Robert Tostowaryk

Proudly Serving: Thrifty Foods RSC #31 North Saanich, BC

Position: VP Distribution (Interim)

Core Value: Get it done with Passion and Integrity

“I owe much if not all of my career to Rob’s leadership and foresight,” begins the nominating letter for Rob. “He is one of the most engaged, energetic and visionary leaders in Western Canada.” Rob, who started his career in 1996 as an order selector in Edmonton, is humbled by that sort of praise. “To be nominated is a great honour,” he says. “I wasn’t expecting it.” Rob has worked in several cities across western Canada and says one of his favourite parts of his job is the opportunity to connect with so many talented people. “We’ve got some fantastic people in our organization coast to coast,” says Rob. Rob is passionate about educating employees about why every job is vital. “We are here to create an exceptional customer experience at the stores,” he says. “But retail needs the support of the offices, construction, engineering, finance, distribution. If you can create that connection, now you’re really driving engagement, you’re really driving pride, you’re creating a force that moves in the right direction.”