My Biz: Brad Lynch brings passion to New Pioneer in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — When you meet Brad Lynch — perhaps in the produce aisle — you know immediately that he is passionate about what he does.

As store team lead for New Pioneer Co-Op in Cedar Rapids, Lynch gets to share his excitement for local, sustainable foods on a daily basis.

'I'm just really proud to be from somewhere that has this place,' he says. 'And I'm really passionate — really, my whole team is — and I want to share that knowledge about supporting our local farmers and taking care of the environment.'

While shoppers can become members of the co-op (for a one-time fee), anyone can shop at New Pi, Lynch explains.

'Our owners have made an investment in this community and they get a few extra perks, but everyone is welcome to shop here,' he says.

Lynch first started working 15 years ago in the deli at New Pi. Then he worked as the store's IT manager before taking on the role of store team lead (New Pioneer's title for store manager) last year when the Cedar Rapids store opened.

'This is an extremely new market for us,' he says. 'It is offering us awesome opportunities to network. Cedar Rapids is a super happening place and having our store here now too is just an extension of what we have been doing in Iowa City for so long.'

'Plus, we had 5,000 members in Linn County before opening this store. So we're happy to help shorten the New Pi commute for our existing Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls shoppers.'

The community response to the Cedar Rapids store has been very positive, Lynch says. 'We had 1,500 new members join the co-op in the first month we were open here.

'As a co-op, we are from our community,' he says. 'New Pioneer has been in Iowa City for 43 years and of course we have our store in Coralville too. Moving to Cedar Rapids just made sense.'

'This location was a dead spot for five years,' he adds of their store on Center Point Road just off the interstate. 'Now there are 50 jobs in this place. We are a dense economic engine and we are excited to amplify our impact.'

Lynch says grabbing the attention of consumers driving by can be tough. 'As super enthusiastic as the response has been, we definitely have capacity to grow here.'

Shoppers in Cedar Rapids are likely to see Lynch regularly in the store as he tries to balance his managerial duties throughout the week. 'I try to be on the floor at some times because I love customer service,' he says. 'But I also need to be up in the office going over the bigger picture. I also really enjoy the outreach that this position brings.'

New Pioneer practices open book management, with 'huddles' as team meetings. 'This is not just top down financial presentations,' says Lynch, explaining that different teams and departments throughout the store research and present on a variety of metrics important to the store's success. 'We all work together to come up with ideas. It's a fun way to manage a business and I think we are unique in this area.'

Lynch says he most enjoys working with customers and his team. 'Through the low points and the challenges, I am so proud of the people who work here. And we really cherish and honor the support our members and shoppers give us.'

AT A GLANCE

• Name: Brad Lynch
• Title: Store Team Lead
• Company: New Pioneer Co-Op
• Address: 3338 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids
• Phone: (319) 365-2632
• Website:

  www.newpi.coop

Know a company in business for more than a year that would make an ideal My Biz? Contact Francie Williamson at francie.williamson@thegazette.com