retail team leader

retail sales associate

shift leader

local driver

order picker

Gordon Food Service

As a shipping lead I would normal arrive to work about a half hour early to complete my time and attendance duties, my credit calls and respond to emails before the shift starts at 11:20am.

After that, I would conduct on occasion the morning meeting with the shipping/loading teams giving them updates on the previous nights work and any other pertinent information necessary. At the conclusion of the meeting, I typically would finish my spread sheet on the previous days errors that we received and then browse the routes for the night from transportation. This was to see if there were any changes benefitting both the warehouse and the driver with each of our daily motions. 

For the rest of the day I would periodically checking on my grocery selectors and my emails to see if there were any issues that needed my attention. If there were any issues that needed more than my attention I would pass them along to my direct supervisor.

Over the course of 7 years working for GFS, I learned how to build relationships, manage more people than I ever thought I could at one point in my career and how to serve my employees, and customers, with the best service possible.

When I was a leader in our Ocala facility, the management team there was flawless. We had a perfect unity and understanding on how we all wanted the warehouse to perform and how we wanted to satisfy our customers. We executed that understanding daily, monthly and yearly, year in and year out for 7 years. 

When we were presented with the challenge of merging with our Plant City facility, the management there was not willing to be on the same understanding, level of performance, or level of willingness to change as my previous management team was. This led to a lack of cohesion despite numerous attempts at such.

The hardest part of working for GFS Plant City as a leader was the lack of faith in the leadership team the employees had when we arrived there and trying to mend that. It was very hard to hear my first month or two that the leadership there did not care about their employees and coming from a facility that dedicated themselves to excellence, I knew that was going to be a challenge.

The best part of my years at GFS was when we were working at the Ocala facility and received praise one afternoon from our GM. It was the nicest thing I have read in a long time coming from a GM. He seemed legitimately happy that we were doing an excellent job there. GFS never lacked on the praise or recognition of its team members, its employees, nor its customers. I thoroughly enjoyed working there and I could never speak bad about the company as a whole. One bad egg doesn't spoil the whole meal.

As a delivery driver for this company to say that I was more than disappointed in their overall lack of organization when it comes to making sure the trailers are loaded correctly in accordance to the driver’s schedule and the blatant disregard for the driver’s time that he/she needs in order to make the deliveries in order to stay on schedule would be an understatement. Myself and other drivers have arrived several hours early as outlined per our schedule only to end up sitting in the break room waiting for hours for our trailers to be completed and then find out that they are loaded erroneously AND now the driver is BEHIND schedule. Management could care less because it doesn’t affect their day at all. They are NOT the one who has to rearrange the trailer, reload the items to make the delivery flow better and more efficiently, make up the missed time because some locations, i.e. schools have cut off times, or work late. I asked one of the managers who made me late for my route(because he was busy laughing and playing with several individuals instead of working) what was the company procedure in place if a school delivery was missed because the school was closed? He told me to make a note of the incident on the order sheet include the time, leave a message for the school and to bring the order back to the warehouse. However, when I returned from my route that afternoon, after  I had delivered EVERYTHING, I was relieved of my duties because the manager who was embarrassed by my question told his manager that he and I had an “altercation”. It was an “altercation” because in his mind I questioned his ability to manage a crew on loading trailers in a timely manner that would ensure a group of drivers who had been sitting for over 3 hours to start their routes on time. Therefore, if you are a driver who believes in timelines and order when it comes to your deliveries and how your deliveries are arranged within your trailer this is NOT the company for you. If you are also a driver who expects and respects strong management figures who you can talk to, can talk back to you and can handle a two way interactive conversation as an adult way of ensuring that both of you are understanding each other and making sure that there are no misunderstandings so whatever the job at hand is it gets done then this is NOT the company for you.

