Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) has shared that Chairman and CEO Brad Brookshire is retiring, concluding a career defined by servant leadership, community commitment and long-term growth of the family-owned company. Jerry LeClair will assume the role of interim CEO.
Brookshire, the grandson of company founder W.T. Brookshire, has served the company for 49 years, including 20 years as chairman of the board and 10 years as CEO.
Under his leadership, BGC expanded its store count, strengthened its culture of innovation and customer service and deepened a longstanding commitment to the communities across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“From growing up in this company and watching my grandfather lead [it], to stepping into the shoes myself, it has been the greatest honor to be chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co.,” Brookshire said.
“BGC’s success has always been driven by our employee-partners, our customers and our communities, and I’m thankful for the support that has carried this company forward for nearly a century.”
Career spans all areas of business
In his time with the company, Brookshire served across all areas of the business in roles including store director, VP, EVP and president before becoming CEO. He was instrumental in the development of the Super 1 Foods banner 41 years ago.
During Brookshire’s time as CEO, the company established and expanded the banner of Spring Market, acquired the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Reasor’s banner and expanded the Super 1 Foods and FRESH by Brookshire’s banners.
In total, the company grew from 152 to 222 stores. BGC also improved its stores through numerous remodels, new technology and partnerships with national companies.
Community leadership, industry recognition
Under Brookshire’s leadership, the company supported 175 communities through times of celebration and crisis, including countless winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brookshire helped establish the Heroes Flight program, which has escorted nearly 600 veterans on 21 all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C.
He also spearheaded the Focus on the Future Scholarship program, which was a more than $1 million endowment to some 45 universities and colleges in communities where BGC has stores.
Brookshire was inducted into The Shelby Report’s Food Industry Hall of Fame in 2020. Four years later, he received the FMI – The Food Industry Association’s Sidney R. Rabb Award, the grocery industry’s highest honor.
He also represented the grocery industry on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas during the pandemic.
LeClair named interim CEO
LeClai, who has more than 40 years in the grocery business, joined the company as EVP and chief merchant officer in 2019.
He was promoted to COO last year and has led retail operations, marketing, category management, merchandising, fuel, logistics and facility services.
“Brad’s leadership has shaped BGC in profound and lasting ways,” LeClair said. “He has led with integrity, humility and a genuine care for people, ensuring that BGC continues to thrive while honoring the company’s heritage.
“Brad strengthened the foundation laid by our company founder and we are determined to continue his legacy. As a team, we will remain focused on serving our customers and supporting our employee-partners.”
BGC will recognize Brookshire’s contributions later this spring with a retirement celebration.
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