Timothy Grabar
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Gordon Food Service, driving $1.85 billion in annual sales and achieving over $150 million in EBITDA. Expertise in strategic planning and operational efficiency, with a focus on vendor negotiations and revenue growth. Delivered record customer satisfaction through innovative merchandising strategies.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
President, Gordon Food Service Stores
Gordon Food Service
Grand Rapids, Michigan
12.2015 - Current
- Oversaw $1.85 billion annual store business, achieving over $150 million in EBITDA annually.
- Drove eight consecutive years of double-digit earnings growth across 180 stores in 12 states.
- Contributed to strategic direction as key member of North American Senior Leadership Team.
- Implemented growth plan, elevating digital sales to 15% of total revenue.
- Launched initiatives for online ordering, curbside pickup, and credit card payments.
- Achieved 400% increase in fresh produce sales through innovative merchandising strategies.
- Reorganized field operations team to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Delivered record-setting customer satisfaction scores across key metrics.
Group Vice President, Retail Merchandising and Store Operations
Mariano’s (The Kroger Co.)
03.2011 - 12.2015
- Opened first 40 stores, establishing a strong retail presence in Chicago.
- Transformed startup concept into second largest food retailer in Chicago.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for specialty positions to ensure effective onboarding.
- Recruited and mentored high-performing merchandising team focused on food products.
- Conducted hiring and interviews for all salaried managers across initial 40 stores.
- Executed specialty departments such as Sushi, Wine, Coffee Bar, and others.
- Implemented Periscope inventory and production software to enhance operational efficiency.
- Drove market share growth to over 7% of Chicago food retail sales.
Vice President Purchasing and Marketing
Dearborn Wholesale Grocers
01.2006 - 03.2011
- Developed Hispanic wholesale grocery program, increasing sales by over 500 percent.
- Sourced products directly from Mexico and South America to enhance inventory offerings.
- Purchased and operated first two retail grocery stores in company history.
- Served as Walgreens key contact for Food Desert program to improve community access.
- Created annual category budgets and strategic plans to drive profitability.
- Managed vendor income through advertising dollars, slotting fees, product markdowns, and trade shows.
- Oversaw profitability and daily operations of 12 cash-and-carry stores.
- Executed daily purchasing and category management for fresh produce categories.
President /Director of Merchandising
Delray Farms
01.1996 - 01.2006
- Achieved $80 million in annual sales for 18-store Hispanic grocery startup with 400 employees.
- Negotiated bank covenants, securing working capital credit facilities.
- Managed pricing strategies and gross margin models across all product categories.
- Directed labor modeling and operations team to enhance overall efficiency.
- Oversaw accurate product forecasting to optimize inventory management.
- Reported financial performance and strategic updates to Board of Directors.
- Conducted financial presentations and provided updates during board meetings.
- Led site selection, real estate negotiations, store design, and contractor selection.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-ChampaignSkills
- Capital and resource management
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Vendor negotiations
- Operational efficiency
- Cost reduction
- Sales and marketing
- Business development
- Revenue growth
- Budget management
- Cost control
- Inventory management
- Market analysis
- Team leadership
- Talent recruitment
- Operations oversight
Awards And Acknowledgements
- Participation in Servant Leadership program.
- Illiterate adult reading instructor.
- Cabrini Green youth mentor.
- 15 years of kitchen experience including kitchen manager roles.
- Cooked in Italy and France for one year.
- Dominick’s Chicago category manager for fresh meat and seafood.
- One year experience at National Livestock and Meat Board.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
President, Gordon Food Service Stores
Gordon Food Service
12.2015 - Current
Group Vice President, Retail Merchandising and Store Operations
Mariano’s (The Kroger Co.)
03.2011 - 12.2015
Vice President Purchasing and Marketing
Dearborn Wholesale Grocers
01.2006 - 03.2011
President /Director of Merchandising
Delray Farms
01.1996 - 01.2006
Master of Business Administration -
Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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