Friendship Store Manager: Seward Co-op has hired Raynardo Williams as the store manager of the new Friendship Store. As a former entrepreneur, Raynardo is accustomed to the work required to bring a vision like the Friendship Store to fruition.

“I’m used to being very hands on,” he says. “I like getting my hands dirty on projects.”

Raynardo has an undergraduate degree in business administration from National American University and a master’s degree in management from Hamline University. His financial service and retail management background means he’s used to a immersing himself into projects like the Friendship store, working long hours as he did when he was a retail manager for Aldo Shoe Stores.

“I think the goal with the Friendship store is to make it a staple in the community by upholding and representing our owners and constantly taking steps to create something that reflects the Seward Co-op Ends Statements,” Raynardo says.

“We need to bring good food to people at the Friendship store,” he adds. “Strengthen the community that way.”

After he left the corporate world, Raynardo was an entrepreneur, running his own business as a personal fashion consultant. He’s been recognized by both the “Star Tribune” and “Vita.mn” for his exceptional sense of style.

“I love fashion,” he says, “and I am an active site council member for Patrick Henry High School in North Minneapolis. I think it’s important for young men in the community to respect themselves and develop confidence, and I think part of that is dressing well to reflect who you are.”

Raynardo says his favorite thing about Seward Co-op since he started in December 2014 has been the staff’s passion.

“Everyone has been so warm,” he says. “People here exude so much passion about what they do.”