Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 786-3508
Operational and Financial Improvement, Interim Management Solutions
Profile Overview
Articles from CDS Consulting publications
Articles in Cooperative Grocer
Other works by Garland McQueen
Profile Overview 
He has worked in both the conventional and natural sectors in almost all aspects of the grocery business: retail, wholesale, purchasing, and merchandizing. Garland likes variety and he likes a challenge. By his own admission, he calls himself an adrenalin junky. “I like to take a tough situation and turn it around,” he said. That’s what has led to his work as a consultant with food co-ops and other retail grocery stores, assisting them as interim management that helps improve systems and set the stage for growth.
Garland’s approach to his work is to support stronger operations, and he thinks that this is best achieved through encouraging everyone in the organization to be part of the solution. Often the key areas he focuses on are profitability, sales, staffing and morale. He’s a believer in enhancing local talent, and with every store he works with, his goal is create pathways for further staff development. “I’ve found that people really want to be part of the solution, especially existing staff,” Garland said. “As part of my work, I institute a succession plan so things can run well after I leave.” He especially likes working with cooperatives because of their emphasis on education and high quality—traits that lend themselves to strong community relationships. “We’re a people business,” he said. “I like being a part of improving those relationships.”
Garland’s services include:
