Heart, Hustle, and a Whole Lot of Food
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Siblings Double Down on a Legacy
It might seem counterintuitive to sign a multimillion-dollar loan for a commercial wholesale food warehouse while restaurants were suffering huge losses seven months into an ongoing global pandemic. However, siblings Ben Linford, Brenna Linford, and Rebecca Love did just that. They were intent on saving their grandmother’s legacy: Linford of Alaska, one of the state’s only family-owned local wholesale food companies. While the transition happened at the scariest time in the company’s history, Linford emerged stronger than ever with solid leadership, teamwork, and dedicated employees.
“We played in the warehouse as kids and one of my favorite childhood scents is the distinct combo of cardboard and pepper,” says Brenna, reminiscing about growing up. “Linford has been there for us,” says Becca, who worked her way through high school, college, and graduate school in the front office. Their grandmother Sue (whom they called Tutu) grew the company over 45 years. “We watched Tutu build her empire as a strong businesswoman, and a strong arts and commerce advocate,” Brenna says.
When Sue passed in 2017 at 82, things were touch and go. Complex family dynamics put the company at risk of being sold. Ben, Brenna, and Becca (whom Sue called the Three Bs) couldn’t bear to let their grandmother’s legacy end or leave the future uncertain for Linford’s employees and their families.
So the Three Bs, all with their own complicated lives, dedicated themselves to defending Sue’s legacy. They got creative and made significant sacrifices, and after three years, in the midst of the pandemic, they finally secured the financing needed to ensure Linford’s future. Ben, who left his career in investment management to lead as CEO, said, “It wasn’t handed to us. We had to finance it and reinvest in Alaska and our team at a pretty rough time.”
The double down bet is paying off. Linford kept their entire team intact and even gave raises, paid bonuses, and made new hires during COVID. They increased their online presence and moved into new communities and markets. Linford delivers from the Mat-Su down through Girdwood and now to Soldotna and Homer. Every client—from restaurants and bakeries to coffee huts and even individual households—enjoys their personalized touch.
“We’re here to deliver wholesale food and more to Alaska restaurants and residents—unlike the big guys, Alaska is it for us,” says Ben. “Every day we ask, ‘How can we be the absolute best team and always deliver?’ We want Linford to be the go-to place for Alaskan restaurants and residents.”
Word of the new Linford energy is spreading. They are a vital connector in Alaska’s food system and their community-minded approach and excellent service will propel them into a bright new era.
Originally published in Issue No. 20, Summer 2021. Click to view.
