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Bill Grimm
Chief Operating Officer
Cannery Row Company
As Chief Operating Officer of the Cannery Row Company for several years, Bill Grimm has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s real estate portfolio, expertly managing acquisitions, leasing, and asset oversight for all corporate holdings. His strategic vision and operational insight have strengthened Cannery Row Company’s standing in the industry and fostered steady growth and resilience in a competitive market.
Before joining Cannery Row, Bill distinguished himself as a senior executive in the foodservice sector, where he developed franchise expansion strategies and scaled operations for high-profile brands. His accomplishments included senior leadership roles with iconic names like PepsiCo’s California Pizza Kitchen, Allied Domecq’s Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins, and Gloria Jean’s Coffees, where he served as an officer. In each role, Bill’s leadership contributed to significant brand development and growth across national and international markets.
Bill has been an active community leader, notably serving on the Board of Directors for Mission Community Hospital in Los Angeles, where he chaired the Finance Committee. He also served as the Board Chair of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, where his leadership extended to chairing the Government Affairs Committee and speaking before the California State Senate.
A sought-after speaker, Bill has delivered numerous speeches, including a national keynote address and a commencement speech at a prestigious college graduation. His expertise has made him a trusted voice in media, with appearances on CNBC and the inaugural program of FOX TV’s American Business. His professional achievements earned him recognition in the International Who’s Who of Professionals.
Bill holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pursued his MBA at Loyola University-Chicago.
COACHING
Unlock Leadership Potential with Bill Grimm’s Expert Coaching
In today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape, securing a powerful professional partnership is essential for accelerating your success and building sustainable wealth. With a focus on the most efficient and impactful actions, Bill offers a results-driven approach rooted in time-tested success principles.
Bill Grimm’s coaching programs foster essential skills for leaders seeking lasting success. Through personalized coaching, Bill empowers individuals to harness their strengths, deepen emotional intelligence, and refine communication and decision-making. His approach helps leaders overcome challenges, lead confidently, and inspire excellence within their organizations.
Executive Coaching for Growth and Balance
Bill’s executive coaching provides a supportive, results-driven environment for growth. With Bill’s expertise, executives enhance strategic thinking, leadership skills, and work-life balance. Sessions are tailored to unique challenges, offering actionable insights for specific goals.
A Transformative Coaching Experience
Bill Grimm’s coaching delivers a dynamic, adaptive learning journey for CEOs, leaders, and entrepreneurs. By assessing company culture and creating strategic growth roadmaps, Bill empowers leaders to think clearly, prioritize issues, and achieve impactful solutions.
A Credentialed Leadership Expert
As a certified Level 4 Coaching Master, Bill Grimm provides top-tier guidance with rigorous standards of excellence, giving clients reliable support for their leadership journey.
Take the Next Step
Transform your leadership skills and drive success. Book an appointment with Bill Grimm to start your journey toward excellence.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Bill has served as a Keynote Speaker at prestigious events on multiple occasions, where he blends inspiration with practical insights to motivate individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. His speeches are meticulously crafted to empower his audience, equipping them with strategies and perspectives that enhance both their professional achievements and personal growth.
With a career marked by resilience and perseverance, Bill brings a wealth of experience that spans from small, family-owned businesses to major global corporations. He has skillfully closed multimillion-dollar deals and led initiatives on a global scale, demonstrating a unique blend of versatility and expertise. These rich experiences infuse his talks with powerful stories, insightful lessons, and practical tools that resonate deeply and empower others to pursue their own paths to success.
Bill’s unique perspective on personal growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, and corporate productivity strikes a chord with diverse audiences. His speeches transcend traditional talks—they’re transformative experiences that inspire listeners to embrace change, refine their leadership abilities, and drive meaningful growth in every area of their lives.
As a motivational speaker who embodies the principles he advocates, Bill inspires audiences to embark on their own journeys of success and fulfillment, unlocking potential they may not yet see within themselves. Whether addressing business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, or individuals seeking to enrich their lives, Bill’s words leave a lasting impact, sparking motivation and a call to action that extends well beyond the final applause.
Franchising
Your Path to Expanding Nationally and Internationally
Franchising offers a powerful, structured approach for businesses aiming to grow on a national or international scale. It provides the opportunity to reach new markets while leveraging an established business model.
