Meet Roger Gildehaus | President of Gild. Corp and Gild Holdings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roger Gildehaus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roger, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my career in retail with Walmart in 1973, where I dedicated over 25 years to various roles within the company. I advanced from assistant store manager to managing my own store at age 24, and was subsequently selected by Mr. Sam Walton to manage the company’s first prototype store—an initiative envisioned as the “store of the future.” Following this, I transitioned to the Bentonville home office, serving as a toy buyer, then senior buyer, divisional merchandise manager, and eventually, an officer of the company. During my tenure, I had the privilege of learning directly from Mr. Walton, frequently accompanying him on visits to stores and benefitting from his mentorship.
After a quarter-century in corporate retail, I applied the best practices acquired at Walmart to launch a package liquor store in 1997. The first location rapidly became the largest and highest-volume store in its market and, within three years, was recognized by vendors as the leading store in Missouri. Responding to vendor encouragement and strong customer loyalty to Macadoodles, I established a franchise program to help others operate successful stores using the model we developed. Since inception, our operations have been guided by three founding principles that continue to direct our business today.

What should our readers know about your business?
Macadoodles is distinguished not only as a liquor store, but also by its unwavering commitment to principles that ensure consistency across all locations. The company’s success has been built on three core principles: providing customers with an extensive selection of wine, spirits, and beer; maintaining highly competitive pricing; and delivering customer service that consistently exceeds expectations. Upon entering any Macadoodles store, customers are welcomed by knowledgeable associates dedicated to creating a positive shopping experience.
A focus on building customer loyalty reflects Macadoodles’ dedication to exceptional service, offering the level of care that customers deserve but may no longer anticipate. This customer-centric philosophy, supported by a diverse product range and transparent pricing, continues to set Macadoodles apart as it expands throughout Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Macadoodles maintains a strong commitment to continuous community engagement throughout the year. We support Lifeline of Northwest Arkansas, an organization dedicated to assisting veterans and seniors in maintaining safety and comfort within their homes. Our contributions extend to local law enforcement, where we provide assistance with various banquets and the Shop with a Cop program. Additionally, we partner with Golf Clubs of Bella Vista and proudly support the Cancer Challenge. At Macadoodles, giving back to the community is a key principle.

Inspired by early achievements and a loyal customer base, Macadoodles has introduced a franchise program designed to replicate its successful model, emphasizing the foundational principles from its inception. With over 25 years in the industry, Macadoodles is honored to have received several national awards:
• 2006: Market Watch Leaders Award, one of seven companies in the U.S. recognized.
• 2012: “Merchandiser of the Year” award from Market Watch.
• 2016: “Retailer of the Year” award from Market Watch.
• 2023 & 2024: Once again named “Retailer of the Year” by Beverage Dynamics.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri provide an impressive array of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks. Fayetteville features the Walton Arts Center and Razorbacks Stadium, offering year-round sporting events. Bentonville is home to the Walmart AMP, the Walmart Visitors Center, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The region also boasts a wide selection of diverse dining options. In Southwest Missouri, visitors can enjoy floating along the scenic Elk River and experience the area’s natural beauty through numerous hiking trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mr. Sam Walton and Mr. Al Johnson served as my primary mentors throughout my tenure at Wal-Mart.
Both Mr. Walton and Mr. Johnson consistently stressed that outstanding customer service is at the heart of any successful business. Often sharing their beliefs that every interaction with a customer was an opportunity to create lasting loyalty, encouraging us to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to shoppers’ needs. Their guidance shaped my understanding that treating customers well wasn’t just good practice—it was essential to the company’s reputation and growth.

Website: https://macadoodles.com/pineville/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macadoodles_pineville/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacadoodlesPineville