Joseph Pride Korkames has greatly expanded Famous Chili Co.’s national retail, food service and private label initiatives of the fourth-generation, family-run, Arkansas company, growing cases sold by 20% and revenue by 40% in less than two years.
He’s done all of this while substantially expanding distribution and employment opportunities in the company. During this same time, Korkames completed his doctorate in management from IESE Business School, becoming fluent in Spanish and publishing scholarly works in marketing in international peer-reviewed journals.
His first job was helping in the family food business, an experience that taught him no task is beneath the company leader, and consistency, especially when no one is watching, is what builds trust.
Korkames said his extensive teaching background enriches his business leadership. He hopes to take 4 Star Beef Chili national in the coming years, knowing the product has what it takes to flourish.
“One of the most fulfilling moments was seeing Famous Chili expand rapidly with a few little pushes — knowing our small Arkansas brand has the potential to be a national if not global brand without losing its identity,” he said.
Raised in Fort Smith, Korkames is a champion of innovation, a mentor to young professionals, and works to bring Arkansas products to a national audience.
“I define success as the ability to transform long-term vision into measurable impact, whether that’s growing a multigenerational business, guiding others toward clarity or generating insights that outlast the moment,” he said.
Along with his Ph.D., Korkames has a master’s degree in economics and finance from Barcelona School of Economics, a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in accountancy from Hendrix College, and a bachelor’s degree from University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.