A lasting legacy of passion, partnerships and persistence

Roger Lowe Sr. enters Food Industry Hall of Fame

When Roger Lowe Sr. is visiting one of his stores, there’s a good chance you will find him bagging groceries or greeting every employee (known as a teammate) or picking up trash in the parking lot. His heart for people, attention to detail and impact on the grocery industry are just a few of the characteristics that led to his induction into Shelby Publishing’s Food Industry Hall of Fame.

Lowe’s Market is a family-owned supermarket chain that operates under multiple banners throughout the southwestern U.S., providing the capacity to cater to various neighborhoods.

Lowe’s opened its first grocery store in 1963 in the small town of Olton, Texas, but the family history in the grocery business dates to the late 1940s when E.M. “Bud” Lowe, Roger Sr.’s father, started selling candy and sundries in Littlefield, Texas.

Bud and Roger Sr. founded the company on the principle of taking care of the community, their teammates and their family. That philosophy has allowed the company to grow from its humble beginnings to 144 stores covering all of Texas and neighboring New Mexico, with additional locations in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas.

Roger Lowe Jr. VP and CEO

“It’s a tremendous honor…he hasn’t been recognized for a whole lot in his life because he doesn’t want that spotlight. But at this point in his life and career, it’s special...it’s just nice for him to be rewarded like that.”

Man of faith

Many people told The Shelby Report their story of going to Lowe Sr. for mentoring. One of the questions they ask him is what books he reads. He always tells them there is only one book to focus on – the Bible.

Bringing life to the company’s core values of “God, Family, Groceries,” Lowe Sr. is consistently described in the pages that follow as one of the “godliest” men folks have met.

“He is the definition of everything that we preach…in the Bible it talks about ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ And he is a peacemaker,” said Tanner Wilson, Lowe’s chaplain and senior pastor at First Baptist Church Littlefield. “He truly makes peace in all situations. I think he is full of love because he treats every person the same.”

Lowe Sr. also taught Sunday school at the church for more than 50 years.

“He takes that very serious. It’s a volunteer position. But it’s very important to him. And he cares for it. He loves it,” Wilson said. “Even during the COVID (pandemic) he called me every Sunday afternoon to let me know that he watched the sermon that morning.

“And he wanted an update on his Sunday school class. He wanted to know how many people were there? Who was there? Who was not there? Who could he call to check on? That was his ministry. He really does and has done a phenomenal job with that.”

Tanner Wilson

Chaplain at Lowe’s and Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Littlefield

In their own words ...

During his visit to Littlefield, Texas, The Shelby Report’s Eric Pereira quickly discovered that folks were eager to talk about Roger Lowe Sr. and his impact on their lives. In the pages that follow, seemingly everyone from corporate executives, business associates and elected officials to office staff and area and regional managers share their fond memories of this Food Industry Hall of Fame Inductee.

Family grocer

A third-generation company, Roger Lowe Jr., Lowe’s CEO and VP, continues to see his father’s passion as a grocer.

“My dad truly loves the business and has always loved the business from the day that he started it with my granddad back in 1963. My dad has always worked…he outworks everybody,” Lowe Jr. said.

One of the greatest lessons he gained from his father is that the company’s greatest asset is its teammates.

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From page 22

“He loves on people a lot and he has a big heart in hiring. And it’s amazing how many people he knows in the stores,” Lowe Jr. said. “Even if I was to take him to the stores today, he’s talking to every cashier, every sacker, he’ll go find everybody in the store.”

The family atmosphere also has led to a lot of long-tenured employees, such as VP and CFO Ronnie Rogers, who has been with Lowe’s for 30 years.

“I think what’s kind of unusual for me is he’s been my boss, but we’ve always been friends. And I say that in a respectful way. It’s more than friends...you enjoy what you do,” Rogers said.

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Service to AFI

Lowe Sr. served on the board of directors of Affiliated Foods Inc. from 1972-2021 and was nominated as its chairman in 1982.

Randy Arceneaux, president and CEO of AFI, has known Lowe Sr. for 13 years. He credits him as being instrumental in Arceneaux coming to the Amarillo, Texas-based wholesaler.

