As Groupex celebrates its 40th anniversary, Rick also celebrates 25 years with us. Starting as a sales representative, Rick has worked his way up through various roles, eventually becoming Vice President of Sales and Operations five years ago. For Rick, this journey has been a fulfilling experience, full of meaningful relationships, lasting memories, and personal growth. When asked about the most rewarding part of his time at Groupex, Rick says: “The people, without a doubt. Helping others succeed, whether it’s my team or our members, has always been the most rewarding part of my job.” He proudly mentions, “It’s not just about business; it’s about building relationships and making a difference.” Reflecting on his career, Rick has witnessed significant changes at Groupex. He remembers that it started in 1984 when a small group of independent restaurants banded together to earn volume discounts. “And now we’re nationwide, helping independent operators across Canada.”
Rick explains that Groupex has a large membership base because of its commitment to its members. As Groupex is owned by a non-profit organization, it allows it to prioritize the bottom line for its members. “Our team is dedicated to taking care of our members—every rep, every employee is hands-on with every member,” he states. This approach extends to negotiating new programs and ensuring members receive the best pricing and services available.” Many independent restaurant owners lack the time or resources to handle pricing concerns or service issues, so Groupex takes that burden off their shoulders. By leveraging their knowledge, Rick and his team negotiate programs that offer lower, consistent pricing and reliable service, helping members save significantly. Partnerships play a crucial role in Groupex’s success, and Rick explains their approach to building and maintaining these relationships. “We believe in connecting the dots between our members and suppliers,” he explains. “Constant communication is essential to understanding common goals and meeting members’ needs”.
