Columinate’s Manager on Contract and Interim General Manager services can be a game-changer for food co-ops and community-focused independent grocery retailers. In this report and in following weeks, we will highlight Columinate consultants working as managers on contract. Featured here, following our summary of these programs, is Garland McQueen at Lovettsville Cooperative Market, which is planning to open in late August 2023.

The opportunities for utilizing a Manager on Contract fall into two broad categories: new store openings, and an operational tune-up or turnaround.

New store openings, especially startups: Opening a new store requires different experiences and skills than managing a store that is up and running. Columinate consultants serving as Managers on Contract can build and work with the local team and other professional support to manage the store through store opening—then hand off to the client’s long-term general manager a few months after store opening.

Management transition coupled with an operational tune-up or turnaround: Often alongside a manager transition comes an opportunity to identify and implement changes to strengthen store performance. The return on investment of having a Manager on Contract stems from Improved systems, team empowerment and development, and an updated retail strategy. Columinate’s grocery retail experts assess and identify opportunities for improvement, and because they are in a position of responsibility as manager, they can build alignment and implement changes needed for better store performance.

For new stores, Columinate support can begin with a consultative relationship early in the process, during the organizing stage when the vision for the store is first being created. Once implementation begins, Columinate’s Management on Contract services include:

• project management during the store design and build-out process;

• management during pre-opening, when all store systems are developed and implemented;

• management during the critical opening stage, when the best available resources should be deployed to ensure the community experiences an exciting store;

• finally, management during the first few months of the new store operations.

An ideal time to hand over management responsibilities to the long-term GM is when the store, team, and systems are stable.

That timing for hand-over of management applies as well in a store turnaround. In a single-store operation, the Manager on Contract typically serves as an Interim General Manager (IGM). In a multi-store setting, the role could be IGM or Store Manager. Sometimes the position is named Interim Turnaround Manager, and in longer engagements the role could be Contract General Manager. The common thread is that the engagement includes management responsibilities and authority to get stuff done.

Utilizing Columinate Manager on Contract experts can also go hand in hand with our GM Development and Training program and our GM hiring and search support.

There are many examples of interim management assistance, and each has its own circumstances and challenges. Columinate’s group of talented grocery experts are passionate about co-ops, especially successful ones! For more information about having a Manager on Contract during a manager transition or when planning to open a new store, contact Mark Goehring.

Garland McQueen at Lovettsville Cooperative Market

Garland McQueen has worked with many stores. Here, he reports on one of his most recent management contracts, a startup that is due to open later in summer 2023:

“I started my association with Lovettsville Cooperative Market (LCM) in Lovettsville, Virginia, after plans were chosen, but prior to construction. The first few months of my work were remote, and in this situation the time spent remotely depends upon the speed of the building process.

“I spent a lot of time reviewing the equipment for cost and necessity. I was able to save a substantial amount of funds by choosing products from other reputable vendors. I began to build out SOP’s, engage in creating the employee handbook, start the local vendor/supplier connections, and begin the process of securing all the permits and licenses (alcohol, business, SNAP, etc). I presented options for a POS system based on the needs and budget. I also helped navigate the NCG membership process for LCM.

“Through it all, I cultivated a positive working relationship with the board of directors, and we worked together to keep the membership growing. I worked on the construction site for the few months leading to opening. We had several delays due to equipment shortages and had to inform the affected parties of each delay. While on site, I worked as project manager and hiring manager, created department specific budget goals, and created an opening schedule. I also worked with the search committee for the general manager (GM) hiring process. I will remain with the co-op up to three months after opening to work with, coach, and train the new GM. There are hundreds of minor decisions made daily that are second nature for experienced managers.

“In summary: There are thousands of moving parts during a build-out and a Grand Opening. It is important to manage these situations to a controllable level before a new GM takes the reins. The overlap is an important part of my process. This is where the new GM watches and learns. I will make sure the new GM makes all the decisions before my departure. I will be by their side for support or guidance if needed. After I leave, I will be retained as remote assistance for a set amount of time. I always recommend Columinate’s General Manager Development Program for new GM’s, and I continue to provide information to the GM and the board for review.”

The chair of the co-op, John DeSaix, says: 

“Garland has been invaluable during the implementation stage.  He is always calm, has pretty much seen everything. He is thorough and can work with all the different personalities involved in a project like this.  With his knowledge and expertise, Garland has been able to deliver significant cost savings and has helped the co-op avoid numerous landmines.  I’m not sure how we could possibly have done this without him! The Lovettsville Co-op is scheduled to open in August 2023.”