As the cooperative grocery industry continues to grow, many stores are looking at hybrid models: a mixture of natural foods and conventional grocery. New Columinate consultant Andre Chavez has so much operational experience in both natural and conventional grocery that he could be considered a hybrid unto himself.
Columinate has a small team of organizers, trainers, and governance specialists who work specifically with resident-owned communities. The team offers "bench strength" to ROC USA®, and ROC affiliates work by providing communities with temporary team members who pitch in to do the work of community organizing, governance coaching, and co-op education and training. Meet Marcia Sprague.
New Columinate consultant Brandon Kane has areas of expertise that include business development and operational and financial improvement. He offers interim general manager (IGM) services and can help assess retail performance, including developing strategic plans for rapid implementation. Kane answered some questions about what brought him to Columinate and his areas of focus.
New Columinate consultant Chris Morris has diverse areas of expertise that include retail operations leadership, training and development, and merchandising. He can help co-ops looking for a culture and diversity champion or for community partnerships. Morris also has experience and knowledge in management transitions and the FDA Food Code. Chris Morris answered some questions about what brought him to Columinate and about his areas of focus.
Wynston Estes arrived at Ocean Beach People’s Organic Market in April of 2021 during a period of instability. Throughout Wynyston's tenure, she worked with the team at Ocean Beach to improve both daily and long-term operations, including improving long-term financial viability of the store while simultaneously implementing a staff-wide pay rate increase.
Luke Schell took the helm of the Just Food Co-op in Northfield, Minnesota, as the interim general manager (IGM) in the summer of 2021 after the resignation of its previous general manager. Throughout his contract, Luke has made numerous positive changes at the co-op, including improvements to staff morale.
Columinate consultant Dennis Hanley stepped into the role of interim general manager (IGM) at Co-op Market Grocery & Deli in Fairbanks, Alaska, after their general manager exited in late summer 2021. Here's an update on the impact Dennis made at the co-op.
