith is proud to have launched two food service management companies and served as a food service consultant for the Kellogg’s/ Fern International, Legout Foods subsidiary.
Keith is the past chairman of the Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau and instrumental in navigating the cities hospitality and tourism growth from 1997-2000. For a number of years, Keith has been active in the minority business community, small business development initiatives, as well as a graduate of the Tucks "School of Minority Business Growth Program”.

Keith holds active memberships several organizations including his church, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, North Carolina Central University Alumni and Charlotte 100 Black Men.  He is a founding member of NC Central Universities School of Hospitality Management and has served on numerous advisory boards and committees in the foodservice, hospitality, travel and tourism industry.