2021 United 105th Anniversary, Taylor HOF

The Shelby Report of the Southwest celebrates and congratulates

Robert Taylor 2021 Southwest Food Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

Legendary leader from Lubbock recognized for career, service Longtime United Family exec heads into the Shelby Publishing’s Food Industry Hall of Fame

by Eric Pereira/content creator

Robert Taylor has been described by many as an entrepreneur at heart. He’s also regarded as a living, breathing representation of West Texas.

To The Shelby Report of The Southwest, he is all of that, plus the latest inductee into Shelby Publishing’s Food Industry Hall of Fame.

Taylor had been associated with The United Family for a long time before he became part of it.

His story begins in 1971, when he began operating his father’s wholesale tobacco and candy business, R.C. Taylor Wholesale, after his father became seriously ill. The company flourished under his leadership.

While at the helm of R.C. Taylor Distributing, formerly R.C. Taylor Wholesale,

Honor is ‘great way to cap off’ long, successful career

“He’s been a good mentor and an even better friend. I’m extremely excited for the honor he’s getting. There’s no doubt that if anybody deserves it, it’s him. I think it’s a great way to cap off a very long and very successful career.

“I don’t think you can find a whole lot of people that were operating their own business and did as well as Robert did…and then came over on the other side of the business to have the kind of success that he’s had. But I think it’s just a testament to the kind of man he is and the kind of leader he is.”

Sidney Hopper, president with The United Family

the company’s biggest account was United Supermarkets. In 2007, Taylor sold the business to United Supermarkets and became a part of its leadership team as VP of logistics. In 2010, he was named president/CEO.

Taylor retired as CEO of the United Family in March. Today, he serves as EVP and senior advisor for the company, continuing to spearhead United Food & Beverage Services.

Taylor didn’t envision being in the grocery retail business while working for his father. However, he was always around the right people and operations, including United Supermarkets.

“I made few calls on United and got some of United’s business, things were rocking along pretty good,” he said.

When Taylor was asked to lead the company, he said at the time he would serve on an interim basis; however, as he

got comfortable in the position, he chose to stick it out.

Although retail grocery was a new sector for him, he saw the opportunity that came with it.

“Some people will probably disagree, but I think it was a blessing that I didn’t grow up in the retail grocery business. I was always around it and I supplied it, but I came in with a guest’s perspective versus looking with only a grocer’s view,” Taylor said.

“It was challenging, but I worked with very good people. When you run a small business, you depend on people, but you make all the decisions alone,” he explained. “Really, every decision stopped with me at R. C. Taylor.”

“At The United Family, it was different and fun because we had a very talented executive team. They all knew their areas.

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I’ve always admired United. Since I got into the retail part of the business, I depended on consensus decision making with the people around me, which led to better decisions and buy-in from the team.”

“There were times I felt like it was just my responsibility to make a hard call here and there…. But not very often. Because we have so much talent, I think it was to the company’s advantage we made decisions as a team, especially during that period of time.”

Taylor is quick to attribute his CEO accomplishments to the team around him,

Robert Taylor

2021 Southwest Food Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

his family and the many people he has met in the industry and through college.

MENTORS AND INFLUENCERS

Taylor lists his late father as his most impactful mentor, among several others.

“It was more about how to live and how to do the right thing. He just taught me a lot of life lessons…he knew people, he found his way in the community really fast,” Taylor said. “He taught me the value of relationships, taught me the value of time and money.”

Taylor also recognizes that many

He believes in people, ‘knows how to get things done’

“I think it’s well deserved, even though United is not known all across the United States, per se. I think anybody that knows him and knows the impact he has on people and what he does, he’s a leader in the industry, in my opinion.

“Because he believes in people, and he always got out in the stores and made sure that whoever you were in a store, you were somebody.

“He also drove innovation and made sure we’re always thinking down that path, on a continuous basis. [He wants us] to be the best we can be and keep going after the next innovation, so we can be competitive and do it profitably…he knows how to get things done.”

Tony Crumpton, chief merchandising officer for The United Family

‘Great mentor’ shares advice at every opportunity

“He has been a great mentor and shares advice at every opportunity. But he does it in such a way that you’re learning a lesson. You don’t feel like you’re being talked down to, you just feel like you’re getting great coaching.

“And he’s a master of really building up people and building organizations up. I feel very fortunate to have had Robert to cross my path. I have learned a lot from him.”

Nancy Sharp, corporate engagement director with The United Family

people who have provided him sound advice on different projects came from his alma mater, Texas Tech.

“So many of them were people that I’ve formed relationships while I was in school,” he said. “I got a valuable education at Texas Tech. But I think really, as important or maybe more important, are the relationships I made at Texas Tech…some of my peers, are my mentors also.”

