Person of Interest: Commodore Grobbel

Jason J. Grobbel, our 89th Commodore

Commodore Grobbel presides over a time of dramatic change at the Club. As the head of a 139-year-old family business in Detroit, he has seen and dealt with plenty of it. If you haven’t met him yet, you’ll find him outgoing, willing to listen, and firmly committed to the challenge. And if you ask, he might even make you a corned beef sandwich.

Q: Let’s talk about change at the Club. There certainly has been a lot of it as of late. We’re amid major renovation projects in the Clubhouse and Harbor, with more on the way by 2026. What is the status of those two projects? And what is the biggest single challenge you have this year as Commodore?

A: We have certainly seen a lot of exciting changes at the Club in the past 12 months. All of them are part of the Board’s multi-phase initiative, VISION 2026, which puts us on a path for transforming the Clubhouse and grounds to assure the finest possible GPYC membership experience. Our progress to date has been amazing!

The most prominent Clubhouse renovations include the new lobby and Rotunda as well as the beautiful new Spinnaker and Main Dining Room. Now that both dining areas are in proximity to the kitchen, we expect members will appreciate better food and improved service. Members have already provided positive feedback about these changes. They have also expressed some concerns which we are working non-stop to address. Our goal is to give members an exceptional experience when they dine in these renovated venues.

In the Harbor, we are on track to complete renovations in time for the 2022 boating season. The new floating docks will greatly improve our Harbor, as will the new swing bridge. I can’t wait to see our renovated Harbor in full operation. It will be an exceptional facility for our boating members. Everyone I’ve talked to is very excited.

Finally, I must mention the new Moat Bridge which is a significant upgrade to our grounds. What a great improvement it has been!

Now the question is, where do we go from here? The Board is currently evaluating options and determining priorities for the next phase of VISION 2026. We have not yet finalized plans for the Binnacle but hope to announce something to members later this year.

Lady Melissa Bodmer and Commodore Grobbel hosted the Drive Thru Santa Visits at the Club in 2020

As to my biggest challenge as Commodore, it is prioritizing and managing all of the great changes that members are excitedly anticipating in VISION 2026.

Q: The Club did a lot of fundraising this past year to finance the new Lobby and dining rooms. Will member donations continue to play a fiscally strategic role as more projects get underway?

A: One of the objectives for VISION 2026 is to establish a sufficient capital reserve to assure long term preservation and re-vitalization of our facilities and grounds. However, to complete high priority capital improvement projects over the next five years, the Board combined funding strategies which include initiation fees, voluntary member contributions, capital dues and long-term financing at levels well within the Club’s ability to support. I expect this approach will continue. Over the past year, contributions played a very significant role in making the initial phase of VISION 2026 a reality. The generosity of our members was overwhelming, and we truly appreciate their contributions. We know the future of the GPYC is bright.

Q: You’ve created some new committees. What are they intended to do?

A: We have many new committees beginning this year, but I would like to point out a few that are very exciting. The Entertainment Programming Committee is focused on planning the lighting, music, and video at seven venues throughout our Club. The Culinary Excellence Committee is focused on providing valuable feedback to the Culinary Staff of the Club, helping to drive our dining experience to the highest level. We’ve also added an IT Committee to advise on better integrating technology into Club operations and services.

Grobbel continued

These committees will continue driving excellence in our Club’s operations.

Q: Tell us about your profession.

A: EW Grobbel is a family food company that was established in 1883 by my Great Grandfather Emil Wilhelm Grobbel. The foundation of the organization is centered around growing and developing each employee, both personally and professionally while producing premium quality food products. We are headquartered in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, and specialize in whole muscle meat proteins and pickle products. Our recent expansions include acquisitions of the Detroit processor, Sy Ginsberg’s Meat & Deli (est. 1982) and produce specialist, Topor’s Pickle Company (est. 1960). These strategic subsidiaries have allowed my organization to focus more on the traditional deli industry, while at the same time achieving growth and spurring innovation.

