[Original Articles written By Carl Wilson – Researcher, Triad Business Journal]
We are thrilled and honored to announce that Wicked Crisps has been selected as one of the 2026 Leaders in Diversity by the Triad Business Journal!
This award celebrates organizations across the Triad region that actively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplaces and communities. For our team, inclusion isn't a temporary initiative or a corporate checklist. It is the foundational recipe behind how we make our snacks and run our company every single day.
Honored alongside fellow community leaders at North Carolina A&T State University, our crew was recognized as one of this year's top private company award winners.
"Our Workforce Has a Heart"
In a profile featured by the Triad Business Journal, our founder and president, Phil Kosak, shared what sets our culture and hiring practices apart from the status quo.
When asked about the business case for keeping diversity as the linchpin of our strategy, Phil summed up why our workplace culture works so well:
"Having a workforce of individuals who care, are invested and determined to be a part of something is paramount to any company success. When you are told you can't do something or are unable to be a part of something, once given the opportunity, you do not take it for granted. The workforce we build has a heart." — Phil Kosak, President
Our hiring process intentionally begins by collaborating directly with local special needs advocacy organizations to identify talented, dedicated candidates. Because of that commitment, more than half of our team consists of individuals with disabilities.
What Inclusion Looks Like on the Floor
Here are a few highlights from our feature in the Triad Business Journal that show how we foster an inclusive, empowered workplace every day:
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Zero Glass Ceilings: Every manager on our team started at the beginning. We cross-train team members continuously and offer open positions to internal staff first so everyone sees a clear path upward.
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A Shared Voice: Inclusion means ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We bring our entire workforce together for weekly meetings where participation is encouraged from everyone, regardless of role.
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Inclusion as the Norm: As Phil noted in the article, inside our facility, "what might seem unique is instead the norm. Our crews are accustomed to the reality that all things are possible, accept individuals for who they are and what they can contribute to our team."
Looking Ahead with Pride
While our approach has earned past local, state, and national Employer of the Year honors, as well as opportunities for Phil to participate in national policy discussions, receiving this recognition right here in our home community means the world to our crew.
Closing out his interview with the journal, Phil reflected on what receiving the Leaders in Diversity Award means for all of us:
"This recognition reinforces what I believe about people and what is possible in life. We all count and we all have something to give. The award echoes this sentiment and hopefully resonates with others."
We want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible team, our community advocacy partners, and our amazing customers who support our mission with every bag of Wicked Crisps enjoyed.
To read the full feature and learn more about this year’s honorees, visit the Triad Business Journal.
