”I worked with Darrell when he was VP of Merchandising and Procurement for PCC Community Markets and hired him for his outstanding experience in food production and retailing gained at Metropolitan Market, Larry’s Market, and other leading food organizations,
Darrell was key to driving innovation and growth at PCC during his 8 years with the company. He and his team led significant enhancements to PCC’s merchandising strategy and execution across all grocery departments, while developing and enhancing innovative programs to stand out in a highly competitive industry.  Darrell is adept at balancing new products and concepts with profitability and operational feasibility. 
Darrell’s impact on the business extended far beyond merchandising, including working closely with marketing to develop programs and tactics to drive shopper engagement and frequency, and collaborating with store development on enhanced ‘food hall’ designs to elevate the shopper experience at eight new store openings and three major remodels.  
Darrell’s experience and approach have the opportunity to benefit any food producer or retailer seeking to innovate and grow their market share.”

Cate Hardy

-Current COO Seattle Hospitality Group/Former CEO PCC Community Markets-

”While leading the natural and organic strategy for Associated Grocers, I had the pleasure to initially interact with Darrell as an eager, gracious, yet demanding customer in his new role as VP of Merchandising at Metropolitan Market.  Darrell’s ambitious vision for product innovation, customer excellence and creative merchandising was a refreshing challenge for our wholesaler teams.  During the early days, Darrell personified a great partner that can only exist when there is mutual respect and trust.  For the past 20+ years I have had the pleasure of staying consistently connected with one of the best merchants I know.  Through my roles at Unified Grocers and KeHE Distributors I have had the opportunity to interface with most US banners and Darrell has repeatedly stood out, not only as a great leader and merchant but a great human.  We had the opportunity to travel both overseas on buying trips and multiple US market visits, and Darrell’s approach to every experience was met with both curiosity for the producers, humility for the business and an intense desire to learn and improve on every idea.  

I enthusiastically endorse Darrell in this next adventure.  Darrell will challenge and build on your ideas, products, retail banners with a level of expertise, integrity and desire for excellence.”

Amy Kirkland

-President, Brands EVP Innovation and Growth KeHE Distributors-

”I had the pleasure of partnering closely with Darrell Vannoy during our time together on the leadership team at PCC Community Markets. Darrell brought a deep and unwavering commitment to organic integrity, product standards, and sustainable food systems.
Together, we advanced initiatives that not only strengthened our co-op’s impact, but also elevated small, values-aligned producers—especially women-led and JEDI-founded brands. Darrell understood that supporting these producers wasn’t just good business; it was essential to building a more just and resilient food system.
He led with compassion, helping drive progress on our JEDI commitments while ensuring that operational excellence and vendor partnerships stayed grounded in our mission. His ability to align people, purpose, and performance made him an invaluable thought partner.
Darrell doesn’t just move business forward—he moves it toward something better. Any team focused on purpose, equity, and real food would be lucky to have him in their corner.”

Brenna Davis

-CEO Organically Grown Company-

”I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Darrell Vannoy on one of the most exciting projects of my career — launching a now-famous cookie brand in our area. From the very beginning, he brought energy, creativity, and an unshakable work ethic that truly elevated the entire project.
Darrell is a visionary with a strong sense of strategy and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful brand. He not only contributed to the marketing but also helped create the kind of buzz and local love that turned a great cookie into a household name.
As Darrell embarks on this new entrepreneurial journey, I can say without hesitation that I fully support and endorse Darrell Vannoy. If you’re thinking of working with him, do it — you’ll be partnering with someone who delivers results, builds strong teams, and brings a contagious passion to everything he touches. 
Wishing Darrell all the success in this exciting next chapter!”

Deb Tuggle

-Owner/President at Bite Me Cookies-

”I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with Darrell on two occasions throughout his admirable career trajectory. My first engagement was at Larry’s Markets in the Seattle area where I was vice-president of food, beverage, and product development (1992 -1997). Darrell was a critical member of the foodservice team. He was Special Projects Coordinator responsible for 6 new concept roll-outs during my time there. He was 100% reliable, consistently positive and jovial, and stellar in his communication and respect for others. His operational creativity came into play time and time again. His contributions were invaluable and became a critical linchpin to our ability to innovatively create and implement new programs.

In 2019 I was invited to support Darrell in a project at PCC Community Markets where Darrell was Vice President of Merchandising and Procurement. I had formed my consultancy in 2002 and was delighted to reconnect with him for a commissary evaluation project. As I would have expected, all the characteristics previously admired surrounding Darrell’s character were still present. In addition, after significant and important time in the industry, his strategic planning and critical thinking skills had exponentially grown. His ability to convert data into action is a key strength, as is his willingness and ability to truly listen. He is reliable, honest, and smart. These characteristics provide a vital foundation to effective consultancy. Lastly, he is trustworthy, another critical attribute to being a great consultant.”

Karen Malody

-FCSI, Owner Culinary Options,LLC-