Founder Profile

Basheer Al Qadri, an immigrant entrepreneur, has been the key driving force of retail grocery business started by his parents for the past 5 years in Baltimore, MD. Having emigrated to USA from a conflict-ridden part of the world, traumatized, dispossessed and pauperized, the family had nowhere to go, but up, by growing and developing deep roots in their adopted new country of freedom, healing and unlimited hope. “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” such was the steely fortitude and determination of Christopher Columbus faced with a challenge as big and turbulent as the Atlantic Ocean in 1492! A young adult in his mid-20s, Basheer, facing an equally daunting challenge, if not bigger, invoked the American dream, made virtue of necessity and embraced the mantra of hard work. A labor of Hercules for 5 years followed! Ignis aurum proat, miseria fortes viros (Fire provides proof of gold; misery, proof of strong men) aptly describes the American journey of Basheer!

Entrepreneurial & Professional Traits and Skills

• Passionate about digital transformation and driven by a digital transformation mindset

• 5+ years’ experience in efficient and fiscally responsible operation of multiple neighborhood grocery stores and retail businesses demonstrating exceptional customer service skills with a talent for building customer loyalty, strong leadership and organizational skills

• Passionate leader with a proven record of delighting customers and growing sales

• Full knowledge of total store operations and skills; detail-oriented and can handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Effective coaching and communication skills to educate and train learners with a goal to motivate them to be successful; Willingness to continually improve processes through innovative thinking; Fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.

• Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution

• Serves customers as an ambassador for their store by greeting customers, seeking their feedback and ensuring customer needs, complaints, and issues are resolved promptly to create a positive shopping experience; Enforces, and provides direction to employees on friendly and helpful customer service approaches and techniques

• Continually acquires and capitalizes on advanced knowledge of products, buying, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management

• Extensive firsthand experience with food packaging, labeling, and quality assurance

• Supports initiatives to serve the community by participating in and supporting community events and developing relationships with key community groups

• Passionate community organizer (as the host of American Dream Club)

• Maintains and reviews price files and competitive price checks to ensure products are priced competitively within the market

• Works with Supply Chain to forecast and order initial volumes and seasonal volumes

• Builds and maintains effective vendor relationships; negotiates and collaborates with vendors to maximize discounts, rebates, volume purchases and delivery times; Holds yearly vendor agreement reviews

Physical /Working Condition Skills

• Able to lift over 50 pounds

• Superior hand-use skills : single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.

• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery

Computer Skills

• Proficient with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications

Trade Association Memberships

• Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce

• National Grocers Association