John Sutti, Founder
John Sutti established the company in the 1976. Over the years Sutti Associates has become one of the top retail grocery store design companies in the United States. John Sutti oversees the design, layout, merchandising strategies and signage for the stores. He helped to create four organizations that help independent grocers grow their sales and profits. John is a visionary for stores today so that they can be competitive tomorrow.
Larry Brucia, President & CEO
In 1973 Larry accidentally invented trail mix and started a manufacturing and distribution company as a means to get his product to market. Over the years, he has pioneered the marketing of bulk products in health food stores and supermarkets from concept stage to product testing, from manufacturing to launch. Larry has the ability to foresee market conditions and advise retailers of upcoming trends.
Robert Luke, Senior Vice-President
Robert Luke has over 35 years of experience with consumer packaged goods and consumer products retail, both in food and non-food. His span of experience includes brand ideation to full execution at retail, building successful brands that are household names. Robert has worked in the natural foods trade, the retail grocery trade, the discount drug trade and the mass merchandising trade, in addition to being an owner/operator of foodservice retail. He brings a thorough understanding of merchandising, brand imagery and operations to the Sutti Team.
Michael Goei, CFO
Michael brings 18 years of experience in financial planning/risk management and MIS development to the company. His resume includes a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from San Diego State University as well as a long history in the construction, telecom and IT industries. His focus is on developing and implementing diversification strategies, effective cash management policies, and efficient resource allocation models to ensure the continued growth and stability of Sutti and Associates.
Bob Shaw, Equipment Sales
Other than two years of military duty, Bob has spent, in one form or another, 43 years in the grocery industry. He spent 12 years with Safeway and another 19 with Fleming Foods handling store fixtures and store planning. Bob’s extensive knowledge and proficiency in store design, store fixture selection and purchasing has earned him the industry’s respect.
Jean Greenfield, Food Manager
Jean Greenfield has over 30 years of experience in the Natural and Gourmet foods industries. She has gleaned expertise from experience as a grocery department manager, store manager, as the director of purchasing for a natural foods distributor. Most recently Jean was a regional buyer for Whole Foods Market. She understands the nuances of purchasing grocery items, diary products, frozen foods, and bulk goods, as well as supplements and body care products. She has extensive experience in merchandising and opening new stores. She is accomplished in effective marketing techniques, compelling advertising practices, and promoting private label products.
Steve Berringer, Construction Manager
Steve Berringer joined Sutti Associates in 1976. He served as a carpenter, foreman, superintendent and project manager. Steve has been managing the construction department for the company for many years. He has been an integral part of the construction side of Sutti Associate’s growing list of quality stores. His knowledge of the specialized needs of remodeling while keeping a store open comes from his vast experience working in those conditions. His ability to work with our Architectural staff to arrive at cost effective solutions has been a staple of the company. Steve’s construction staff takes pride in all their work, be it a small case change or the construction of a new store.
Steven Olsen, Interior Design Manager
With over 19 years at Sutti Associates, Steve coordinates design for the physical appearance of retail stores. This includes interior and exterior color palettes; finish material selection for floors, walls and ceilings; signage design and lighting plans. His objective is to create appealing environments that are exciting destination for repeat shopping experiences. The emphasis is showcasing merchandise, much like designing a stage set.
Jaesil Lee, Lead Architect
As lead architect at Sutti Associates since 1985, Jae directs the architectural department for the company. His involvement is from design development to the creation of construction details and full plans. Jae coordinates the various construction trades involved in the building process. He also reviews shop drawing submittals. Jae supervises and manages the permit process with city planning and building departments during the permit process.
Louise Brucia, Office Manager
Since 1973 Louise Brucia has been involved in managing offices for a number of companies related to the retail and food industries. She joined Sutti Associates in 2004 and has applied her skills in collaborating with our IT department in expanding the company’s technology related to software, hardware and communication sectors of the office. Louise has also established a procedural approach to managing the various functions of the accounting, and human resource departments.
Cherise Cabrera, Culinary Specialist
Cherise has been involved in the retail food industry for over 21 years. As a culinary director, she has managed multiple departments including deli, bakery, gourmet cheese, in-store cafés, and event catering. She specializes in comprehensive menu development, product merchandising, and integration of new technologies to further streamline production capabilities within new and existing kitchens and delicatessens.
Don Dotson, Sales Representative
Recently joining the Sutti Associates team Don brings with him 41 years experience to the supermarket equipment and design department. After spending 15 years with the Hussmann Corporation working with both major chains and independent grocers, Don specialized in store layout and case selection to fit specific needs. During the last 26 years Don worked with a national distributor to introduce custom, European, lift-up, curved glass cases to the American marketplace.
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