MICHAEL McTAGGART
Managing Partner
Mike started his career in the grocery industry in 1991. After 10 years, in varying roles, his drive for further education, business development and love of people, took him into the finance industry. During those five years he was able to expand his knowledge, while continuing to work with people, which has always been a constant. His passion for the grocery industry brought him back into this business, working with Advantage Solutions. For the past 9 years Mike has managed in excess of 40 brands, across the majority of categories. He developed meaningful relationships with customers and clients, alike. Recognized for his dedication, he was awarded Vendor of the Year, in 2014, by Thrifty Foods. His natural leadership skills, drive, and desire to continue making a difference in the industry, while not sacrificing his priority of family or lifestyle, was the catalyst for the decision to collaborate with Roger and Doug (JBM Management). Away from work Mike and his wife Diana of 17 years are very involved with their kid’s activities, family adventures and outdoor activities.
ROGER KAWANO
Managing Partner
Roger has 13 years retail grocery experience. Six years working as a Key Account Manager for Perco Sales and Tees and Persse, where his responsibilities included retail and head office management. Roger also held the position of Regional Manager for Rogers Chocolates for three years. As a 20-year partner of JBM he has successfully helped numerous clients across BC introduce new products and further develop their brands. Rogers reputation and strong work ethic are well recognized by customers and clients alike. Roger’s been married to Nicki for 36 years and has five grown children. In his spare time he is an avid golfer and while, unfortunately, unable to call himself a PAR golfer he loves the game and strives to improve his handicap.
DIANA McTAGGART
Customer Development Coordinator
Diana’s grocery career began in 1997 with Thrifty Foods, where she spent 11 years in various positions in many Thrifty Foods locations throughout Victoria. She very quickly fell in love with the industry but even more was her passion for working with people that took her from working directly in retail to working in the Human Resources Department. She worked as an HR Manager for Thrifty Foods for 12 years where she continued to learn and grow in the grocery retail sales field while helping develop those on the front lines. In 2018, Diana joined Focus West Management as the Customer Development Coordinator and brought her passion for people to the team. As Customer Development Coordinator, Diana is able to continue with her passion of working closely with people in the grocery industry, developing strong relationships and taking pride in building growth for businesses and brands. Diana and her husband Mike have two beautiful daughters and enjoy a very active lifestyle hiking and adventuring in the great west coast outdoors.
ROB MCCOWAN
Managing Partner
After completing a degree at the University of Victoria, Rob began a 22 year journey with Lekker Foods in 1996 in Victoria BC fulfilling his passion for sales, business and marketing. Rob held the position of Territory Sales Rep in Victoria and worked his way up to Director of Sales, Marketing and Procurement for a company with 80 employees representing BC and Western Canada. After managing 25 sales reps and key account managers, working closely with the marketing and purchasing teams and being responsible for over 130 suppliers and 600 brands, Rob felt it was time he took his experience to another company. In September 2018 Rob joined Continental Sausage Co. based in Surrey BC to help with some company changes and find new opportunities for this established deli meat manufacturer. With some new sales staff, new accounts, new branding and successful growth in place, Rob decided to transition back to brand and product representation for multiple companies and joined Focus West Management in 2021.