With
a strong work ethic and a never-ending commitment to contributing to the inner-city
of Richmond, Virginia, Johnny Johnson focuses on bringing the neighbor back
into the hood. This focus is more than a theme or slogan. It is a value
statement that drives Mr. Johnson, the president and CEO of the largest minority-owned
grocery chain in the country, Market Place Holdings, Inc.
The Richmond native
was determined to make an imprint in his hometown, and he did just that. After
attending college out of state, Mr. Johnson returned home to pursue a career
in business. There he found the once-thriving and viable neighborhood where
he grew up reduced to a crime-infested, drug-riddled, economically-deprived
community. It was at this moment that Mr. Johnson realized he needed to move
forward with his aspirations and visions of entrepreneurship.
In 1992, Mr. Johnson
established Community Pride Food Stores, Inc. in the Richmond inner-city and
expanded it into a seven-store chain. Seven years later, he bought three Rack
& Sack stores in the suburbs of Richmond from Farm Fresh, Inc. Market Place
Holdings, Inc., the umbrella organization for the two subsidiaries, was created
in 1999 and boosted the grocer's annual sales from $47 million to approximately
$110 million.
With the help of
Richfood Holdings, Ukrop's Super Markets, and 1,000 employees, the supermarket
executive has realized his dreams of urban revitalization and entrepreneurship.
And he is helping Richmond’s children to realize their dreams. He has developed
the High Achievement Program for Richmond Public Schools, which encourages students
to stay in school and achieve.
With his various
appointments -- including the Richmond Community Hospital Board of Directors,
Governor's Commission on Citizen Empowerment and Virginia State University Board
of Visitors -- Mr. Johnson has emerged as a leader, mentor and source of inspiration.
"Do not allow obstacles to
stand in your way. Always persevere. If you truly believe and have faith in
yourself, you can do anything you set your mind and heart to. In order to succeed,
you must have conviction and passion for what you are doing. You must believe
in what you are doing." That is Mr. Johnson’s message to America’s young
people.
