Every year since 1991, BFS Industries has held a company-wide pig pickin’ in September or October. This year, the 35th annual pig pickin’ was hosted on October 25, 2025, at BFS Industries. This event is cooked in tradition, with a serious food lineup, awards, and fun for members of the whole family.
Diane Frances has been the head planner and coordinator of the event since 1996, a year after she joined the company. Her daughter-in-law, Amber, also joined BFS in 2016 and started helping Diane as a co-planner and coordinator in 2019.
“The goal of the pig pickin’ is to celebrate all of BFS’ accomplishments and to bring everyone’s families and friends together,” said Diane. “We can all meet, talk, and socialize outside of the work environment, even though we are still at BFS.”
True to its name, the pig pickin’ itself is a highlight and part of the event’s history. “For the first probably 30 pig pickins’, one of our employees, Howard Shaw, always cooked the pig,” said Diane. “He retired a few years back, but Ken McIlhenny had been helping for the past 10 years or so and has taken over cooking the pig. Bernice Williams was with BFS for 30 years and cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and Italian sausage.”
Since Bernice retired, the famous in-house “Cook Position” hasn’t been replaced, but Gillis Catering out of Rougemount, NC, has done a great job providing fried and barbeque chicken, as well as sides such as mac and cheese, potatoes, slaw, baked beans, hush puppies, and green beans.
“Dan Weldon, a long-time employee, always leads a blessing before we start our wonderful feast,” said Diane. “He is our resident pastor and does this before we have any meal here at BFS.”
After dinner, Tom Garbarino, BFS Industries president, recognizes employee anniversaries with a well thought-out speech.
“As we approach our 80th year anniversary, the key to our success has always been our people,” said Tom. “We appreciate the loyalty and dedication of the entire BFS team and take time during our annual pig pickin’ to recognize milestone years of service. This year we were fortunate to recognize seven members of the BFS family for their many years of great service. Congrats to all – BFS appreciates your valuable contribution to our success!”
This year, these employees were recognized for milestone awards:
30 Years (1995-2025)
Jim Samborsky
20 Years (2005-2025)
Steve Hite
Ken McIlhenny
Shannon Lyman
10 Years (2015-2025)
Quincy Hargrove
Jay Nesbit
Ken Still
The employees with anniversaries received a plaque in appreciation for their service and a gift.
The event is fun for family members of all ages. Kids are entertained with a bounce house and face painting. There was also an ice cream truck passing out ice cream cones, cups, and pre-frozen treats – an idea from Michael Garbarino that Diane said was a “huge hit.” Lastly, many vendors donate gift cards and gifts, which are handed out to guests via a drawing.
After the dinner and awards, the employees end the night with a final tradition – a toast with a shot of Gentleman Jack.
“This was one of our Dad’s favorite whiskeys,” shared Diane. “So we ask that anyone who would like to participate may join us in having a toast to our Dad in honor of him and his memory.”
A big thanks to Diane and Amber for another fun pig pickin’!
