Rebecca Torpie, Mba Email & Phone Number

Grass Valley, Ca

BriarPatch Food Co-op is one of the largest food co-ops in California, generating annual revenue upwards of $55M. I am responsible for maintaining and communicating the Co-op's brand image and values front and center. I develop and execute effective promotions that attract, delight and retain shoppers. I forge and support relationships with values-aligned organizations and oversee a donations budget tied to percentage of operating profit. I oversee a team responsible for distinct facets of the store's marketing efforts: digital and print communication, cooperative ownership, CRM, community engagement, sponsorships and donations, graphics, advertising, and its quarterly magazine. BriarPatch was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Independent Award by Progressive Grocer Magazine for the outreach and community engagement work done by its marketing team in 2020 while the region battled concurrent wild fires, power shut offs and the pandemic. Along with Fortune 500 companies, we were awarded Progressive Grocer's Impact Award for our PatchWorks volunteer program in 2021, and our sustainability efforts in 2023.

Grass Valley, California

Columinate is a group of +70 independent consultants (and growing) who work with mission-driven businesses and organizations to improve marketing, operations and governance. We are a a top rated consulting firm for independent natural foods retailers and values aligned organizations in the U.S. I have worked with over 50 food co-ops/natural foods retailers across the country. Some examples of the consulting work that I do:• develop and assist brand teams prepare annual comprehensive marketing plans for food retail businesses with sales from $2 to $70 million• teach and support marketing plan development and implementation to marketing managers• perform brand assessments on-site and remotely • assess marketing and communications department structure and assess assets for optimization• develop communication plans for rebrands, large campaigns or business changes • write articles for trade publications on topics related to marketing department optimization, the value of building authentic relationships in business, cooperative governance, leadership and core values, and marketing and communications related to grocery competition• prepare needs assessments and client satisfaction surveys• train leaders on marketing fundamentals and how to assess marketing tactical execution • develop and train customized comprehensive and authentic customer service training programs that delight and engage shoppers

Greater Philadelphia Area

Weavers Way is the largest food co-op in the region with annual sales over $40 million. It has served as an anchor in the Philadelphia community since 1972 through a strong commitment to community outreach and education, transparent values and fair prices.As the first Marketing Director of the organization, I created a strong foundation for the store's growth, writing annual marketing plans, preparing and implementing compelling, engaging promotions, and being an integral team member in subsequent store expansions.

Philadelphia, Pa

Wedge + Fig was a well regarded boutique cheese-centered restaurant known for its innovative concept and excellent customer experience. Within its first two years, it received national media attention for its creative menu and whimsical brand. It was the first "grilled cheese bar" in the Philadelphia region. I led the creative collaboration on initial business concepts, branding and execution and the store was named Top 20 Hottest Concepts in Restaurant Management Magazine. I was responsible for content, design and implementation of marketing strategies and promotional materials and received earned media, including The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Food Network Magazine and USA Today.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Pa

Starting in an apartment kitchen in Manhattan, Flying Monkey moved to the famous Reading Terminal Market to be one of the first designer scratch bakeries in Philadelphia. Well known for its playful marketing schemes and fun flavor profiles, it’s been a crowd favorite for over ten years. While proprietor, I consistently increased net profit by +20% yearly, and received earned media, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Better Homes and Gardens, Every Day With Rachael Ray, City Paper, Philadelphia Weekly, Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Style and Epicurious.com, and featured on Food Network’s Kid in a Candy Store.

Mba, Food Marketing

Activities and Societies: Beta Gamma Sigma

Ma, Educational And Developmental Psychology

Ba, English Literature

Activities and Societies: Alpha Delta Phi Literary Society

Honors Certificates, Pastry, Bread

Education record