Recently, Garth Horton received the prestigious Dumac “Hi-5” award, a recognition that shines a spotlight on his remarkable contributions to Associated Food Stores’ retail technology efforts.

Garth’s story is a testament to dedication and hard work. He embarked on his grocery career as a bagger at the age of 16, demonstrating an innate passion for the business. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a store director. His commitment to excellence led him to AFS in 1996, where he would go on to make significant impacts.

One of Garth’s standout achievements was leading Dumac’s first-ever RORC viPOS (Retail Order Routing and Communication) installation in the Yellowstone region. This groundbreaking project marked a significant milestone for AFS and Garth’s leadership played a pivotal role in its success.

But Garth’s contributions extend far beyond individual projects. He is a respected member of the RORC technical committee, a testament to his deep knowledge and expertise in the field. During the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Garth’s dedication shone bright as he led the testing of RORCv7, ensuring the system’s reliability and functionality even in the face of unprecedented circumstances.

“Garth’s ability to meticulously test time after time has ensured that our members are running a production-ready solution with every new build,” said Brad Krey, manager over help desk and quality assurance.

Garth’s recognition with the Dumac “Hi-5” award is a testament not only to his individual accomplishments but also to the lasting impact he has had on AFS and the industry.

Cameron Bradford, current president of the RORC users’ group and retail technology manager, noted “Garth is one of the most dedicated and loyal people I know. He is an advocate for AFS, retail technology and our stores. His hard work and perseverance through the years has helped pave the path for many of the systems our stores use today. Recently, he’s been instrumental in testing v7 and our loyalty programs.”