Business View Magazine Apr-2023

32 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 BUEHLER ’ S FRESH FOODS years, the family relocated to Wooster and opened their second store on the northeast corner of the Public Square in 1932. Buehler’s remained a family-owned entity for four generations, expanding the store’s reach during this time. The store’s founders understood the importance of customer service, providing free delivery, providing local fresh produce, clean stores, and maintaining a friendly atmosphere in every store that was opened. The company emphasized; sourcing locally and offering quality merchandise at competitive prices; maintaining control over operating expenses; and hiring enthusiastic individuals. Some of the grocery stores contained ACE Hardware departments. In 2011, the Buehler family restructured the company and named the parent entity E&H Family Group after the founders. This resulted in two entities, Buehler Food Markets and E&H Hardware Group (ACE Hardware), under one parent group. The company’s headquarters stayed in Wooster, OH. In October 2017, E&H Family Group decided to transition out of the day-to-day running of the grocery business focus on the hardware business. Upon reviewing the option of selling to a grocery retailer, the family determined that it was not in the best interests of the employees and customers and would not preserve the legacy of Buehler’s Fresh Foods. Senior leadership at E&H Family Group proposed to the family an alternative where the company start a Management Led Buy Out (MLBO) within the structure of a leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Mike Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “When Buehler’s Fresh Foods became employee-owned, the employees were eligible to share directly in the company’s success, future direction, and financially benefit from owning shares in the ESOP.” Peter O’Donnell, Chief Financial Officer, was At KeHE Distributors, we’re all about goodness. Our mission to serve and feed America is fueled by an obsession with natural & organic, specialty, and fresh products. These delight consumers and deliver stellar growth for our customers and suppliers. At KeHE, we’re not content with just plain good; we aspire to next-level goodness, crazy GOOD™, in all of our operations. With more than 6,800 employee- owners and a 16-distribution center network across North America, KeHE is one of the largest grocery and natural distributors in the nation. Where we go, we spread the word on healthy eating, sustainable living, and responsible business with integrity. We back that up with our large distribution network and advanced performance metrics that assure goodness follows to each supplier and retail partner. We’re passionate about innovation. By combining consumer insights, market data, and a curated item assortment with product knowledge and merchandising expertise, we deliver actionable, data-backed solutions to keep our partners relevant and fresh. We’re passionate about business with integrity. As a proud Certified B Corporation, we are held at the highest standard of social & environmental performance. Through this accountability and transparency, we can have a positive impact on the planet and the communities we touch. .................................... For more information, please visit our website kehe.com