With a wealth of experience in developing franchise strategies, Bill Grimm has successfully contributed to the growth of iconic brands such as California Pizza Kitchen, Baskin-Robbins, and Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees. His expertise in franchising extends from crafting business plans to managing expansion in diverse and dynamic markets.
One of the core challenges in franchising is navigating the complex regulatory landscape. For franchising to be a viable method, it requires committed, capable management that understands and can uphold these stringent requirements. Without this dedication, franchising may not be the ideal approach.
Drawing on his deep knowledge, Bill Grimm will lead an exclusive workshop that demystifies the franchise process. This workshop will cover key topics such as legal compliance, franchise concept structuring, and sustainable franchise growth. Bill’s comprehensive yet straightforward process includes every crucial step, from assessing realistic startup costs and developing pro forma financials to establishing the franchise entity, securing trademarks, and obtaining necessary registrations. He will guide you through each stage of the franchise journey, ensuring you are fully prepared to succeed.
Testimonial
"I have started to work with Bill 40 years ago and during this period, I have witnessed how he grew companies again and again, applying
principles dear to him and so effective that his successes were many and obvious to a business observer like myself.
I can only recommend that, anyone who has growth goals as a senior executive, gets to know bill and seek his operational, straight and
no nonsense advice."
Xavier P. Negiar
Top 250 most influential CEO in France, and
Former CEO of leading industrial companies in Europe in diversified sectors such as Printing and Publishing, Truck Rentals, and Technology.
Author Of Attitude Of Resilience
BG International/Bill Grimm the founder, certified and accredited by The Coaching Masters, offers an unparalleled commitment to unlocking the potential of CEOs, presidents, founders, small and large businesses owners. Bill’s expertise empowers leaders to clarify strategic direction and refine company culture, leading to optimized productivity, sustainable financial success, and strengthened team unity.Our Mission
At BG International, we’re committed not only to business excellence but also to uplifting our communities. A portion of our proceeds supports initiatives to alleviate poverty, driving meaningful change and fostering hope in underserved populations. Together, we build resilient businesses and a brighter future for all.
As Chief Operating Officer of the Cannery Row Company for the past several years, Bill Grimm is primarily responsible for real estate asset management, including acquisitions and leasing for all company holdings.
Previously, Bill served as a senior executive for several years in the foodservice industry and was responsible for creating franchise growth strategies and scaling the companies. They included PepsiCo’s California Pizza Kitchen, Allied Domecq’s Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, and Gloria Jean’s Coffees, where he was also an officer.
Bill served on the Board of Directors of Mission Community Hospital in Los Angeles where he also chaired the finance committee. In more recent years he served as Board Chair of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and chaired the Government Affairs Committee, from where he spoke before the California State Senate.
Bill has given several speeches throughout his career including being the keynote speaker at a national sales meeting and at the graduation ceremony at a college. He has been interviewed on CNBC TV on multiple occasions as well as the inaugural program of FOX TV’s American Business. He has also been named to the International Who’s Who of Professionals.
Bill has a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pursued his MBA at Loyola University-Chicago.
Coaching Accreditation
Heritage Ventures
We are Silicon Valley
What Makes a Successful Go-to-Market Strategy
May 25, 2015Cameron Ackbury
An Interview with Bill Grimm, COO of Cannery Row
Heritage Ventures had the opportunity to speak with Bill Grimm, COO of the Cannery Row Company, to speak about his successes with Go-to-Market Strategies. Bill is a 30 year veteran of the consumer industry having worked for companies such as Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, Gloria Jean's Coffees, and California Pizza Kitchen. As current COO of the Cannery Row Company in Monterey California, Bill is responsible for leasing, acquisitions, property management and construction projects.
What contributed to your go to market successes at California Pizza Kitchen?
I was recruited specifically to expand this casual restaurant brand globally. At the time I joined, we had about 80 restaurants with a goal to grow to 160 and execute an IPO. We segmented the market into international and domestic expansion each with its own strategy.
On the international front, we focused on growth by negotiating country development agreements with proven foodservice companies who had a presence in those foreign countries. The criteria for a prospective company included having some political connections as well as an existing infrastructure that included marketing, operations and development teams.