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Taylor credits his wife, Jan, on helping him maintain a healthy balance in work and life. Her late father was Preston Smith, former governor of Texas. “My wife is extraordinarily special. She not only puts up with a lot, but she encourages a lot and I run a lot of stuff by her and so it’s OK that I miss the family dinner every once in a while…she made it OK for me if I’m late to one of the kids’ basketball

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games when they were growing up,” Taylor said.

His wife always found a way to make sure he was still involved in their children’s lives, such as working with teachers to adjust a meeting schedule so that Taylor could be there.

Robert Taylor

2021 Southwest Food Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

He, his family add so much to region’s quality of living

“I’m a little surprised he’s not already there (in the Hall of Fame). (It’s) well deserved. I think when you follow Robert Taylor around, you’re going to find his path is better than it was before he got there. And he’s made a big impact. I can’t imagine somebody being more deserving.

“The United Family is a big part of the fabric of our life in Lubbock and in West Texas. They add so much to the quality of living.”

Dan Pope, mayor of Lubbock, Texas

basketball and baseball games.

You can also catch him fishing along the canals or in the deep sea, as it’s one of his favorite hobbies.

The Taylors love to travel as well, from Asia, to South America to Europe. And one thing he can never stay away from are the grocery stores.

Taylor loves being able to speak to owners when he gets the opportunity and certain displays have even inspired him. One example is wanting to dive more into the charcuterie program after he visited Spain and Portugal.

MORE INVOLVEMENT

Taylor also has been active in professional organizations. In 2018, The Shelby Report named him and The United Family

Southwest Retail Innovator and Executive of the Year. He served as a board member and two terms as president of the Texas Association of Wholesale Distributors, earning multiple accolades including: the Southwestern Community Service Award; Texas Wholesaler of the Year; and the Texas Political Network award. Taylor also served on the board of directors for FMI – The Food Industry Association.

Taylor is currently serving as chairman of the city’s Downtown TIF Committee, working to revitalize downtown Lubbock. He formerly served on the PlainsCapital Bank Board of Directors and is currently on the board of Hill Top Holdings, a publicly traded company.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE GROCERS

Throughout his years in the industry, Taylor has tried to pass along his knowledge and experience to aspiring leaders.

“If something at first doesn’t work, don’t write it off. You may be in the wrong place, you might be in the wrong time,” he said. “[There’s been examples of] it didn’t work five years ago, but let’s try it again.”

“She was instrumental in me staying really engaged and close at home,” Taylor said.

Along with this, he’s been able to maintain a practice of, “I’m going to have fun while I’m working.” As an avid supporter of his Texas Tech Red Raiders, you can find Taylor at tailgates and stadiums for football,

Taylor continues to see the retail grocery industry as a promising one to grow in.

“Because people that work hard, are creative and treat people right are rewarded. Because it’s definitely a people business. There’s not a business I can think of that is more interactive with people.”

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He reiterates the importance of finding the right mentors.

“You’ve got to look…just tap them on the shoulder and say, ‘I love this business. I want to progress. Can you show me where I need to do better?’

“And it’s nice if somebody taps you on the shoulders and tells you. But sometimes you’ve got to go find them. And don’t be bashful about it… there’s a lot of areas that I think we need new blood because the grocery business is moving pretty fast.”

Current President Sidney Hopper sees growth continuing for The United Family, which he attributes to Taylor.

“We were 51 stores whenever we were acquired by Albertsons [in 2013], and we’re at 97 today,” Hopper said. “There’s not much that’s been done in the last 12-13 years that doesn’t have Robert’s fingerprints on it, he led the company through the greatest amount of change we’ve had in 105-year history of the company.

“He did it in a very collaborative way. I think Roberts leadership skill is that he has this ‘aw shucks’ kind of demeanor about him, which people love. But he’s able to bring people along the way and he leads people in.”

Robert Taylor

2021 Southwest Food Industry Hall of Fame Inductee

Dedicated alum is ‘Red Raider through and through’

“Robert Taylor has spent his career – and the better part of his lifetime – serving those around him. He has prioritized the development and investment of the people in his community and is respected by all who know him.

“A pioneering entrepreneur and innovative leader, Robert is appreciated as a man of integrity who continuously finds ways of giving back to his community. Whether it has been growing the United Family into one of the most recognized, respected and valued food retailers in Texas and beyond or volunteering to assist local charitable organizations, he is the first person to step up and lead the charge.

“Robert is a Red Raider through and through – and having only missed a handful of home football games during his adult life speaks to his devotion to the scarlet and black of Texas Tech family. His dedication to serving and giving back to his alma mater is commendable and inspiring.

“From serving on countless boards of directors and advisory councils for decades upon decades, to providing scholarships to students across the Texas Tech University System, he and his wife, Jan, have greatly invested in higher education and health care for generations to come.