I recently authored a book “Leading America Back to Work”, which details the roadmap and ideas that helped grow the business from a small regional processor to a nationally distributed company. I am the president of the company, but using the framework laid out in the book – it has helped me design the infrastructure to hire, train, and surround myself with a tremendous and engaged team. More recently, my day-to-day role can be described as the Chief Fun Officer. I get to focus on, and celebrate all of the great accomplishments our team achieves.

Q: We understand you are also opening a grocery and deli restaurant in Eastern Market. We assume it will feature your company’s products. What kind of place will it be? Are you worried about adapting from the wholesale food business to retail?

A: I am very excited for the new concept we are opening in the Eastern Market. The concept will consist of two distinct establishments: a Grobbel’s Gourmet Fresh Neighborhood Market, and a Sy Ginsberg’s branded Jewish-style deli restaurant to make high-quality foods accessible to local residents. These new locations will offer a unique experience for people to interact with our brands in an entirely new way. This new outfit is an expansion of our commitment to serving and feeding the local community. We are going to partner with urban farmers and other local farms to bring fresh food and produce to the neighborhood market. The market will showcase expanded offerings: Topor’s Pickles, Corridor Sausage, Grobbel’s Gourmet smoked meats, and a full line of premium sliced prepackaged deli products. In addition, there will be other items sold that are typical to a grocery store such as bread, seafood and grab-and-go ingredients to easily make dinner for that day.

It is always a challenge to step outside of your comfort zone. We are looking forward to the challenge of expanding into the retail sector, and very excited about the opportunity to grow our team with talented people who are familiar and comfortable in that realm.

Commodore Jason Grobbel and Lady Melissa Bodmer outside of the Commodore’s boat: Irish Eyes

Grobbel continued

Q: What is your philosophy? And does that apply to the way you govern the Club? If so, how?

A: My philosophy is the same in business as it is in every aspect of my life, including as Commodore. First is to define clear processes. Second is to promote collaboration and encouragement. Third is to demand a culture of respect. I have found this recipe to be highly effective and easy to remember.

Q: Tell us about yourself. We know you’re a boating enthusiast. What other hobbies or outside interests do you have? Where were you born? Where did you go to school? How did you come to join GPYC?

A: I am a lifetime resident of Grosse Pointe and graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School. I attended Michigan State University, then graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics and Business Administration.

I have been an active member of The Detroit Rotary Club since 1986, serving as past president, and as head chair of the Foundation Drive committee, responsible for raising funds for the many worthwhile programs sponsored by the club. In addition, I have served as the president of the Eastern Market Partnership, whose main focus is to enhance the attraction and make Eastern Market the undisputed center for fresh and nutritious food in southeast Michigan. My interests range from engineering and architecture to psychology and philosophy. This comes in handy

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L-R: Ryan Chapp, Brooke Chap, Colin Bodmer, Isabella Bodmer, Lady Melissa Bodmer, Commodore Jason Grobbel, Emily Grobbel, John Jones, Samantha Grobbel Johnston, Jeff Johnston

since I am the father of five grown children!

We all enjoyed boating together at the DYC for many years until we bought a new boat in 2008 that could not be accommodated there. We then joined the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and have been very happy ever since to be at the greatest yacht club in America!

Q: Who in all the world would you most like to have dinner with, and what would you talk about?

A: I would truly enjoy having dinner with Elon Musk while we discuss ROCKETS. A: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” - Clint Eastwood.

Q: What advice would you give to future Commodores?

A: I believe the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is a wonderful institution with a long and venerable history. It deserves to be nourished and well maintained for the next generation.

Q: Any parting thoughts for us?

Q: What is your favorite book, your favorite movie, your favorite music, and your favorite automobile – in that order?

A: Change is often challenging. When we work together in a spirit of love and respect, we can push through those challenges and achieve great things.

A: Book- The Four Agreements. Movie- It’s a Wonderful Life. Music- Rock and Jazz. Automobile- Aston Martin Vanquish.