Carlos, welcome to TPSS! What brought you to the Co-op, and what interested you about the Retail Systems Manager role?
I grew up in Takoma Park and have always felt attached to my community. The Co-op has been a bastion of health, multiculturalism, and community engagement that define the Takoma Park / Silver Spring area. The store is an example of responsible and sustainable growth in a world where most businesses would cross any line to turn a profit. I could think of few better opportunities than to serve my own community through those values that go beyond just a bottom line. I hope to expand the store’s vision and scope when it comes to data analytics to support the strategic decision-making processes for the departments and the store in general. Few people get to continue their careers right where they grew up, so I feel particularly lucky to be here. From my point of view, success in my role will benefit my own neighbors and the local businesses I have known my whole life. That is hard to beat.
Tell us a little about your background. What kinds of work have you done before joining TPSS, and what experiences have prepared you for this role?
I have worked in analytical-based roles across the public and private sector. After graduating from the University of Maryland, I began working in tracking price changes during the post-pandemic inflationary period through the Department of Labor. There I gained insights on how different industries responded to rapidly changing market conditions. I was later able to apply my skills to the gold mining industry through a contract management role in Las Vegas. In Nevada, I gained valuable experience in contract management, negotiations, and project management. So I have been around the country across multiple industries, but my journey has brought me back home, and I’ve arrived at the Co-op with experience in business administration, an analytical mindset, and a fresh perspective to help the store with its goals.
What does a Retail Systems Manager do? For shoppers who may not be familiar with the role, what does your work involve, and how does it help keep the Co-op running smoothly?
The Retail Systems Manager is responsible for maintaining, supporting, and improving the retail ecosystem of the store, including the point of sales system, the online stores, and the website. I look to get the most out of the data that we pull from these systems to improve our strategic decision-making as the Co-op looks to continue growing even as the economic climate changes. This comes in the form of dashboards for our managers to view relevant and important data, automation of workflows to speed up operations, and coordination with other co-op grocers to best understand the market and implement new solutions. My work allows the digital and strategic side of the business to run smoothly as operations expand and the market changes.
What are you most excited to work on at TPSS? Are there particular goals, projects, or improvements you’re looking forward to pursuing? What does success in this role look like to you?
I am most looking forward to being a part of the Second Store Expansion Project. It is the largest project I have seen the store plan to undertake, and I am glad that I am present during this turning point. The TPSS Co-op is an example to all that a business can adhere to its values, see consistent growth, and have the opportunities to expand like it plans to. I am also excited to learn and support our grocery business strategy so that I may improve work flows, maintain competitive pricing, and support the core principles that make the Co-op what it is today.
What do you like to eat? What are your favorite things to pick up at the Co-op? Do you have a go-to snack, a favorite product, or a dish you love to cook at home?
I am at the store at least every other day as a shopper. If I am at the store, I am either getting fresh produce for my cooking, or checking out the new snacks and grab and go items. The chicken sambusas are a personal favorite when I am in a rush. My recent favorite comfort meal is an Ethiopian-style red lentil stew using the bulk lentils, fresh tomatoes, ghee, berebere seasoning, and onions. The only thing missing in the store is fresh injera! I like to visit the restaurants in the area and attempt to recreate the foods I try. I am not a picky eater and am blessed to live in a location where I can try new dishes from all over the world using fresh ingredients and never run out of recipes to try.