We are excited to spotlight Phil Wofford (he/him), Cottonwood Institute’s newest Board Member! Phil is currently the Regional Vice President at Trader Joe’s and we are so excited to welcome Phil and the passion and enthusiasm that he will bring to the board. Let’s get to know him, shall we?
What’s your story? Where did you grow up and what is the career path that led you to what you are doing today?
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I received my BA in Theater from UC Davis. I moved to Los Angeles in 1996 to get “rich and famous”. Soon after arriving, I needed a job and stumbled into a Trader Joe’s with an acquaintance from back home and instantly wanted to work there. For the next decade, I did bad commercials, low-budget movies, a few decent tv shows and worked 5 days a week as a Crew Member at Trader Joe’s.
My wife (also a Trader Joe’s Crew Member) and I reached a point where we desired more from life. We wanted to own a home, see the world and start a family. I became a rookie supervisor at Trader Joe’s in October of 2005 in Southern California. We moved to Atlanta in 2006 and helped open up all of the stores there and I was promoted to Captain (General Manager) in 2010 and opened the Athens, GA Trader Joe’s. After another stint in an Atlanta store, we moved to Santa Fe, NM store in 2013. After leading that store for 18 months, I was promoted to Regional Vice President. We moved to Denver in 2015 and I oversee stores in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and the Kansas City area. 27 years and counting!
What Board Superpower(s) are you excited to bring to Cottonwood Institute?
I think my Superpowers are: Helping people get what they need, connecting with people, and celebrating/strengthening/protecting the culture.
What is your favorite food you can only get at Trader Joe’s?
This week, I am obsessed with our Jerk-Style Plantain Chips and the Celebration Cake Gelato. Snacks and desserts!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel with my family, see live music in amazing Colorado venues and take as many Pilates classes as I can.
Are there any other fun facts or talents that not many people know about you?
You can see me in two episodes of King of Queens. Don’t blink or you will miss me;)
