PFSbrands has named Steve Black as its first COO, setting the stage for the next 25 years of growth.
Despite recent challenges in the marketplace, including COVID-19, inflation and supply chain disruptions, PFSbrands is committed to strategic growth and shareholder returns for the 100 percent employee-owned company.
“We’ve been in a calculated multi-year search for the right individual to serve in a COO role. Our unique business model demands someone with not only the right skills but also the right cultural mindset,” said Shawn Burcham, founder and CEO of the Holts Summit, Missouri-based company.
“We are committed to the success of our wholesalers and retailers so we feel extremely blessed to hire someone who has spent their entire career enhancing retailer profitability. We believe Steve is the embodiment of the leader we’ve been looking for.”
Black comes to PFSbrands with a 45-year history in the retail grocery industry. His experience comes with brands such as Rouses Markets, Lucky’s Farmers Markets and Sprouts Farmers Markets.
His most recent tenure was as president and COO for Rouses, a growing supermarket chain based in Louisiana
In addition, Black is an author, having recently released “The 5 Rules,” a guide that discusses people, culture and business success.
Black will be taking on responsibilities for several areas at PFSbrands, including customer success, retail growth, retail operations, marketing and technology. He will also be a featured speaker and coach for GRITT Business Coaching, a division of PFSbrands.
“The culture at PFSbrands is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Black said.
“After several interactions with the leadership team and after seeing the open book leadership style, the ownership thinking mentality, and the core values in action, I knew PFSbrands was a great fit. The secret to success is people, and as COO, my aim is to nurture the incredible talent at PFSbrands.”
PFSbrands is the parent company of foodservice brands, including Champs Chicken, Hangar 54 Pizza and BluTaco. These hot food programs, along with several other of the company’s license and private-label brands, can be found in more than 2,000 convenience stores and supermarkets across the U.S.
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