Organization Profile

Raise the Bar Association is a California Mutual Benefit Non-Profit Corporation whose members are independent retailers in the grocery industry.

Raise the Bar is a community of store owners that share, explore, question and learn from each other's experiences in managing their respective stores.

Ben Robinson, Executive Director of the Raise the Bar independent grocers’ organization, helped to create and develop this unique group since its founding in 1999. With his leadership and guidance, Raise the Bar assembled a talented team of grocers and industry professionals who assisted its expansion into a national organization.

Mr. Robinson earned his Masters degree in Organizational Psychology from John F. Kennedy University after receiving a BA in Psychology from San Jose State University.

Ben has spoken at many seminars and conventions including FMI (Food Marketing Institute) in Chicago in May 2003 and the Fancy Food Show, NASFT (The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade) in January 2004.

Mr. Robinson’s thirty year career in the retail grocery business includes ten years as the founder and owner of a successful food service company (Robinson’s Gourmet to Go) in Southern California and he has managed and consulted with other gourmet retail companies throughout California.

Ben Robinson has a firm belief in a business philosophy that he calls “warm professionalism.” Ben’s unique motivational style has earned him the respect of owners, employees, vendors, and retail consumers alike.

Mr. Robinson has helped hundreds of business owners, their employees, and the vendors that serve these businesses to re-think the retail paradigm and to create financial and personal success in the workplace.