For Patrick Grow, Meijer isn’t just another client. It’s woven into the fabric of his life.
Patrick grew up in West Michigan, just a few miles from Greenville, where his parents were raised and where his mom had her first job as a teenager, working for Meijer in the 1960s.
“She had to travel to Grand Rapids for bagging and checkout school,” Patrick remembers. “That was her first job, and Meijer has been part of our family’s story ever since.”
Today, Patrick partners with us through SHI International, a technology solutions provider. His team supports our behind-the-scenes technology needs, including Microsoft-related services. But for Patrick, the work is more than just professional; it’s personal.
In the early '90s, Patrick and his friends often ended up at our stores on Friday nights, grabbing snacks before heading to someone’s house to hang out. “We called it going Meijering. It was just part of growing up here.”
That deep connection made it especially meaningful when Patrick started working with us through SHI. Headquartered in New Jersey with more than 7,000 employees worldwide, SHI serves clients across a wide variety of industries and is one of the largest IT solutions providers in the United States. Patrick leads key Michigan accounts and was thrilled to support our stores.
His relationship with us grew quickly, thanks in part to the Meijer Supplier Relationship Management team.
“Meijer was incredibly welcoming,” Patrick said. “They helped us get started, and that level of support made all the difference.”
Patrick now works closely with our team members to help keep systems running smoothly. SHI’s approach is centered on problem-solving and partnership.
“We’re not trying to sell a specific product,” Patrick explained. “We want to understand the need, offer our expertise, and help you make the best decision for your business. If the tech works and no one notices it, that’s the goal.”
Patrick still shops at our Hartland, Michigan, store every week, and says working with us now feels like everything has come full circle.
“Being part of Meijer in this way is not just another project. It’s meaningful. And I’m proud to support a brand that’s been part of my life from the start.”