Rick Cohen & family

Early Life

Richard B. "Rick" Cohen was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1952. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1970 and later earned a degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1974.

Rise to Success

Cohen began his career in 1974 at C&S Wholesalers, a company co-founded by his grandfather in 1918. He took control of C&S in 1989 after his father retired, and under his leadership, the company grew to become the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the United States. Cohen is also the founder of Symbotic, an AI-enabled robotics and warehouse automation company, which has partnerships with major retailers like Walmart. Symbotic's automated warehouses have an order backlog of $22 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Cohen's key business strategies include a focus on operational efficiency and the strategic implementation of technology. His ability to recognize and capitalize on market opportunities has been pivotal. His vision led to significant growth through the acquisition of distribution centers and the expansion of services to a diverse range of clients. The integration of advanced automation and proprietary technology within C&S warehouses dramatically increased efficiency.

Philanthropy

Rick Cohen and his family are known for their philanthropy. The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College was renamed in their honor in 2001. The Cohen family supports organizations addressing food insecurity, youth development, and public health challenges.