“[Lowe Sr. is] the one that reached out to me to offer me the opportunity to come here. And I originally was the chief operating officer’s position…I got hired for chief operating officer and 18 months later, I became the CEO,” Arceneaux said.

Arceneaux mentioned Lowe Sr. will always be remembered for his integrity and looking out for the best interest of AFI as a co-op.

“As a board member, we always have to remember the board guy has to take his hat [of the retailer] off when he enters the boardroom and put on the Affiliated hat,” Arceneaux said. “[Lowe Sr.] absolutely did that without struggle…Affiliated Foods meant that much to him. The success of it, because it impacted so many independent grocery folks that we service through all the different states, they were important to him.”

Mike Murphy, Lowe’s director of advertising, agreed.

“He wore both hats very well. He couldn’t put us above Affiliated,” Murphy said. “He was very cautious not to allow us to get more than our fair share.”

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Awards and recognitions

Lowe’s Market has received numerous awards and recognition with Roger Lowe Sr. at the helm as president and chairman of the board. Among them:

◆ In 2017, the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation of Baylor University honored Lowe’s Market as the Texas Large Family Business of the Year.

Richard Ware II Chairman of Amarillo National Bank

“Roger Sr. is a classic American success story. He just has been such a moving force in everything that he does, growing a wonderful chain of stores, but also growing employees, and then growing the Affiliated Foods warehouse and making it all come together.”

◆ In 2016, Lowe Sr. received the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the National Grocer’s Association. The award recognizes an independent grocer who exemplifies persistence, vision and creative entrepreneurship.

◆ In 2022, Lowe’s Market received NGA’s Creative Choice Award in the fresh department for its Mealtime Made Easy program.

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In addition, Lowe Sr.’s relationships within AFI lead to several acquisitions for Lowe’s Market. When grocers were ready to sell, they trusted their company would be in good hands with him.

“They naturally think of Roger – that’s how we’ve kind of grown,” said Joel Griffith, director of HR. “As opportunities came up, he was in the right place at the right time and well respected and well thought of.”

“We really just don’t even have to go look anymore,” said Tim Cotton, COO. “People contact us...we don’t have to have an aggressive plan because people came to us so much that we just evaluated what came in. Then we tried to make good smart business decisions based off that information.”

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Lowe Sr.’s retirement from his role as chairman last year was one of the most difficult days of Arceneaux’s career.

“I had developed more of a father-son relationship [with Lowe Sr.]. And so, it felt like I was losing my dad at the same time of losing a chairman,” he said.

Lowe Sr. credited his partnerships with Affiliated Foods and Amarillo National Bank to the overall success of the company.

“That has really facilitated our growth. We were with a good wholesale company. And we were with a good banker. And after that, the rest is history,” he said.

“I’ve got to say Affiliated and [Richard] Ware [Amarillo National Bank’s chairman] have been a great part of our success.”

Arceneaux described it as a real partnership.

“One without the other cannot succeed,” he said. “He knew that very well. He always referred to Affiliated Foods as ‘the goose that lays the golden egg.’ He truly understood what the warehouse brought to the table to help our membership compete in the marketplace and the profits that we returned to them on an annual basis has been millions and millions of dollars over the years.”

Mario Torres Director of Refrigeration

Shawn Pickrell Director of Construction and Facilities

“There’s no one higher that I hold in regards to except Jesus Christ… If there’s a mentor or somebody you want to grow up and be like, it’s Roger…he’s just one of the most humble people. One of the godliest men I know.”

Ken Hutchings Special Projects Coordinator

“He’s the definition of a godly man…he will give all to serve the needs of someone else… he’s a virtuous and honorable man, because of his attitude and his approach to others… and I think he’s a perfect demonstration of that, he loves people that God loves.”

Page Daniel Director of Pricing

“You wouldn’t think he was the owner of the company the first time you met him. He’s nice, just easy to get along with, very personable, very down to earth. He can talk to anybody, anytime, about anything…he is there for anybody that needs him.”

Duane Brown Director of Management Awareness, Loss Prevention, Training and Special Events

“He’s the type of guy when he walks into the parking lot, he picks up trash…he meets everybody in store…and when he meets you, you can feel the compassion and feel the love.”