On the domestic front, we expanded the brand by negotiating a deal with Host Marriott for our ASAP concept in major airports throughout the world. This positioned the brand in front of our targeted customers; customers with higher disposable income who would enjoy exotic pizza. In addition, we targeted the number one foodservice operators in major markets in the country. Some of the markets included Orange County CA, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis and Cleveland.
The end was a successful IPO.
• Lease up vacant space to provide more interesting choices
• Upgrade the quality of the tenant to provide better choices
• Higher tenant rents with those associated tenants
Our strategy brings better returns to the investors enabling the company to expand and continue to grow.
• Leadership: you can have all the systems and goals in place, but if you fail to effectively execute it falls apart.
• People: make sure you have the best people around to be productive.
• Technology: everything is changing quickly so make sure you stay current. Make sure technologies enable you to remain productive and be efficient on your operating costs.
For more information about Heritage Ventures and how we share in your risk, please contact either Cameron Ackbury Cameron@HeritageVentures.com or Chris Wheeler ChrisWheeler@HeritageVentures.com.
On the international front, we focused on growth by negotiating country development agreements with proven foodservice companies who had a presence in those foreign countries. The criteria for a prospective company included having some political connections as well as an existing infrastructure that included marketing, operations and development teams.
On the domestic front, we expanded the brand by negotiating a deal with Host Marriott for our ASAP concept in major airports throughout the world. This positioned the brand in front of our targeted customers; customers with higher disposable income who would enjoy exotic pizza. In addition, we targeted the number one foodservice operators in major markets in the country. Some of the markets included Orange County CA, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis and Cleveland.
The end was a successful IPO.
What contributes to your go to market successes at Cannery Row Company
Cannery Row is the number one destination on the Central Coast of California with over 4 million annual visitors. The company owns almost 90 percent of the buildings on Cannery Row. To achieve the targeted revenue we start by focusing on our customer and ask ourselves how we can enhance the customer experience. We know a happy customer will refer their friends, this helps drive more sales to the tenant which ultimately brings more revenue to the company. Our strategy is threefold:• Lease up vacant space to provide more interesting choices
• Upgrade the quality of the tenant to provide better choices
• Higher tenant rents with those associated tenants
Our strategy brings better returns to the investors enabling the company to expand and continue to grow.
What are the components of a successful Go-to-Market strategy?
A successful Go-to-Market Strategy consists of three components:• Leadership: you can have all the systems and goals in place, but if you fail to effectively execute it falls apart.
• People: make sure you have the best people around to be productive.
• Technology: everything is changing quickly so make sure you stay current. Make sure technologies enable you to remain productive and be efficient on your operating costs.
For more information about Heritage Ventures and how we share in your risk, please contact either Cameron Ackbury Cameron@HeritageVentures.com or Chris Wheeler ChrisWheeler@HeritageVentures.com.
Discover Attitude of Resilience
An inspiring journey of personal and professional growth
This empowering book reveals the principles of resilience and growth, illustrating how they fuel success in both personal life and business. Attitude of Resilience begins with the author’s own challenging early years and shares insights gained over a remarkable career that spans small, family-run businesses to high-stakes leadership roles in publicly traded global companies. Each chapter is rich with real-world experiences, including a major career transformation, showing how specific strategies and mindset shifts can lead to impactful success.
Through an engaging narrative, readers are guided to explore the essential elements that create resilience and drive, anchored by the most transformative word in the English language. This book is designed to inspire action, instill a "never-give-up" mindset, and provide clear steps on how to achieve both personal and professional aspirations. It aims to be a motivating guide for anyone seeking to enhance their potential and achieve lasting impact.
Attitude of Resilience is more than a book; it’s a catalyst for anyone ready to rise, overcome obstacles, and unlock their true capability.
Testimonial
"Compelling book with practical strategies and fascinating personal stories for success. Bill shares his personal story of growth and resilience from his early years on a farm to getting an advances degree in chemistry to becoming a global business leader. His positive attitude, ability to relate and communicate with a diverse set of people, while getting the most out of people and businesses puts him in a category of his own. This is a must read book for anyone who wants to build a foundation of resilience that will lead to life-long success."
Dan Limesand,
Former Director of Business Development & Contracting, Montage Health
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