Associated Food Stores recently announced the promotion of Erik Colvin to director of store engineering. In this new role, Erik oversees facility design, remodels, maintenance strategies, and long-term capital planning—ensuring member stores are equipped to serve guests today and into the future.
Erik began as an order selector on the four-day shift. He worked under Mike Paulsen for two and a half years while finishing his degree in marketing at Weber State. After graduation he took a job in marketing, but after nine months realized the job wasn’t for him, and decided he wanted to return to AFS, but this time at the corporate office.
After an interview with Todd Porter, Erik landed a role in the Store Planning & Equipment department as a CAD Specialist/Buyer. He processed smallwares orders and handled administrative tasks. Anxious to continue learning, he started taking AutoCAD classes to learn the program used to create our floor plans. He also continued to grow his relationship with vendors and retailers. Over time, his role grew—he began managing equipment orders and coordinating remodels—and in 2014, he officially became a Store Planner.
He became Store Planning Manager in 2020, when the world was in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was an interesting entry, to say the least,” Erik laughs. “We were suddenly helping to source masks and shields to keep our teams safe. We learned a lot about adaptation during that time.”
Erik brings nearly two decades of experience to his new director role, and he’s excited to continue evolving the team’s impact. “I love the role MDI (Market Development Inc.) plays in bringing retailers dreams to reality. The trust I have developed with so many retailers is something I take tremendous pride in. Next month will be 20 years since I have been back at Associated.”
Throughout his career, Erik credits several mentors for helping shape his path. “Mike Paulsen was instrumental in helping me make the leap from Farr West to the corporate office,” he shares. He also spent 15 years under the guidance of Todd Porter and says he’s deeply grateful to Steve Miner and Jared Mitchell for their leadership and encouragement.
Outside of work, Erik enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife Julie, have three daughters: Molly (16), Grace (13), and Lola (9). When he’s not at work, there’s a good chance you’ll find him doing long cooks on his smoker and crafting delicious meals for friends, family, and the occasional school or dance team event. Erik is evidence that hard work, perseverance, and a can-do attitude can pay off over a career.