Born in 1946, Jim Martin was 9 years old when his parents, Lloyd and Lois Martin, turned their garage into a bakery and started baking bread, rolls, and other items to sell at farmers markets. From a young age, Jim began learning the ins and outs of the family business as he peeled potatoes, helped to roll dough balls, and do other simple tasks.
After graduating from high school, Jim attended college and then worked at the hospital of Philadelphia. In 1968, Jim married Donna Gibble. Donna’s parents were the founders of Nibble with Gibble’s snacks, a family business that similarly began by selling food items at farmers markets.
Jim worked for his father-in-law at Gibble’s snacks for a short time in the early 1970s; then rejoined his parents and two sisters in the Martin’s bakery. In 1977, Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe incorporated and built a new bakery, where the company headquarters is today.
Over the years, Jim managed the business—as vice president under his father and later as president. The popularity of Martin’s Potato Rolls continued to grow, and Jim oversaw the building of a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. Before long, Martin’s products would be distributed all over the US and to over 60 countries around the world.
In 2021, Jim Martin transferred the title of company President to his son Tony, and Jim took on the title of Executive Chair of the Board. In his new role, Jim continues to be highly involved with the company on a daily basis, sharing his wisdom and experience with the leadership team, his family, and his coworkers.
Most important to Jim is his commitment to his faith, his family, and to the community. Martin’s corporate documents ensure that the company will give 10%-15% percent of its income to charities—homeless shelters, food banks, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, adoption agencies, disaster relief, and many other non-profit charities and organizations, both local and world-wide.
Jim and Donna have four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His hobbies include singing, flying airplanes, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his family.