John Potter Director of Produce Operations

“A very kind, very soft-spoken man, as welcoming as any person I’ve met in my life…he’s a great Christian leader. But he’s a leader that believes he’s a servant. And that’s the way he runs the organization. “

Rory Glidewell IT Director

“The Lowes are just really kind and nice people...and Mr. Lowe would do anything for you...he’s probably the nicest person I’ve ever met. And in terms of being kind, he really means that and he’s not fake…every once a while, things don’t go well and he doesn’t really panic.”

Joel Griffith Director of Human Resources

“It’s a well-deserved [honor]. They couldn’t find a better person. He is the epitome of a godly servant leader. And we need more people like him… we’re blessed to have him. He’s just very, very special.”

John Click Director of Meat Operations

“The nicest gentleman I’ve ever met. There’s not a question on my mind that he is a very nice, God-fearing person and I use that in the kindest of terms. He’s just a nice man. And he’s been nothing but great to me and my family.”

Allan Bandy Director of Bakery/Deli

“He always makes a point to talk to me every time he passes or catch me or pop in my office and check on me. I feel very blessed. And I can certainly see why everyone says what they say because I certainly believe it as well.”

Matt Corbin Director of Marketing

“His hope that I’m going to be good inspires me…when he goes, ‘I’ve heard a lot of good things about you and we have high hopes for your contributions here.’ Well, now I just want to run through a wall.”

Mike Murphy Director of Advertising

“A customer told me that one of our store managers in one of our tiny towns was buying the food, cooking it in his deli and feeding the homeless people in the town. [Roger Sr.] drove over there that day and gave him money to buy groceries.”

Larisa Glidewell Accounting Supervisor

“I have worked for Mr. Lowe for over 28 years. He is one of the most caring individuals. He is a Christian and practices his faith daily. It is such an honor to work for a man that has such a true faith and a great sense of integrity.”

Kasey Ledbetter Payroll Supervisor

“Mr. Lowe has created a family atmosphere that takes our company so much further than just a job. He truly values and cares for each and every teammate.”

Brent Adkins Director of Store Support

“He considers us real teammates and friends. I think he’s deserving of [the honor] and has been for a long time. I’m proud that he is our boss and the owner. The way that he acts and the way that he treats people, it’s really a good thing.”

Matthew MacDonald Assistant Director of Produce Operations

“The person who introduced me to him said, ‘He will never forget your name.’ If he went and introduced himself to you, he was going to remember who you were and what you did for him, because it meant that much to him.”

Kent Hance

“There’s an old saying that nice guys don’t finish first. And whoever said that didn’t know Roger Lowe Sr. He’s a nice guy who finishes first. He finishes first, if you’re talking about the industry, what he does. He finishes first, with his family, his state and community.”

Reese Rogers Accounting and Special Projects

“Big Daddy is a role model that I look up to and he sets a great example of leadership.”

Randy Arceneaux President and CEO of Affiliated Food Inc.

“He is actually very much a self-made man. The humble beginnings…is a phenomenal testimony to his sense of business that he possesses as a person, his aggressiveness as a business person and his attitude of working with people and training and teaching and coaching.”

“I don’t believe that I’ve ever heard Mr. Lowe make a disparaging remark about anyone. I have found him to be a man that never met a stranger. And he, to me, is the epitome of the true Christian gentleman.”

Mitch Grant City Manager of Littlefield

“Roger Lowe has been a huge part of the community and everything about him is Littlefield. It’s really neat to be aware of something that’s grown to the size it is now…having the headquarters here in Littlefield is huge. They’re always ready to help out.”

Jaci Gartin

Manager

“Roger Sr. is an incredible man and would go to the end of the earth for any of his teammates. I couldn’t be prouder to work for a man that truly lives by his motto, ‘God, Family and Groceries.’”

“Mr. Lowe is the most awesome person. He is all about integrity and you won’t meet a nicer person.”

“Mr. Lowe is the most caring boss I have ever known. He takes the time to say ‘hi’ and to know your name. He is aware of what is going on in his company and truly cares.”

John Mancuso Claims Manager

“I think his sense of humor is underrated. I really do. He likes to joke, but he does it in a way where you kind of have to think, “Now wait a minute, was that a joke or was he being serious?”

