MADISON, TN, September 26, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James Dillard has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Dillard has established a distinguished career in the food sales industry, demonstrating expertise in building relationships and mastering the intricacies of the business. In 2024, after a short retirement period, he assumed the role of National Sales Director at Standard Candy Company, LLC dba Goo Goo Cluster in Nashville, TN. Goo Goo Cluster is a Nashville-based family-owned company and is a nostalgic brand of candy known for making America's First Combination Candy Bar. In this capacity, he manages accounts and brokers nationally and plays a pivotal role in selling, marketing and securing new distribution opportunities in all classes of trade. He is responsible for developing innovative ideas for new customer offerings and building sustainable business growth. His comprehensive industry knowledge has enabled him to adapt seamlessly to evolving market demands and product lines, a quality he regards as one of his most notable professional achievements.

Prior to joining Goo Goo Cluster, Mr. Dillard served as Director of Development at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, TN, from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, he significantly elevated fundraising efforts and was instrumental in advancing the school's mission and expanding its resources. Mr. Dillard also held various Director and Sales Management positions with other food companies such as Campofrio Food Group, American Licorice Company, Kraft Foods and White Lily Foods. His first food-selling job was with Maxwell Food Brokers in Nashville, TN. There, he repped Borden Foods, which included brands like Bama Jelly, Eagle Brand Milk, Borden Cheese, Wyler's Lemonade, and Cracker Jacks, just to name a few. While in high school, Mr. Dillard got his first job as a grocery store clerk at H.G. Hill #45 in Madison, TN. There, he developed a passion for the grocery and food business that would shape his professional journey.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Mr. Dillard has an extensive background in sports officiating, administration and community leadership. He officiated college and high school basketball for 30 years and was selected twice to work the Tennessee High School State Basketball Tournament as well as officiating college basketball playoffs. His dedication and commitment earned him induction into the Nashville Davidson County Schools Sports Hall of Fame for his dual contributions as a referee and elected official. Mr. Dillard served as a two-term voter elected councilmember of the Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County City Council from 1995 to 2003. His focus on youth initiatives and safety underscored his dedication to community development.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in marketing from Almeda University, and an associate's degree from Volunteer State Community College. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a certificate program in Public Policy at Vanderbilt University in 1995. Mr. Dillard attributes his success to integrity, honoring commitments and cultivating strong relationships—qualities that have been fundamental throughout his career.

Mr. Dillard has been civically engaged over the years by volunteering with Meals on Wheels America, mentoring youth through First Tee Nashville, and coaching baseball teams for Little League International and Babe Ruth League, Inc. He also served as president and coach for the Madison Titans Football program, and today, he volunteers at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, working with their life recovery group.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Dillard values family life deeply. He is the father of one daughter and one son and a proud Papa to three beautiful granddaughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren participate in sports and various activities. He also enjoys playing golf, attending concerts, traveling, and supporting the local professional and college teams such as the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds, U.T. Vols and Vanderbilt Commodores. Looking ahead, he aims to continue to help rebuild Goo Goo Cluster by restoring its brand prominence while ensuring long-term sustainability and preserving its nostalgic legacy. He also intends to continue supporting his church recovery group and remain actively involved with his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his multifaceted career, Mr. Dillard has demonstrated unwavering dedication to professional excellence and community service, earning recognition for his leadership within the food industry and his impact on youth programs and civic initiatives.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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