“Robert and Jan are part of a large family of proud Red Raiders that includes two of their four children and Jan and her father, Preston Smith – the only Red Raider alum to ever serve as the governor of the state of Texas.”

Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System

Company’s future will continue to involve innovation, new ideas

Priorities: Emphasis on local, ability to evolve and adapt

by Eric Pereira/content creator

When Robert Taylor was asked how it felt to see Sidney Hopper take over as president of The United Family, he beamed.

“It feels good, because I have a lot of confidence in him…he and I feel the same about the culture,” Taylor said. “And he’ll have different challenges than I did.”

The United Family continues to push forward with its five banners: United Supermarkets, Amigos, Market Street, Albertson’s Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, USM Manufacturing, United Food and Beverage Services and Llano Logistics.

Although the company was acquired by Albertsons Co. in 2013, Chief Merchandising Officer Tony Crumpton sees The United Family brand continuing its familiar footprint thanks to Taylor.

“[Robert] navigated not only the sale but also the transition very well. [He] navigated relationships with Albertsons in such a way that it helped us all work together better so that we can maintain our culture and our identity to be successful,” Crumpton said.

Envisioning the company’s path ahead, Crumpton foresees further growth for e-commerce and is looking forward to some new features coming that way soon. Omnichannel remains a focus as the company moves forward.

“The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the omnichannel need and we’ve got to meet that challenge and be there for our guests,” Crumpton said.

“We want to stay local, relevant, and engaged in our communities to ensure we’re supporting our communities in every way we can.”

Innovation and staying relevant are conversations that Taylor wants to keep having as senior VP and advisor, according to Crumpton. One tangible example of that is

Market Street.

“The Market Street of 20 years ago is the United [Supermarkets] and Albertsons Market of today. It’s just a constant evolution of staying on the cutting edge and innovating while bringing new things to the market…making progress and not waiting on perfection,” Crumpton said.

The company continues to elevate the shopping experience as well, with the option to enjoy a beer or glass of wine or indulge in some Evie Mae’s famous barbecue.

THE LOCAL FABRIC

Although they have 96 stores across Texas and New Mexico, supporting local – particularly in Lubbock – remains a priority for the company.

“It matters. It’s the fabric. And if you’re from Lubbock, you know it’s a community of entrepreneurs,” Crumpton said.

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Sidney Hopper

Tony Crumpton

“There’s a connection and you support each other. And you grow the community that way…that’s one thing that helps sustain Lubbock. We don’t see the highest highs of the economy, we don’t see the lowest lows, but there’s a network of local businesses that keep the area strong.”

GROWTH AHEAD

When he looks to the future, Hopper sees The United Family continuing to pursue growth and prepare to adapt to market changes.

“It will be very important for us to continue to grow our footprint…I think the business is evolving. And I think we’ve got to evolve with it. I think competition is going to continue to be very fragmented,” Hopper said. “There’s so many different places that people can go and get all their needs met.”

From his previous experience working with focus groups, people said they would go to five or six different places – online and/or brick and mortar – to meet all of their needs.

“I think that’s only going to continue,” Hopper said. “And I think the challenge is how do you put together a model that allows for people to get most of their needs met in one place. To do that, we must continue to innovate. It’s more important than ever.

“I think people today, especially Millennials, they get real tired of the status quo… so if things aren’t continually changing and new and evolving, I think they’ll go to other places…and, you know, quite frankly, the grocery business for a number of years had become very traditional. In order to compete today, grocery retailers must continue to evolve.”

United Family engrained in Lubbock’s

fabric of life

Beneficiaries include Texas Tech and United Way, as well as local nonprofits and eateries

by Eric Pereira/content creator

As mayor of the West Texas city, Dan Pope likes to say that The United Family is “a big part of the fabric of our life in Lubbock.” And that involvement goes beyond filling baskets and shelves.

The community service spans across volunteering, education and even helping competitors in their neighborhood.

The United Family’s service is championed by its UCrew and A-Team volunteers. This outreach program connects team members to causes in the communities where they live and work, according to the company’s website.

“Since its founding in 2002, UCrew has donated over 60,000 hours of service to local charitable missions [such as] getting involved in local food banks to fight hunger, cleaning up highways to improve their communities and volunteering in local schools to empower and educate young students,” it reads.

“The list is very long of things that our store team members volunteer for again and again…that’s very much in the DNA of the company. That’s the culture – that we give back,” said Nancy Sharp, corporate engagement director.

TEACHING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

The United Family gets involved in Lubbock Lemonade Day in partnership with YWCA. According to its website, the event provides a free, experiential opportunity for children

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Nancy Sharp

Dan Pope

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to learn about entrepreneurship by running their own small business – a lemonade stand.

