Lou Grande is an Information Technology Executive with over 25 years of experience in creating shareholder value and operational effectiveness through technology. He has worked for organizations of all shapes and sizes, from "mid-market" to Fortune Global 500 companies. He has broad experience in all aspects of system operations, IT governance, support services, compliance and development, and direct experience with IT strategy, project implementation, team organization and technology consulting.
His industry experience includes foodservice/hospitality, retail and management consulting where Lou gained a solid reputation among colleagues, business partners and customers alike as an executive with a rare balance of strategic insight, operational expertise, technical skills, financial skills, and sales and marketing savvy.
Grande holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Lou is an Advisory Council Member of FSTec, Chairman of the International Food & Beverage Technology Association, a Board Director of SIM Central Florida, a Founding Board Member of the Central Florida Tech Alliance, and a past Board Member and active participant of the NRA IT Executive Study Group. He is also a five time repeat mentor for Pathbuilders’ Achieva program in Atlanta.
Along with his wife Lee, Lou Grande is the owner of Glass Doctor in Jacksonville, Florida, serving all of Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Clay, Union and Baker Counties. Glass Doctor is a full service glass company that provides repair and replacement glass services to residential, commercial and auto customers.
Prior to acquiring the franchise rights for Glass Doctor of Jacksonville Florida, Lou was a two-time veteran of the foodservice industry. His first career as a restaurant operator from 1978 to 1986 included progressive levels of responsibility in back of the house staff and management positions for McDonalds, Steak and Ale, and TGI Fridays.
After an eight-year break from restaurant operations where he established and cultivated his technical career as a management consultant working for "mid-market" to Fortune Global 500 companies, Lou returned to the foodservice industry, first as a consultant and then as an Information Technology Executive, to build teams, lead technology initiatives and support business objectives through the use of technology.
Lou lives in Jacksonville with his wife Lee, daughter Laura and son Thomas. When he’s not working, he enjoys music, golf, scuba diving, rugby, the beach and spending time with his family.
