Duwayne Warren, the first recipient of the One Associated Award, is marking his 40th anniversary with AFS. Duwayne, who began his career with AFS at just 16, started working in the cigarette room at the warehouse, the only department hiring teens at the time. His introduction to the company came through family—his father was an AFS driver.
From 1985 to 2007, Duwayne worked in various departments, including grocery and general merchandise, and became skilled in selecting, forklift operation, and receiving. During this time, he would often work full shifts at AFS before spending additional hours unloading trucks for carriers.
Currently, Duwayne serves as customer service manager, playing a key role in ensuring smooth operations between distribution, transportation, and procurement. Known for his unwavering dedication to retailer satisfaction, Duwayne, and the customer service team, is often the first point of contact for retailers seeking support or troubleshooting. 
Duwayne is a master at building relationships and solving problems with a commitment that has become legendary among colleagues and retailers alike. His tireless work ethic and dedication to AFS’ success continue to inspire those around him.
“Duwayne is so respected because he truly embodies One Associated,” said Glen Keysaw, vice president of distribution. “He never gives less than 100 percent and is fully dedicated to the success of our retailers. Not only does he solve tough issues, but he takes the time to understand our retailers’ needs. His experience and relationships strengthen the entire AFS team, helping us work more closely together to overcome the challenges of grocery distribution. Duwayne isn’t afraid to tackle complex problems, especially when it means improving the retailer’s relationship with AFS, and he always follows those challenges through to the end.”