Business Consultant with a Superpower in Prepared Foods
Founder, Another Fine Consultant, LLC
danatomlin@columinate.coop
512-736-8081
I have deep experience in developing and implementing innovative, equitable solutions driven by strategy. I am passionate about managing and fostering people and organizations through growth, change, and crisis, and truly adaptable with a strong work ethic in support of mission-driven businesses.
— Dana Tomlin
I have been with my wife, Carol, for 20 years and in the Grocery industry for the same. We have a 24-year-old daughter, 2 dogs (Bug & Queso), and one bratty cat, Jack. We now live in New Orleans and are TX born.
I began my career at Wheatsville Food Co-op in Austin, TX as a cook in our original location. I then became the Deli Manager and ultimately Perishable Director overseeing all Fresh Departments (Deli, Meat & Seafood, Produce, & Bakehouse) in relation to programs, selection, pricing, and vendor relations for the two locations. Through my tenure at Wheatsville I was on a 3-person promotional team that set the direction for the organization, created new programs such as $5 Dinner, Co-op Basics & the creation of our Bakehouse including fresh bread and donuts, & an online store. I led the store through several renovations and the new build of our second location focusing on equipment procurement, systems and process set up, and workflow.
I was a member of a three-person General Management Team while a search for a full-time General Manager occurred, responsible for directing all aspects of business operations for a $33 million, two-location, retail grocery operation with 220 staff, directly supervising Store Managers & Fresh Foods Purchasing Teams, accountable to Board of Directors. During this time, we led the organization through Covid-19 safety procedures, and I managed the Fresh Teams through product procurement, production, and changes to offerings.
I have also presented and taught several classes such as Open Book Management, Customer Service Expectations and ongoing classes for all new staff onboarding for Wheatsville University.
My work with a Prepared Foods team resulted in sales increasing by over 30% year over year in their newest second store location. The original store stabilized after a multi-year decline that began with the start of COVID and a reduction in services followed by a significant transfer of customers and sales to the newer store the following year.
Another cooperative client has expressed the relief felt as we worked together to take their Prepared Foods Department from nearly two decades of dysfunction to being able to have clarity, confidence and hope for the next step.
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