After being there for two weeks, I really enjoyed my first week of training.  This was my first selecting job and I was really enjoying it.  Honestly, if my shifts were capped at either 8, 10, or 12 hours, I probably would have stayed.  My normal shift was 3- finish but you never know when finish is.  I was there on my first real week of training when the first day I was forced over into 14 hours(3pm-4am).  After not getting home until roughly 4:40 am I slept basically all day as the job is VERY physical and you are expected to perform the same way the entire shift no exceptions.  I went in again at 3pm for my second shift of the week in minor pay from the previous night into yet another 14 hour shift.  Now this one took most of of everything out of me.  By the next day(Day 3) I was really feeling everything from the previous 2 nights.  Fortunately, Tuesday is usually slow and I was out by 12 with the rest of the shift.  However, the next day would be the worst.  We went in and were handed the same work load but a little less than sunday(the busiest day of the week).  Keep in mind we got out at 3 am Sunday night.  Naturally, everybody in the warehouse are pretty physically burnt out from working almost 40 hours in 3 days.  3 am comes around and we are all burnt out and running on fumes. 14 one hour long batches were left meaning we were stuck till 8 am.  That would mark 17 hours for me at this point and not being able to get home till almost 9 am was the final thought that ran through my head before I left the job site.  Out of 6 other trainees I believe 4 of us quit in the second week of work.  
        In conclusion, if you have a life or kids or anything that you do outside of work, DO NOT WORK HERE.  However, if you are a workaholic looking to work endless overtime I highly recommend this place.  They are a very great company but have a very outdated labor system.  Most warehouses in the area work a 3 shift structure or they run a 7-7 four shift structure for production.  Fully expect to be in this place until at least 3 am every night and expect to work more hours then that.  They have way more work load than they have ample help at the time.  If you like selecting and can handle long hours I very much recommend this job to you.

I will break down everything you must know about this job here:

Overall: This job is hard on the body, and you will have more overtime than off time. Management does not care to solve or hear any issues. Favoritsm galore. Difficult standards to meet. Faulty equipment on a daily basis. 

Lets break it down further:
Work culture: Toxic. The atmosphere is very negative and draining. Overworked employees are not heard by upper management at all. Instead of correcting issues they will throw pizza parties. Problems are rarely solved in a timely manner. Clear favoritism and hierarchy are established early on.

Work/Life Balance: Overtime is insane! They claim a 5 day work week with 8 hour days, but what you get is a 6 day work week with between 7 and 10 hour days. Good luck getting time off, PTO and "flex-time" build up slowly. Switching shifts, times, and positions within the company is near impossible!

Benefits: Pay would be fine IF bonuses were available to everyone instead of only being included for the people that reach a certain pallet count. As well if they didn't cut days short when something broke (which is very often) without paying for the whole day. 

Job security: Grunts like lumpers fired left and right for not meeting high unrealistic standards, or for calling off sick too often (even with a pandemic they will not enforce mask policy in the building or clean anything) yet people higher up like cordinators and supervisors who are repeatedly problematic can stay.

Management: Supervisors are decent, any higher management is only worried about cash. Management is so out of touch with what goes on on the floor this place goes weeks with things staged several pallets high and no room for work. When higher ups speak to workers it is clear they have no intent to solve issues. All that matters is production and people are easier to replace if they explain a reoccurring issue than solving the issue itself.

Usually hires on the spot during hiring events to fill multiple roles. Though they have a clear preference for employees of particular race, gender, class, and criminal background. They ensure you always remember you are replaceable, you do not matter, and they make sure that you never find the voice to speak up about problems unless you want to be singled out and othered. 

A typical day at work, I'll show up and count my drawer. Then I'm assigned a register and I spend the day having great interactions with a variety of customers. In down time, I'll carry out any tasks the managers give me, varying from cleaning to restocking to making phone calls. 

I've learned to go above and beyond for the customer, every time without question. There is always an answer for every question the customer may have, and if it takes a while to find it, you keep trying. I've learned how to handle difficult customers and how to graciously thank the nice ones. I've learned the proper way to give great customer service.

