Our Board Members
Our Board of Directors set the strategy and future direction of the group. All our Board of Directors are made up from Friendly Grocer retailers and are elected on a yearly basis by our other retailers.Meet our Board of Directors…
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Terry Stehbens – Chairman
Terry has been a member on the Board since 2005 and has been a Friendly Grocer retailer for twelve years. Terry, along with his wife and daughter, operate two stores in Redcliffe, Queensland and believes that customer service and achieving a point of difference has been paramount to his stores’ success. Terry won ‘Retailer of the Year’ in 2005 and follows a carefully planned business strategy each year to ensure strong sales results are achieved. Terry enjoys golf, lawn bowls and fishing when time permits, as well as spending time with his family. |
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Maz Rizk – Deputy Chairman
Maz has worked within the retail industry for over 15 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience. He has served as a member on the board since 2008. Maz currently owns the Friendly Grocer at Crestmead Qld (15 years) and was recognised for his hard work and dedication through winning various awards. These include 'Retailer of the year' (2003), 'Logan Business Achievers' (2003), (2004), (2005) & (2012) as well as the Mayor's Special Contribution award (2012), he was also a finalist in (2006) and (2007). He is a family man that enjoys travelling, boating 4wding and camping. |
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Tom Kokoris Tom has been in retail (grocery stores) since 1982, when the Welcome Marts were converted to Friendly Grocers in the Sydney area. Tom’s initial optimism for progress under the Friendly Grocer banner was fairly low, however with the establishment of a proper and strong management in Queensland, and the dedication of the staff to methodically implement the ‘Specials’ program throughout the year has shown that progress is absolutely possible. In Tom’s words - As far as the retailer is concerned, the Friendly Grocer group is the group to be in! |
| Neil Rogers
Neil has been in the Grocery industry since 2001 and lives in Toowoomba. Along with his wife he operates three stores which were originally an IGA and two IGA Xpresses. Neil embraced the change to Friendly Grocer in early 2014 and hasn’t regretted it. Together with his dedicated staff they have won various awards over the years including last year’s Retailer of the Year for his Wilsonton Heights Store and was a finalist this year for Wyalla Plaza.Neil enjoys spending time on his farm on weekends and motorbike and mountain bike riding when time permits |
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| Brett Groundwater I have worked in the retail industry for the last 20 years. My career began as a Woolworths Trainee Manager, I then progressed to a Woolworths Manager before moving on to become a Manager for Best and Less. My wife and I had the opportunity to buy the 4 Square Stuarts Point Supermarket, 14 years ago. We have enjoyed a great working relationship with the Friendly Grocer team over the years and I am proud to be the newest director appointed to the board. I have also been involved in the liquor industry in both NSW and QLD gaining both Bottle Shop and Hotel knowledge. With my previous experience I am to contribute to these progressive and exciting times ahead for the group. Outside of work commitments I enjoy all sports and spending time with my family. |
