The Chill Zone: Justin Pugh

With 10 years at Thermo-Kool, Justin Pugh knows something about the Chill Zone. As an Accounting Supervisor, his responsibilities include overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. But Justin's not all about work. We sat down with him to talk about working here, where he thinks the industry is headed, and where he'd like to head to one day. 

How did you land in the foodservice industry? 

It started in 2014 when I started my career journey, and I realized that my being the next Deion Sanders in the sports world had vanished. I came to the realization that I had to find a job.

I started Thermo-Kool in the door department with a great group that helped mold me, and I’ve also carried life lessons from that department. “Quality before Quantity,” is a saying from Mr. James Wheat that I tell my employees daily. It’s good to get the job done in a timely manner, but the end process is the key.

If you could describe Thermo-Kool in one word, what would it be? 

It would be FAMILY. I will always see Thermo-Kool as my adopted family. Thermo-Kool took me in when no one else would, and I appreciate everyone’s confidence in me. I am excited to keep growing with this family.

Where do you think the industry is headed?

I think Thermo-Kool is headed for greatness, and it shows each year with our level of success. If everyone continues to do their part and show up every day with the attitude, “I want to be better than I was yesterday,” we will continue to grow. As our motto states, “showing up is half the battle.”

What's your favorite food and beverage?

I’m a burger connoisseur. As of now, Mugshots is my go-to spot for a burger.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

I would label Crescent City Grill in Hattiesburg, Missippissi, as being one of my favorite restaurants.

What's your go-to order if you're out to eat?

My go-to order at Crescent City Grill has to be the Catfish Plaquemine.

Do you cook at home? If so, what's your favorite tool or appliance?

With a George Foreman grill and a deep fryer, I can work magic, but sadly, the stove and I are still getting to know one another.

Are you binge-watching any TV shows right now?

I’m not a person that keeps up with shows on television, but I do like to try to catch every Lakers game during the regular season.

What's the coolest place on Earth you've ever been? 

The coolest place I’ve ever been was an Atlanta Hawks game, where I had access to see all the players’ cars in the garage and also access to walk past the teams’ locker rooms and enter the stadium through the same entrance as the players.

What's your favorite cold weather sport?

I know football isn’t considered a cold weather sport, but I would consider a snow game at Lambeau Field being one. I always had dreams of playing a game at Lambeau Field with snow everywhere to the point where all both teams could do was run the ball.

Is there anything on your bucket list?

I would like to attend a Lakers game courtside and watch Lebron James before he retires.

Anything else we should know about you that you'd like to share?

I do not have any kids, but I do have a fur buddy named Ruger, and we have a love-hate relationship. Ruger is an American Bulldog that I evicted from staying in the house some years back, but I would not trade him from nothing.

I enjoy shopping, traveling, spending time with family, designing cars, and teaching Sunday school. I must not forget to include my accounting team as well because without them, this department could not flow the way it does, and the leadership of Paul Moss.

Every day I wake up, I always use this scripture as my motivation: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13. I would like to close this questionnaire with a popular line from Kanye West: I am asked a lot will I ever leave Thermo-Kool? The answer is . . .I guess we will never know. *Drops mic*

Keep up to date with our team and what's going on at Thermo-Kool - sign up for our online newsletter, Turtle Tracks: