Jeanie Wells

Jeanie Wells has worked in the food co-op sector since 1996, most recently as the general manager of Community Mercantile in Lawrence, Kansas. She has led two major successful retail food co-op expansion projects, and fostered a strong management team positioned for growth. She joined CDS CC in 2011 as a consultant for retail projects and expansions, focused on operational improvement and planning. A benefit of working with Jeanie is that she brings the insight and relevant perspective of current management practices to her work. She will assist co-ops with internal readiness, creating infrastructure, and staff development, as well as offering project management support for relocations and expansions.

“I love systems,” Jeanie said. She began her career stocking in the produce department and because she was interested in learning more about how local food systems and cooperation work. “That has carried me forward. It’s what brought me there and holds my passion now. My enthusiasm for systems and order is also why I really enjoy organizational structure development and expansion planning. Strong planning and systems can help co-ops achieve so much more as they take on big expansion projects.”

Jeanie’s services include:

• Organizational and staff structure
• Project management support
• Using CoCoFiSt data to benchmark and improve ­performance
• Store operational systems

“As a newer GM, I continue to find Jeanie an invaluable resource for my own growth, development, and support in everything from handling delicate HR issues, to improving cash flow and inventory management, to sound planning for our co-op’s future. What a difference it would have made to have Jeanie’s knowledge and supportive energy to call on when I first took on the GM role. Jeanie would be an amazing asset to any GM who feels they could use ongoing support and continual growth in their role.”

—Jacqueline Hannah, General Manager, Common Ground Food Co-op, Urbana, Illinois

“I am very excited to hear that Jeanie Wells will be bringing her experience and expertise back to the food co-op ­community! Congratulations to CDS Consulting Co-op on bringing another rockstar on board!”

—Ben Nauman, Category Management Lead, National Cooperative Grocers Association