Mark Grumbach, RMI alum '97; Captain, Trader Joe's in Manhattan, New York.

SCU alumnus Mark Grumbach graduated from RMI in 1997 and has since emerged as a leader for one of the most exemplary grocery retailers today: Trader Joe’s. As the “Captain” Store Manager of the Trader Joe’s in New York City, Mark’s duties allow him to “wear 20 hats per day” in leading his “Crew” of staff members. In the spirit of nautical exploration, Trader Joe’s continues to enter new territories, as their store locations expand from coast to coast.

What made you choose retail as a profession? And how did you choose Trader Joe’s?
I always thought I wanted to be a Buyer. During the interview process, however, I realized I couldn't be a Buyer for just anything or anyone, I needed to have a passion for the product—that eliminated women’s shoes for me. Having been a customer of Trader Joe’s in college and a huge fan of the company culture, I began to explore/make opportunities for myself there. Realizing that the company didn’t hire Buyers without previous experience, we (Trader Joe’s and I) decided the best route for me was to come up through the stores and, eventually, apply my store knowledge toward the buying end of the business. Once I got into it, however, I realized that my natural strengths are not geared toward “desk stuff.” I love being on my feet and interacting with fellow crew members and customers. I’ve spent my entire career with Trader Joe’s in the stores.

How would you define your role in this growing company? Did you launch the first NY Trader Joe’s?
As a growing company there is a major focus on future leaders. I try to be a leader and role model while grooming future leaders. I wouldn’t say I “launched” the first NY Trader Joe’s, but I was involved in the process.

What is your educational background and how has it contributed to where you are today?
I majored in Marketing with a double Minor in Retail Management (though it had just transitioned from “certificate” to “minor” when I was there) and German. I still draw from many aspects of that education, including organizational behavior, statistical analysis and merchandise analyzing “Where I am today” all started from the connections I made while a member of RMI and helping to attend/organize events with organizations.

What would you say is a highlight of your day?
Seeing people perform tasks that you helped coach them on. It’s a wonderful thing to observe growth and know that your investment of time has paid huge dividends for that person and the company.

Trader Joe’s has a characteristically unique work environment. Given your first-hand experience, what is it about Trader Joe’s that creates that “WOW!” customer experience?
There are SO many factors that go into a “WOW!” experience, it’s hard to pinpoint a most important factor. There is no one right answer, and different people have different styles for delivering that experience, but I like to think that an engaged crew makes for an engaging shopping experience.

And finally, we’d love to hear from an expert: What’s your “must have” Trader Joe’s product?

As of late, my “must have” Trader Joe’s product is the frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken and a bag of frozen fried rice. In a pinch, you get an easy and flavorful meal in under 20 minutes and for under $10 for two people. Of course, then there’s the jalapeno stuffed olives and the peanut butter cups plus the Strawberry Yogurt O’s cereal or the.....

Given the range of delicious imported, exotic, and organic products that makes Trader Joe’s the beloved shopping destination it is today, it’s no wonder choosing just one is just plain unrealistic. For more information, Mark recommends visiting TraderJoes.com for the most up-to-date new store and product announcements.

Retail Management Institute - Santa Clara University
rmi.scu.edu