Management is always wonderful. They care about you as an employee and a person. They make sure you're healthy, and that any concerns you have are dealt with immediately. If you want to learn something or discuss an aspect of the company, they will always find the time to teach you or talk to you. They have a good clear communication amongst themselves and all of the employees. They make sure you are recognized when you do something well. And if you do something less than satisfactory, they make sure they discuss it with you privately and in a constructive manner.

My co-workers are the best co-workers I could ask for. Everyone that works there is friends. We talk outside of work, and we make each day fun. Everyone works together and everyone is willing to help one another no matter what. If you're going through a rough time and need a shift covered, you're never stuck without help. Someone is always willing to help you out, and willing to pay you back if you help them. I've personally had a coworker buy me lunch because I covered a shift for her when she was having a difficult family situation. I love each and everyone of my co-workers here.

There is honestly no hard part to this job. You just have to work hard and give the best customer service possible.

The most enjoyable part of the job is working for a company that cares about their customers. We know our major customer's by name. Everyone gets a happy genuine greeting. We make a point to talk to customers about their personal lives. We know their kids, we know their spouses, we know their birthdays. Its all a part of giving a good overall experience, and that is what I love about GFS as a company and my store as a whole.

For as long as I've worked there, I started from the bottom as a selector. Up until my last day, I was still a selector. I feel completely different from the first day I stepped foot in here up until the last day. No matter how hard you work or how long you've worked there, you're not gonna get anywhere. They'll promote people that have less experience than you just because they're buddy-buddies. Definitely a lot of favoritism in the work place. I was never one to kiss up to my superiors but if you do, you might get lucky and get a promotion one day. Hours are extremely long and you're not allowed to go home until everything is finished. This would result in 16+ hours a day. You won't be able to get any sleep and they still expect you to come in fresh and energized the next day. Stock up on energy drinks because you're gonna have to live off them. Say goodbye to most of your life because your whole life will be devoted to this place. They will use you until you're completely broken inside and out and then replace you when you can't maintain the insanely unrealistic performance rates anymore. Management team is a complete joke. The way things are run are a complete joke. Very sad life. If you wanna destroy yourself for the money, then that's the only thing this place is good for but at the end of the day, it's not worth it. Life is short and I regret the years I've lost working here. This place is not it. I hope this helps anyone looking to work here. If you need the money then go for it but it's not the place for you to make a career out of. You're pretty much guaranteed to have an injury within your first year of working here. A lot of things here don't make sense. You will see a bunch of lazy people standing around talking all day while selectors are working their butts off. Then you'll begin to question why you're working so hard for. You will see the reasons why this place is always hiring. Your health and well-being is more important than this greedy company. Take care of yourself friends. 

A typical day at Gordan Food Service would consist of assisting customers with any questions or concerns that may be brought to the attention of the staff, Answering telephone calls, and completing daily task that management has for the sales associate. 
Working at Gordon Food Service has taught me that running a large Corporation is very difficult. Especially when it comes to Customer service. Understanding that not every customer is going to be in a great mood and that not everyone you work with is either. At all times you absolutely must remain professional and not let your views or moods get in the way of what (GFS) stands for. (GFS) has also taught me being organized and knowing product is key in being successful in sales.
The Management at GFS was Great! Not only are they very understanding of things that may come about outside of work, they are more than willing to work around these issues. At times management can be a little demanding, but they will never have the staff do anything that they couldn't accomplish themselves. 
My Co-workers are like family. They have their days where their personal lives may affect their moods at work but for the most part they all are using (GFS) to propel them further in life, and are a blast to work with. Everyone takes their job very seriously and works extremely hard to meet the daily goals of the company. 
The Hardest part of the Jobs would be completing truck. Every Monday, Wed, and Friday Mornings and Afternoons a truck arrives to the store for Sales Associates to stock. It is VERY tiring and can be ailing to the back. 
The most enjoyable part at Gordon Food Service would be sampling the new foods that arrive and just showing up everyday for work. we have a fun time while working. There's always something new happening at (GFS)

