Gabriel Balaich is stepping into his new role at Associated Food Stores with a unique blend of technical skill, creativity and connection, all qualities he’s been building since first joining the company more than a decade ago.
Gabe first came to AFS through a friend he grew up with, Tylar Overturf, whose father, Stuart, worked in the warehouse. After Tylar joined AFS, Gabe followed a few years later.
“I find a lot of people who work at AFS are friends or family of other team members,” he said. “I’ve really come to appreciate the atmosphere that creates.”
Over the years, he’s served as both an analyst and full stack developer, experiences that shaped his ability to understand the company’s data and technology from end to end. He also spent time outside AFS managing a Dairy Queen, which offered him a hands-on view of business operations and leadership.
In his new role, Gabe focuses on helping teams make sense of the vast amount of data gathered from all parts of the business, turning complex information into meaningful insights.
“Working with the team to transform data into something understandable and genuinely useful is what drives me,” he said.
Among Gabe’s proudest accomplishments are modernizing warehouse quality control processes during his early days at AFS and developing templates for reporting and full-stack environments that now serve as the foundation for IT projects.
Looking ahead, he’s most excited about the relationships that come with the role, including reconnecting with former warehouse colleagues and building new partnerships with vendors and retailers.
Gabe’s goals for the coming year include strengthening ownership and accountability within the analytics department, documenting reporting processes to make knowledge more accessible and helping guide the transition to a modern reporting platform.
“We’re thrilled to have Gabriel as our analytics manager,” said Mindy Miller, vice president of analytics. “He brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge that will help take our efforts to the next level.”
Outside of work, Gabe balances his love for technology with adventure and creativity. He enjoys exploring Utah’s rugged landscapes in places like Buckskin Gulch. He also spends time creating music.
His first job was as a cook at Dairy Queen, a place where he gained an appreciation for teamwork and fast-paced environments. When it comes to food, pho is a favorite, with lamb korma a close second.
Recently, Gabe has been inspired by Vinland Saga, an animated series exploring the consequences of war and redemption. One quote from the show stands out to him: “You don’t have enemies. The truth is that nobody has them.”
“That’s a message that sticks with me,” he said. “It’s a reminder to approach every challenge, and every person, with perspective and empathy.”