An Important Leadership Change at KCFC
To our valued community of member-owners: At our biannual Membership Meeting held on Saturday, December 4th, the Board of Directors announced an important change in the leadership of our business. Mike Richards, our General Manager, is moving on from KCFC.
There is no doubt that Mike has been an instrumental player in our co-op’s history. His dedication, commitment, and heart have touched many throughout this project and allowed us to enjoy the store we have today. Mike shared with the Board that he is proud of all of his accomplishments with KCFC but is ready now to pass the torch to someone else. We are excited for Mike to begin his next chapter, and we thank him for everything he has given to make KCFC a success.
This is an exciting next chapter for KCFC, too.
We are grateful for Mike’s leadership in our “start-up years” and look forward to building on his accomplishments as we grow our store into its next chapter. Mike’s departure is an opportunity to take a step back and recalibrate our leadership team… to invest in skills and experiences that can take our store to the next level in scale and sophistication. The Board will use this moment as an opportunity to ensure our co-op can grow, prosper, and help our community flourish for years to come.
This next chapter depends on you, too. Please read to the end of this email to learn how you can support the co-op through this transition.
What happens next?
The Board of Directors, Mike, and key staff are developing a detailed Succession Plan to ensure continuity of the business, planning for additional resources needed during this period, and guide General Manager (GM) recruitment all in alignment with best practices.
Lauren Lyons, our Operations Manager, will serve as interim GM as we conduct the search for a full-time General Manager. She is passionate and committed to KCFC, and is already well-versed in the Co-op’s day-to-day needs. Lauren is already working closely with Mike to transition responsibility over the next few weeks.
When will we have a new full-time GM in place?
Industry experts advise that the GM search can take many co-ops 6-9 months or even longer. We are preparing for a significant investment in time and resources to make the right hire, especially given the job market is incredibly competitive in the Philadelphia area and nationally. When the new job description and post is ready, we will be sure to share it with all member-owners so you can share with your networks and help in recruitment for our next leader.
What can you do to support KCFC through this transition?
The reality is that the operational costs of leadership transition and competitive recruitment will put additional financial strain on our young business. This comes at a time that we, as many others in our industry, are still recovering from the pandemic and its lasting challenges, including a difficult labor market and supply shortages.
We're asking you to invest now in the future of KCFC.
The next 6-9 months and beyond will be critical to ensuring our co-op can sustain the added financial pressures we incur during the GM transition, and to invest in recruiting the talent we need as the next full-time GM who can help grow KCFC to the next level.
Support KCFC in December and beyond:
- Choose to shop KCFC first, most, and more often. Make shopping at KCFC a priority, and see the many new and local products available throughout our store. We need your grocery dollars now more than ever.
- Find holiday gifts at KCFC! Consider making a speciality food gift basket, or our plants, coffee, chocolate, beer, and wine make particularly good gifts!
- Pay with Co-op Ca$h. Loading your Co-op Ca$h account by cash or check helps our staff have more capital available to stock the store with the goods you love ahead of your shopping trip. Plus, it cuts down on costly credit card transaction fees.
- Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to become member-owners. KCFC is stronger with more member-owners!
- Stay tuned on other opportunities we will share about increasing your equity.
These dollars will strengthen KCFC’s financial position by helping us continue to invest in the future of our co-op by funding recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of our next General Manager.
The Board of Directors will share updates and information with you throughout this journey. Questions and other feedback may be shared to [email protected].
Thank you for your support of KCFC throughout the months and years. Next time you see Mike, please give him a big “thank you” as well!
Exciting things are on the horizon for the Co-op, with your support, at this critical time!
In Cooperation,
KCFC Board of Directors