The program is built into the Lubbock Independent School District’s curriculum. Students have the opportunity to go to a bank and learn about taking out a loan and how to create a business plan. They learn about calculating profit and margins and get to experience acquiring a permit from the city.

“This country needs that so bad – to teach kids that they can be entrepreneurial,” said Robert Taylor senior advisor and VP, as well as the Lemonade Day chairman. “Learn the business ropes; they see that their hard work pays off…they still win and yet they still share...we’re going to lose that if we don’t teach it to our young kids.”

COLLEGE INVOLVEMENT

The United Family Partnership with Texas Tech University runs deeps in academics and athletics.

In October 2020, Texas Tech athletics announced an extension of the current naming rights agreement to United Supermarkets Arena, as the grocery chain will remain the facility’s namesake through 2035.

Texas Tech will receive millions over the course of the agreement, which continues the long-standing partnership between two of Lubbock’s biggest institutions.

The West Texas-based chain has now committed millions to Texas Tech athletics since securing the naming rights to the 15,000-seat arena in 1996.

Aside from providing more than 110 endowed university scholarships across the trade area, The United Family also has athletic and academic relationships with Abilene Christian University, Lubbock Christian University, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, and the University of New Mexico, among others.

SERVING LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND SUPPLIERS

The United Family went a step further into lending its hand to the community restaurants which faced challenging times in the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Select next generation stores feature in-house Evie Mae’s Barbecue and Las Brisas, which Tony Crumpton, chief merchandising officer, said came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Restaurants were floundering…we didn’t want them to die. So we created a partnership with two,” Crumpton said.

Local offerings in United Family banners are another venture that will continue for the grocer as well.

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“We want to build up the communities we’re in and help make them sustainable. It’s not about taking dollars out of the community. It’s how do we help rebuild this community and build a community up to make it stronger through our efforts? And then taking that further in the vendor community… local adds a lot of

unique flair and flavor to what we offer ... we want to support Texas local, New Mexico local and anything that’s regionally important. We want to make sure that we’re supporting them in a way that helps build up the region and sustains the economies and sustains what they’re trying to do,” Crumpton said.

MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED WAY

The United Family raised $500,000 for 28 United Way chapters through its 30th Annual Jacky Pierce Charity Classic golf tournament, which took place on Aug. 29 and 30.

Since its inception in 1991, the JPCC golf tournament has raised more than $5 million for nonprofits across the grocer’s trade areas.

Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family, said the tournament has grown over the decades to include some 500 golfers and a tremendous amount of charitable giving.

“The Jacky Pierce Charity Classic has become an iconic event for our company and its mission of giving back to our communities,” Hopper said. “We cannot underestimate the immense impact these funds have on the thousands of families the United Way helps. The United Way does a phenomenal job making a positive impact across our communities.”

Through its 30th Annual Jacky Pierce Charity Classic golf tournament, The United Family raised $500,000 for 28 United Way chapters, which it presented to the nonprofit during a recent ceremony (bottom). Among the sponsors for the August event were Gandy’s (top photo) and Anheuser-Busch (photo at right), which each fielded teams for the tournament.

Restaurant joins vibrant lineup at Lubbock performing arts venue

Lubbock, Texas-based The United Family in February held a ribbon-cutting event for its new restaurant, “Rave On,” which is in the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

The company has joined with the Lubbock Entertainment Performing Arts Association to create a unique experience where fine dining and performing arts will meet.

Not only will The United Family be responsible for Rave On, but it also will be in charge of all concessions and banquet service inside the hall.

The restaurant is named after the song “Rave On,” which was written by Sonny West and made popular by Buddy Holly in 1958.

Robert Taylor, EVP and senior advisor of The United Family, said the company has launched a national search to secure talent to work on this project. When people step through the door, he said he hopes they see all of the time and energy the company has put into making it a special place.

“We are so excited to finally share the Rave On experience with the rest of Lubbock,” Taylor said. “The facilities in this building are world class, and it is just the cherry on top for us to be able to put together this restaurant in this facility. We know it is something people are going to rave about.”

Thomas Wicinski, the company’s head of food and beverage, is the culinary expert brought in to spearhead the project. On top of years of experience, a list of his credentials includes a degree in culinary arts and hospitality business management, being a Certified Executive Chef by the American

Culinary Foundation and having a wine designation from the Culinary Institute of America.

“This incredible performing arts center requires food to match,” Wicinski said.

“At Rave On we hope to offer the people of West Texas a menu full of options that will help them explore new flavors while also keeping some that West Texas flair. It is our goal to create a memorable experience for every guest who walks through our doors.”

Rave On is located at 1300 Mac Davis

Lane, with its entrance on the east side of the hall.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Sunday hours are dependent on performance schedules.