The biggest issue we face is that we are constantly understaffed. People don't want to do physical work. Operations(warehouse/transportation) in the food distribution industry is always going to be hard, physical work, regardless of who you are working for(Sysco, GFS, US Foods, PFG, BEK etc). If you are Ok with the hard work, then a career in the food distribution industry is one of the best career paths a non college educated person can take. It is one of the last industries that allows you to advance up the ladder, without a degree, to leadership careers that pay over $100k. You have to be willing to earn it though, it will not just happen. As far as GFS, they are a fantastic employer. They pay well, they have good benefits and have the best 401k/profit sharing plan in the business. Also, they want good employees to move up the ranks of management. You will only be limited by your skills and motivation to succeed. Most of the negative reviews are coming from people that are complaining about the physical nature of the work and that is true. The great thing about working here is that the more you have on your truck, the more money you will make. Most drivers are making at least $72k and some(depending on where they work) make over $100k. I know many local delivery drivers in their 50s to early 60s that go out, everyday and unload these routes. It can be done, but it won't just happen. Working smart and safely will give a person longevity here. Taking care of your body outside of work will help as well. Throughout the company the vast majority of the local drivers are home everyday and typically work between 45-50 hours. You need to be realistic about working for a company in food distribution. There will always be trade offs in any career. The trade offs here are: hard work = good pay/benefits and home everyday. 

GFS likes to buy up smaller companies to gain other markets and remove competition. They think their "culture" is going to change the every person they touch. Reality is you either follow what they say or you will be replaced!. When you are part of a buyout you will notice more and more employees are let go and replaced with "new" GFS employees. Very few make it from the original company no matter how good you are unless you are willing to "drink the cool aid" and become one of GFS drones. As a salaried employee your time is their time so expect to on call 24/7. Management is clueless, my manager didn't have a clue what I did day to day. After a buyout he was put in charge of the division. Rather than learning what we did and needed he threw the division aside to focus his personal gain in another area. No matter how well you do your job when GFS says your time is up you're gone. Closing entire division without even a thought of the employees. This is after they pound in your head what a valuable asset every team member is. When problems arise you can expect to take the blame and then be coached because the communication is poor. Many emails about their culture, subliminal religious massages in emails, long worthless meetings. They like to throw around their humanitarian aid, the money they donate, pictures and videos of the elite sales force (that drank the cool aid) etc. Look around at the USA and see where the aid is really needed instead of the 3rd world countries. Bottom line here is 2 things; if your are not top in sales you are worthless to them. If you're not willing to live GFS everyday this company is not for you, you are disposable!

GFS Employee Review – A Cautionary Experience

I worked at Gordon Food Service (GFS) for a very brief period, and unfortunately, it was one of the most frustrating and disappointing job experiences I’ve had. I’m sharing this to give others a clear picture before considering employment here.

Lack of Transparency:
From the start, there were red flags. The formal job offer I received did not include any pay information. This lack of clarity should have been a warning sign, but I moved forward hoping things would become more organized once I started.

Zero Training & Poor Preparation:
Once on the job, I received no proper training. I was expected to complete a route with no prior guidance, no ride-alongs, no practice runs—nothing. I was thrown into the field without the necessary tools, information, or support to succeed. When I struggled to complete the route (understandably, given the lack of preparation), I was let go.

No Support, No Setup for Success:
The entire experience felt like I was set up to fail. There was no investment in helping me learn the job or improve—just a quick dismissal without context or accountability from management. I wasn’t given a fair chance.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re considering a position at GFS, I strongly encourage you to ask very specific questions during the hiring process—especially regarding pay, training, and expectations. Based on my experience, the company does not prioritize proper onboarding or employee development, and that can leave new hires in a very vulnerable position.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Retail team leader 13 salaries reported	$19.38 per hour
Retail sales associate 34 salaries reported	$14.61 per hour
Shift leader 3 salaries reported	$66,380 per year
Local driver 5 salaries reported	$81,500 per year
Order picker 6 salaries reported	$20.71 per hour

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