With two corporate stores and 10 franchise locations ( and more on the way ), this Missouri-based chain is known for its exceptional commitment to customer service and unwavering dedication to providing an unmatched shopping experience . With origins rooted in the visionary teachings of retail pioneer Sam Walton , Macadoodles has built a thriving empire under the astute leadership of founder Roger Gildehaus , who draws upon his extensive Walmart background to redefine the standards of excellence in the liquor retailing landscape .

Beverage Dynamics has recognized Macadoodles as the 2023 Top 100 Retailer of the Year .

CUSTOMER-CENTERED RETAIL FORCE The adage “ the customer is the boss ” resonated strongly within the philosophy of renowned entrepreneur Walton , the founder of Walmart and Sam ' s Club . Walton ’ s commitment to prioritizing

BY MELISSA SHERWIN

customers influenced those who worked for him , including Gildehaus , who spent 26 years at Walmart climbing the corporate ladder , ultimately becoming Walmart ’ s Vice President of General Merchandising , International .

“ During those last four and a half years , I spent much of my time traveling to different international locations , and it got to the point where I was out of the country more than I was in the country ,” Gildehaus recalls . “ I wanted to spend more time with my wife and daughters , which is why I ultimately came up with this retirement plan : to open my own liquor store using the business principles I inherited from Sam Walton .”

Starting a store was an idea Gildehaus had pondered for some time . He would often cross the Arkansas state line into Missouri to purchase liquor after leaving work , where he observed the proximity-driven success of liquor stores that nevertheless suffered from subpar aesthetics and poor customer service . Gildehaus was determined to provide customers with a positive shopping experience .

He established three guiding principles for his business : exceed

8 Beverage Dynamics • June 2023 www . beveragedynamics . com