Associated Food Stores has named Javier Tapia as its new director of business development.
Javier joined AFS in 2008 as a sales representative for Idaho and was quickly promoted to counselor less than a year later. Since 2009, he has served as a retail counselor and in 2019 became the director of retail support, working with retailers across the 10 states AFS serves.
“Relocating early in my career was a tough decision, but it was definitely the right one,” Javier said. “It gave me the opportunity to build strong relationships with our retailers and help them succeed.”
In his new role, Javier will focus on identifying opportunities for retail members to grow. whether by adding new stores, expanding categories or increasing square footage. He will also look to bring additional stores into the AFS family from other wholesalers.
“Javier brings energy, vision and a deep understanding of what it takes to help AFS retailers thrive,” said April Rice, vice president of retail services at AFS. “He has built strong partnerships and relationships over the years, and that experience will be key as we pursue new growth opportunities as a company.”
Some of Javier’s proudest moments have come from opening new stores, including Tenochtitlan in Midvale, Bee’s Marketplace, Digby’s and others.
“I’m excited about all the potential new business we have in front of us,” Javier said. “We just delivered to our 10th state, and I’m looking forward to delivering to our 11th and 12th.”
His priorities for the next year include positioning AFS to better serve growing Hispanic communities while expanding the company’s presence in North Dakota, Montana and Colorado.
Javier and his wife, Gaby, have three children, Natalie, Breanna and Jordan. When not working, he enjoys golfing, coaching his son’s baseball team and traveling with his family to Mexico.