Fresh Thyme Market, based in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, has quickly grown to 71 stores across the Midwest. It emphasizes its Good Food values in its stores and on its website with content such as, “We bring people closer to the food that’s grown close to them. Whenever possible, we source our produce, meat, grocery, and wellness products from local partners, brands, and farmers. We’re proud to offer a variety of healthy, sustainable products that are as good for you as they are for our communities.”
That made Lawrence an excellent fit when he joined the company in 2013, as he literally grew up in the natural foods industry. His grandfather started a chain of stores in the Phoenix area called Arizona Health Foods, which would eventually grow to 14 stores with more than 100 employees. Lawrence worked there from the start of his professional career in 1996 until 2003, when the chain was sold.
Lawrence did inherit the entrepreneurial bug and he partnered up with his uncle in 2005 to start Arizona Nutritional Sciences. There they developed the brand PlantFusion, one of the first multi-sourced plant-based protein powders on the market.
In 2011 Lawrence went back to retail, first as an operator and then a merchant with Sunflower Farmers Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. His Fresh Thyme Market journey began for than nine years ago when he was hired as Director of Vitamins and Body Care. He held that role until March 2019 when he became Senior Director of Grocery and Natural Living. His promotion to his Vice President role came this past June.
Lawrence has a B.A. in Sociology from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. We look forward to his participation in our Boosting Your Business on LinkedIn webinar and await his insights about how one of the biggest companies in our Naturally Chicago community utilizes the platform to generate growth.
