Residence Grand Island, Nebraska Children 2 Role Entrepreneur | Years active 1969 - Present Name Tony Wald | |
Full Name Anthony Jackob Wald Born September 7, 1946 ( 1946-09-07 ) Education High School Diploma at St. Mary’s Central High School, Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Physical Education from Dickinson State University, Executive MBA Degree from the University of Minnesota via Carlson School of Management Occupation Owner & CEO of TOBA Inc. Alma mater Dickinson State University | ||
Anthony “Tony” Jackob Wald is an American entrepreneur. He was born on September 7, 1946 in Bismarck, North Dakota. Wald is the majority owner and CEO of TOBA Inc., a holding company for nine limited liability corporations in the foodservice industry that employs over 400 workers. TOBA Inc. is the Midwest's fastest growing foodservice distributor.
Contents
Education
Wald attended St. Mary's Central High School. While in attendance he earned an All-American in basketball.
In 1969 Wald graduated from Dickinson College , now known as Dickinson State University, with a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Physical Education. While at Dickinson, Tony was a member of the basketball team and was named the Athlete of the Year his senior year. Wald also attended The University of Minnesota where he earned an Executive MBA degree via the Carlson School of Management.
Management philosophy
Wald grows his business through systematic growth and acquisitions. Wald attributes his business's successes to locating and retaining talented employees, strategic planning, setting attainable goals, achieving goals, and persisting to the finish. His favorite quote comes from his college basketball coach, "Ya gotta wanna." He also Wald focuses on continuous improvement in the food service industry. One example of this is DI Manufacturing, which manufactures gluten free products under the Mr. SIPS brand.
Wald relies on marketing to drive his companies. TOBA Inc. is one of the few middle-sized food service companies with its own marketing department. Wald strongly believes that promotions drive the company, such as the annual Food Shows Thompson, Braunger, and Variety host.
Career
Wald entered the food business in the 1970s as a result of the business economy tanking because of the oil embargo on the United States. Wald went to work for a convenient store chain in Denver, Colorado as a Personnel Assistant. In his first year at the convenient store, Wald helped open 30 stores. He was then transferred to San Antonio, Texas as a Division Human Resource Manager for 4 districts.
After the convenient store chain, Tony went on to work for Nash Finch in the late 1970s as a Personnel Assistant. Wald climbed the ranks, going from the Personnel Assistant, to the Director of Human Resources, and finally to the Vice President of Human Resources. As the Vice President of Human Resources he had responsibilities for more than 13,000 employee careers throughout 35 states and 135 locations. After a successful career in Human Resources, Wald was transferred to Nebraska to gain operator's experience as the Division Vice President. In this position he was in charge of 3,500 employees in 35 locations. His division was generating approximately one billion dollars annually in sales.
TOBA Inc.
TOBA Inc. is an American holding company headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, United States. The company is a diversified food company.
Wald’s original goal when he purchased The Thompson Company was to build TOBA Inc. into 10 independent operating companies. Since purchasing The Thompson Company in 1995 TOBA has achieved a 15% compounded annual growth rate. Wald's current goal for TOBA is to create a well rounded combination between food manufacturing and distribution within TOBA.
The TOBA Name
The name TOBA is a compilation of the names Tony and Barbara (Wald’s wife). As the years progressed Wald incorporated his sons (Tom and Bob) into the hidden meaning of the name TOBA. In the mid 80’s Barbara Wald owned a small snack food and candy company called Munch Box, which was the first company created under the TOBA sphere. Barb also owned a convenience store called Convenient Mart that was under the TOBA sphere. Both the candy company and the convenience store were sold, but the Walds kept the TOBA name. On October 31, 1995 the modern day TOBA was incorporated.
TOBA Inc. Awards
UniPro Distributor of the Year for 1996
UniPro Distributor of the Year for 2007
UniPro Distributor of the Year for 2014
Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation’s Business of the Year for 2015
Personal awards
All-American High School Basketball Player
Athlete of the Year Award his senior year of college at Dickinson College
Alma Mater Golden Hawk for achievements beyond college