Stew Leonard Jr. (born 1954) is an American businessman who has been president and CEO of Stew Leonard's, a supermarket chain based in Connecticut and New York, since 1991.[1][2]
Stew Leonard Jr. | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Stew Leonard Jr. in 2013 | |
| Born | 1954 (age 69–70) |
| Alma mater |
|
| Occupation(s) | President and CEO of Stew Leonard's[1] |
| Partner |
Kim Kral (m. 1983) |
| Children | 5 |
Early life
editStew Leonard Jr. was born in 1954 to Marianne (née Guthman) and Stew Leonard Sr (1929-2023). His father was of Irish descent and his mother was of German Jewish descent.[3] He comes from a long line of family members in the dairy business. His grandfather, Charles Leo Leonard, founded Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk, Connecticut in the 1920s.[4] The elder Leonard and his sons would deliver milk door-to-door straight from the farm. When Charles Leonard died, the business passed to Stew Leonard Sr., who wanted to move beyond being a milkman.[5] Stew Leonard Sr. would then open the original Stew Leonard's dairy store in Norwalk in 1969. Stew Leonard Jr. often worked in that original dairy store as a child, washing out milk cans, loading egg shelves, and performing other basic tasks.[4] Leonard graduated from Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut in 1972.[3]
Leonard later attended Ithaca College,[6] earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1977.[7] He continued his education at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, where he earned a Master of Business Administration in 1982.[1]
Career
editStew Leonard Jr. first took over the helm of Stew Leonard's in 1991, after his father Stew Leonard Sr. was charged with a $17 million tax fraud by the IRS.[8] At the time, there was some major concern about Stew Leonard Jr.'s ability to continue the success that the chain had experienced under his father.
The first few years were turbulent under Stew Leonard Jr., but he quickly turned it around. The store in Norwalk was earning less than $100 million in 1991, but, by 2002, Leonard had helped increase sales to $300 million with 3 stores.[5] Leonard attributes the success of the company to its emphasis on customer service and employee care.[9]
Under Stew Leonard Jr., the grocery store chain has also been recognized as one of the best places to work in the nation. 82% of all managers are promoted from within, and Stew Leonard's frequently applies positive reinforcement to boost employee morale.[9] In 1999, Stew Leonard spearheaded the opening of a store in Yonkers, New York. The store continued the "Disneyesque" theme, but it also housed the first Stew Leonard's Wines store.[10]
By 2014, Leonard had helped grow the business to four grocery stores. Additionally, there are 9 wine stores across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, each of which is independently owned and operated by family members.[1] The food and wine stores cumulatively employ 2,000 people and approach $400 million in sales per year. This is despite the fact that the company (proudly) offers only 2,000 items, a large majority of which is perishable and prepared food.[1]
The success of these business principles has gained Stew Leonard Jr. a significant degree of respect in the retail industry. Stew Leonard's Wines was also recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as the Retailer of the Year in 2011 and 2013.[11] Leonard is a prominent public speaker and is featured as one of the top orators at the prestigious Washington Speakers Bureau.[12]
Philanthropy
editLeonard and his wife, Kim, founded the Stew Leonard III Children's Charities, which offer swimming lessons to thousands of underprivileged youths each year.[1] They have also released a series of children's books about water safety that feature the character, Stewie the Duck. In 2012, they released an app version of the children's book with Stewie the Duck at the forefront. A program featuring the character has been used by firefighters in Rialto, California and employees at a children's hospital in Phoenix, Arizona to teach children about water safety.[13][14]
Personal life
editLeonard married Kim Kral in 1983. They met while attending college together at UCLA.[3] Together, they had five children: four daughters and one son. Their son, Stew "Stewie" Leonard III, drowned at the age of 21 months in 1989.[3][15]
On April 27, 2023, Stew Leonard Jr.'s father, Stew Leonard Sr., died from a short illness at age 93.[16]
Awards
editLeonard was awarded the Dale Carnegie Leadership Award.[15]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Swaby, Rachel (March 2014). "Stew Leonard's Big Idea". UCLA Anderson School of Management. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Levin-Epstein, Amy. "A grocery scion reflects on survival and success". CBS Money. CBS News. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^ a b c d Garrity, Philip (January 14, 2015). "The Man In The Maze: Stew Leonard Jr". westchestermagazine.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ a b Perrefort, Dirk (December 2, 2010). "Stew Leonard Jr. picked for Previdi Award in Danbury". The News-Times. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ a b Whitford, David (November 1, 2002). "Back From The Brink". CNNMoney. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Fostel, Robin (2003). "Stew Leonard Jr. '77 runs a top-100 food company". Ithaca College Quarterly. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ "Levine Lecture: Stew Leonard". Western Carolinian. February 23, 2005. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Whitford, David. "Back From The Brink". CNN Money. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^ a b Hammond, Richard (2011). Smart Retail: Practical Winning Ideas and Strategies from the Most Successful Retailers in the World (3 ed.). FT Press. ISBN 978-0273744542.
- ^ McAleer Vizard, Mary (September 1, 1999). "Commercial Real Estate; Stew Leonard's and Other Stores Set for Yonkers". The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ "Wine Star Awards Videos". Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ Stowe, Stacy (May 6, 2004). "Governor and Insurance Firm Differ on Reason for Free Trip". The New York Times. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Hutson, Nanci G. (May 29, 2012). "Stewie Leonard III's legacy is one of water safety for all children". The News-Times. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ "Stew Leonard's Makes Kids' Water Safety a Top Priority". May 10, 2017.
- ^ a b "Stew Leonard Jr". allamericanspeakers.com. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ "Founder Stew Leonards chain, Stew Leonards Sr. dies as 93". NorthJersey. April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.