Jim Barberio, Prima Marketing LLC

This category manager's variety of past roles taught him the business from many perspectives

With more than 38 years of experience in product distribution and sales, Jim Barberio attributes his professional successes to his grassroots start in the industry. Beginning as a truck loader for a grocery wholesaler, he moved up the business through a variety of positions, including wholesale buyer and retail area supervisor, to his current role as category manager, marketing department, at Prima Marketing LLC, a 7-Eleven licensee based in Fairmont, W.Va.

While one of his favorite quotes is, "It is not how you start, but how you finish," Barberio noted that it's "that stuff in between that makes us better at what we do and who we are."

He and his wife of 39 years, Barbara, have two sons, Jimmie and Scott, and six grandchildren. His top interests include golf, fantasy sports, West Virginia University sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What hidden talent do you possess?

I am a master negotiator, but I keep that well hidden.

What is the last thing to make you use foul language?

Another change in our trade show and golf outing.

What do you do when you are stressed out?

Swivel in my chair at work.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Rigatoni and meatballs.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People not reading ALL the content of an e-mail.

What things would you most like to change?

My impatience, our dependence on foreign oil and the outcome of last year's Super Bowl.

If you were stuck on a deserted island with no hopes of rescue, who is the last person you'd want with you?

My wife. No sense in us both dying.

What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Tuesday. The problems of Monday are solved by then.

Describe your weirdest dream?

I was retired with nothing to do. Scary!

For comments, please contact Angela Hanson, Assistant Editor, at (201) 855-7619 or [email protected].