Sylvia Griffith Accounts Receivable Supervisor

“He’s our friend. He’s genuine. He’s the real deal. We would do anything for him...he’ll come and ask for something as simple as making a copy for him. And we’re just like, ‘Oh, of course,’ you know, drop everything. He’s a genuinely sweet man.”

Alan Buxkemper Regional Manager

“Roger is a one-of-a-kind, God-fearing man who truly believes in God, family and groceries…he made us feel welcome, right from the beginning. He wanted to make sure that we walked into a family environment...he genuinely cares about all his people.”

Holly Nelson Executive Assistant

“I’ve gotten the opportunity to help him with a lot of stuff at work and also typing out his Sunday school lessons and helping him prepare for those. He’s so sweet. He’s just makes you feel welcome and like you’re part of the family.”

Jeff Gallaway Area Manager

“He’s the type of guy that’s always positive..he truly exhibits his faith with Christ in his daily walk and leadership skills...his character and reputation will outlive him. And some things that he’s taught me along the way I’ve instilled in my kids.”

Roy Pittman Area Manager

“He’s been more like a father than a boss. It really is pretty much family. He embodies the fruits of the spirit – represents all the attributes...I’ve talked to that man just like I would talk to my dad. He’s always been so gracious to help employees.”

Manager

“As a whole, I think that the impact left behind by him it’s not even something you can necessarily measure. But in these small communities where we have stores, they can measure it, they know the difference.”

Brian Walker Area Manager

“He’s more concerned with your well-being and where you are, mentally and physically. And it makes you want to work harder, makes you want to do as much as you can to take the company where he wants to take it.”

Mark Wood Area Manager

“He cares about every single teammate, not just about them, but their family. My wife was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. And he called me every week to check on her to see how I was doing. And praying for her and for myself during that time.”

David Figueroa Area Manager

“With two of my other siblings working for the company as well, we got the opportunities to prove ourselves and now have the responsibility in the company that allows us to give back to Mr. Lowe. He has always shown me [support] from my personal life to professional life.”

Saul Figueroa Area Manager

“You just look around at the company he’s built and he’s just a great man…honestly, he’s humble, loyal and a God-loving man. I mean, he really lives by that word.”

Kevin Satterwhite Area Manager

“That guy’s all cowboy, no hat…you couldn’t pick a better fellow [for the Hall of Fame]. Any accolade that could be bestowed upon that guy is not enough. And that’s from the heart.”

Lorin Stewart Area Manager

“God has worked wonders in his life and it is evident in his dedication to God. God has rewarded Roger for his faithfulness and has blessed his business.”

David McKenzie Area Manager

“I think he could write a book on leadership and ownership of grocery business and be the best example there ever was. I think he’s that type of person. And he’s very humble about how he’s done…I don’t think there are a lot of them out there like him.”

Greg Baldwin Area Manager

“He is the glue that kind of holds everything together…it’s never been about the number of stores that he had. It was about the number of teammates that he had to take care of.”

Mason Jordan Area Manager

“My time with him has been great. I love working for the Lowes and they’re very good people.”

David Vasquez Area Manager

“When I had the opportunity to join the company, I jumped on it really quick. I didn’t care where I had to start, I was willing to just join because I had heard so many great things about him.”

Cruz Vargas Foodservice

“My son had open heart surgery and he remembered. When he comes in, he will ask how he is doing.”

“He can go into any grocery store… and he knows everybody by their first name. He takes the time with you and visits with you. And he asks about your family. And I don’t know an employer that really takes the time like that.”

Kim Pickrell Foodservice

“He calls employees teammates...and that’s how he treats you. We’re in it together. And he’s all about everybody bonding and working together as a team. And he doesn’t treat us any different.”

Mary Ellen Rivera Administrative Assistant

“I view him as kind of like a surrogate dad. He’s got a lot of the values my dad had…he has something good to say all the time. And he always gives you praise and compliments.”

Linda Ramirez HR Manager

“He knows who you are. He makes everyone feel valued. And it doesn’t matter what position you hold in the company, he can be with the CEO and talking to them or someone who’s just coming out with the toilet brush, he knows their name.”