FMS Profit Summit Agenda
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
All Sessions at the Fairmont, Washington DC
12:00 PM - Lunch with NGA Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit | Registration
1:30 PM – Welcome & Keynote
Robert Graybill, President & CEO
For decades, data meant massive volumes of information that only highly experienced experts—often with 20–30 years in the industry—could interpret and turn into operational decisions. But those days are fading, and businesses need new ways to bridge the gap.
2:00 PM – The New FMS Solutions | FMS Futures
Upward & Onward: The New FMS
The Future of FMS: Tech, Talent & the Road Ahead
We’ll also unveil our 2026 roadmap and beyond, showcasing how FMS is preparing retailers for the next era of intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making. Learn what tools, KPIs, and innovations are coming to support a new generation of grocers ready to lead with confidence.4:00 PM – FMS Profit Summit Guest Keynote: Overcoming Adversity in Uncertainty
Terry Wayne Virts Jr., Retired NASA astronaut, International Space Station commander, and colonel in the United States Air Force
5:00 PM – Sponsorship Reception - Transportation will be provided from the The Fairmont to the Awards Gala at the Decatur House.
Award Gala and Dinner at the Decatur House
7:00 PM - Cocktail Reception + Awards Gala and Dinner
Dress Code is Business Cocktail
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
All Sessions at the Fairmont, Washington DC
7:30 - 8:00 AM - Networking Breakfast | Registration | Sponsorship Pavillion
8:30 AM - Economic Outlook 2025: Insights for Independent Retailers
Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group
9:15 AM - Cyber Security in the Age of AI
Tony Cartolaro, Vice President, Weidenhammer
10:30 AM - “What If? Building a Business That Survives the Unexpected”
Carey Berger, Founder & President at the BSR Group
Panelists: Jimmy, Karen, and Jai Freeman - Freeman Foods
11:30 AM - Strategies to Better Control Labor Costs
Sunil Vatave, Co-Founder and President at Canary Hiring Technologies
12:30 - Lunch & Sponsor Pavillion
1:30 PM - Executive Sessions
Mergers & Acquisitions in Today's Supermarket Environment
Dante Franceschelli, The Food Partners
Some organizations are looking for growth opportunities, while others are looking to exit. This session will give you an in-depth look at multiples and what drives those multiples up for your business.
GOT Systems and the Future
Doug Haworth, GOT Systems
Explore the next generation of GOT Systems and how the launch of real-time, data-driven tools can help retailers improve performance by department. Learn how to transform your store’s operations, maximize profits, and respond quickly to trends by leveraging the new GOT Portal.
2:30 PM
FMS Financial Outlook
Robert Graybill, President & CEO
We have seen the trends from pre-Covid 19 to post Covid 19 inflation. In today’s current economic environment we are seeing softening in the marketplace and ever stronger competition. Learn what the profit leaders are doing to both excel in today’s market and prepare for what’s next.
Building Financial Fluency in Independent Grocery
Doug Madenberg, The Feedback Group
Financial literacy isn’t just for CFOs—it’s a critical skill for store managers, department heads, and high-potential leaders. But research shows that many independent grocery teams overestimate profit margins and underappreciate the financial levers that drive long-term success.
This session brings together three dynamic retailers who are moving beyond awareness to action—each bringing a unique approach to building a financially fluent organization:
- Mandy Tomlin, CFO, Brookshires Grocery Company
- Paul Rowton – VP, Edwards Food Giant
- William Burns – President, Grocery Basket of Grenada, MS
We’ll explore how these companies are building cultures of financial fluency, encouraging data-driven decision making, and equipping the next generation of store leaders to think like owners.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to go deeper, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas—and a better understanding of how to take the next step on your financial literacy journey.
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Smarter Benchmarking and Budgeting For The Data Driven Grocer
Rachael Gideo, FMS
The “post-COVID” economy is bringing retailers back to pre-2020 trends—but with new challenges that demand sharper financial planning. In this session, Rachael Gideo, Sr. Director at FMS, will show you how to build a budget that benchmarks near real-time data against forecasts, giving your team a clear roadmap to success.
FMS Accounting Platform (Apps) Tips & Tricks
Don Heinerichs, FMS
Marion Nicholson, FMS
Automate your process to upload sales, time & attendance, billbacks, payroll, fixed assets, and invoices through leveraging interfaces and uploads in the FMS accounting platform. In this session our tenured FMS experts will help you better leverage the platform to decrease error prone manual inputs that can lead to data entry mistakes or lack of data. By learning to decrease data collection times with precision accuracy you will empower your people to make data driven decisions faster.
GOT to Improve the Bottom Line - Shrink Management
Doug Haworth, GOT Systems
Global and domestic economic shifts, new legislation, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts are putting added pressure on grocery operations. Managing shrink has never been more essential to profitability. In this session, Doug Haworth and the GOT Team will demonstrate how GOT equips retailers to take control with actionable, real-time data. Learn how to combat losses by identifying shrink and markdown trends, order smarter with precise demand forecasting, and manage perishable inventory effectively. See how enhanced placement tools streamline labor, improve price verification, and highlight top sellers. Discover how smarter data use drives stronger margins and operational efficiency.
One-on-one or group training will also be available Friday morning from 8:00–11:00 a.m., followed by lunch.
Need 1:1 or special training? To request a session and topic, reserve your spot here!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Post-Profit Summit Programming
Need 1:1 or special training? To request a session and topic, reserve your spot here!
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