Leadership Built on Culture, Consistency & Community with René Diaz
Episode 13
Leadership Built on Culture, Consistency & Community
Aired: November 14, 2025
Guest: René Diaz, President/CEO of Diaz Foods
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In this episode of Crave – The IFDA Podcast, we sit down with René Diaz, President & CEO of Diaz Foods, a multigenerational food-distribution leader with a remarkable story grounded in grit, gratitude, and giving back.
From immigrating to the U.S. with nothing… to running one of the most respected Hispanic food companies in America, René shares the principles that shaped him: consistency, service, culture, and community impact.
We explore how Diaz Foods blends family values, hard work, and data-driven innovation and why empathy, discipline, and cultural pride still win in a fast-moving market.
This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and the power of showing up.
Topics Covered in This Episode
- 0:00 What Drives René Diaz?
- 1:21 Welcome + René’s Leadership Journey
- 2:15 Starting in Food at Age 9
- 3:06 Why Distribution is Dynamic & Challenging
- 4:32 Growing Up in the Grocery Business
- 5:14 Community Service & Mentorship Roots
- 6:32 From Immigrant Family to Building Opportunity
- 8:06 Learning from Business Leaders & Boards
- 9:48 Giving Back + Scholarships & Guiding Youth
- 12:24 Culture, Trust & Protecting Values
- 13:49 Empathy + Standards: The Balance of Leadership
- 15:31 Multicultural Teams & Shared Identity
- 17:01 Food, Heritage & Family Traditions
- 18:51 Food as Connection & Community
- 19:37 Partnerships: Then vs Now
- 21:24 The Value of Loyalty & Long-Term Relationships
- 23:41 Handshake Deals & Old-School Trust
- 26:03 Learning Together via Industry Associations
- 27:00 Technology Evolution: From 1980s Coding to AI
- 29:11 AI, Data & Pricing Strategy Innovation
- 32:55 Mentors, Consistency & Success Lessons
- 36:07 Leadership Call to Action: Be Consistent
- 37:42 Final Lessons: Action, Optimism & Values
- 41:27 Thanks to Cut+Dry & Closing Thoughts
More About Our Guest
René Diaz
President & CEO, The Diaz Group LLC
René M. Díaz is the President and CEO of The Diaz Group LLC, the management company for Diaz Foods, Diaz Produce, EDUA Holdings, La Cena Fine Foods NJ, and International Imports. He founded Diaz Foods in 1980 and has since grown it into one of the largest Hispanic-owned food distribution companies in the United States.
A proud Atlanta native and lifelong entrepreneur, René began his career with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution before launching his first business. He earned his BBA in Marketing from Georgia State University and is a graduate of several leadership programs, including Leadership Atlanta, the Regional Leadership Institute, the Middle East Travel Seminar Fellowship, and the Diversity Leadership Academy of Atlanta.
René currently serves on multiple boards, including the Emory University Center for Ethics Advisory Board, the Georgia State University Robinson College of Business Board, and the Young Harris College Board of Trustees (Emeritus). He also continues to lead as Chairman and CEO of Diaz Foods’ Board of Directors.
Throughout his distinguished career, René has served on numerous corporate and community boards, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Atlantic Capital Bank, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Carter Center, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Board Chair 1991 and 2011), and the United Way of Greater Atlanta, where he chaired a $75.5 million fundraising campaign.
René has been recognized among Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Top 100 Most Influential Atlantans” (2001–2023) and Atlanta Magazine’s “500 Most Powerful Leaders” (2019–2022). His many honors include the Georgia State University Distinguished Alumni Award, the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO Award, and induction into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
René has been featured in Forbes, INC. Magazine, Georgia Trend, and on CNN, highlighting his impact as a business leader and advocate for community growth and diversity.
When he’s not leading or mentoring, René enjoys yoga, sailing, travel, Porsches, Formula 1 racing, and photography.
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