James Maynard Bio

James founded IMC in 1971 with a vision of creating meaningful employment for others. He was the company’s Chief Executive Officer through 2015 and served as its Chairman until 2023. He co-founded Golden Corral Corp. at age 33 with the opening of the first Golden Corral restaurant in Fayetteville, NC, in 1973, and served as President and CEO until 1989. Golden Corral Corporation is now the owner or franchisor of hundreds of restaurants nationwide as America’s #1 buffet restaurant. James served as a Director of BB&T Corporation from 1984 to 2010. In 2003, the governor of North Carolina awarded Mr. Maynard the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian service honor that can be granted to a citizen of North Carolina. He was inducted into the NC Business Hall of Fame in 2009 and has been awarded the highest levels of state and national recognition by the hospitality industry. James earned his bachelor's degree from East Carolina University. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and fishing.