Meet the CEO

Lisa Johnson is President and CEO of Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. Her leadership, enthusiasm and innovative management style have allowed GKI to grow into one of the most successful organizations in the perishable industry.

Lisa’s Business Philosophy:

“I try to run my business by staying flexible, identifying trends and never producing anything I wouldn’t be proud to serve my own friends and family.”

 

 

 

 

 


Lisa doesn’t let her title stop her from rolling up her sleeves and getting involved in every area of the company. The many hats she wears include:
Active in the research and development of new products
Key member of the sales team
Account liaison

Lisa’s work philosophy is based on teamwork. She doesn’t expect any employee to do anything she wouldn’t do herself. In the past, Lisa has done everything from work in the kitchen, package food, organize pallets, answer GKI’s 800 number, place customer orders, purchase supplies, work with our on-site USDA reps and deliver product.

Lisa and GKI’s Awards

• 2009 Regional Finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year

• 2009 Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductee

• 2007 The Business Ledger’s Influential Women in Business

• 2006 Finalist for the Mirrasou Optimist Award

• 2006 Best New Product of 2006 (Just Toss It Salad)

• 2005 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago Business Woman of the Year

• 2005 Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award

• 2004 Industrial Council of Near West Chicago’s Business of the Year

Involvement in the Industry and Community

• Board Director, President Elect, Industrial Council of Near West Chicago

• Board Director, Pasfarda Arts and Cultural Exchange

• Chicago Advisory Board Member, Women’s Leadership Exchange

• Association member, International Dairy Deli Bakery

• Member, NAWBO Chicago since 1995, Board Director 2001-2004