Pat Johnson was recently named distribution manager for receiving at the Farr West Distribution Center. Pat will take on many of the responsibilities previously held by Terri Jensen, who announced her retirement not long ago.
In this role, Pat supports team members in the receiving, inventory, cafe and yard departments.
Pat joined Associated Food Stores in 2002 after someone who spoke very highly of the company referred him. He started pulling retail orders and spent 20 years working in various shipping functions, primarily in leadership roles. A few years ago, he was accepted into receiving, where he focused on learning the inbound side of the business.
Learning the company’s story has been a highlight. Pat said he was surprised to discover that AFS once had a stint in California, played a role in the trading stamp days and had a hand in the creation of the UPC. “We have such a cool history!” he said.
Independent retailers are what motivate Pat most about the grocery industry. “They make our communities a better place,” he said. Without them, he believes, shoppers would be left with only large, impersonal chains “void of the American Dream.”
Pat describes his role this way: “Primarily, I do my best to ensure we receive the product retail needs, in the condition they deserve, as efficiently as we are able.” He works with several groups to make that happen, and he said the job also comes with the chance to get to know the people in those departments and help them reach their personal and departmental goals.
As his responsibilities grow, Pat is looking forward to working even more closely with others across the supply chain. “I’m most excited about getting to work closer with some awesome leaders, vendors, carriers and retailers,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pat’s goals for the coming year are to add efficiencies and see a few key projects through to completion.
Asked what sets AFS apart from others in the industry, Pat had plenty to say.
“Rich history, leaders not bosses, Lagoon Day, Christmas parties, family focused, genuine appreciation from leadership, joint dedication to the success of our retailers, highly innovative and adaptive, long-game mindset, we have a sweet logo, Kong Cones, Red Button, best drivers in the business,” Pat said. “Quick list. I could go on.”
Away from the dock, Pat is a big collector, mostly of antiques. He and his family raise chickens and share their home with two “spoiled” black Labs, who are sisters. His teenage son is a drummer in a metal band.
When he’s not at work, Pat recharges wherever he can park the truck and camper, mostly in Utah and Idaho. His favorite vacation, though, was Mo'orea in French Polynesia.
Pat’s first job was delivering the Standard Examiner at age 10. “It counts,” he said. “Back then, papers were huge and you had to collect monthly door to door yourself.”
Pat’s comfort food is meatloaf. He counts “The Princess Bride” and “Braveheart” as a tie for his favorite movie and says he owes his love of reading to “Where the Red Fern Grows.” At the top of his bucket list is running into a bear in the wild.
“Pat is a strong experienced leader whose strengths include team building, communication, and process improvement,” said Justin Johnson, vice president of distribution. “I'm excited to see him take on more responsibility during this pivotal time as we transition to a new warehouse management system and modernize our workflows around the new system.”
