Stew Leonard, Jr.

Stew Leonard Jr. (born 1954) is an American businessman who has been president and CEO of Stew Leonard's, a grocery store chain based in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, since 1991.

Early life Stew Leonard Jr. was born in 1954 to Marianne (née Guthman) and Stew Leonard Sr (1929-2023). Stew claims that his father was of Irish descent and his mother was of German Jewish descent. He comes from a long line of family members in the dairy business. His grandfather, Charles Leo Leonard, founded Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk, Connecticut in the 1920s. The elder Leonard and his sons would deliver milk door-to-door straight from the farm. When Charles Leonard died, the business passed to Stew Leonard Sr., who wanted to move beyond being a milkman. Stew Leonard Sr. would then open the original Stew Leonard's dairy store in Norwalk in 1969. Stew Leonard Jr. often worked in that original dairy store as a child, washing out milk cans, loading egg shelves, and performing other basic tasks. earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1977. He continued his education at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, where he earned a Master of Business Administration in 1982. At the time, there was some major concern about Stew Leonard Jr.'s ability to continue the success that the chain had experienced under his father.

The first few years were turbulent under Stew Leonard Jr., but he quickly turned it around. The store in Norwalk was earning less than $100 million in 1991, but, by 2002, Leonard had helped increase sales to $300 million with 3 stores.

Under Stew Leonard Jr., the grocery store chain has also been recognized as one of the best places to work in the nation. 82% of all managers are promoted from within, and Stew Leonard's frequently applies positive reinforcement to boost employee morale.

By 2014, Leonard had helped grow the business to four grocery stores. Additionally, there are 9 wine stores across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, each of which is independently owned and operated by family members. Leonard is a prominent public speaker and is featured as one of the top orators at the prestigious Washington Speakers Bureau.

Personal life Leonard married Kim Kral in 1983. They met while attending college together at UCLA.

Philanthropy Leonard and his wife, Kim, founded the Stew Leonard III Children's Charities, which offer swimming lessons to thousands of underprivileged youths each year.

Awards Leonard was awarded the Dale Carnegie Leadership Award.