The RPIA Group was founded by Rick Crawford, formerly of Crawford’s Wholesale Bakery, Indianapolis, IN, former board member and treasurer of the Retail Bakers of America and  four former presidents of the Retail Bakers of America, Mark Atwood, Atwood’s Bakery, Alexandria, LA, Matt D’Agostino, La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes, Edison, NJ, Randy McArthur, McArthur’s Bakery, St. Louis, MO, Larry Merritt, Merritt’s Bakery, Tulsa, OK, and their spouses/business partners.

The RPIA Group has had a unique journey through the retail bakery industry. Born in the midst of tragedy during the September, 2001, Bakery Expo in Las Vegas, RPIA has become a virtual co-op that empowers its members not only in purchasing power, but in intellectual pursuits. By uniting retail bakers, RPIA has been able to capitalize on the concentrated buying power represented by its members.

RPIA offers much more than purchasing programs. Because members each have their own experience and expertise, RPIA shares intellectual property as well. Before investing too deeply in new approaches, members can share what works and what doesn’t.  RPIA members have found and shared information on better rates for workmen’s’ comp insurance, as well as property and casualty insurance. Members can take advantage of Predictive Index, a pre-employment test that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of potential employees to make sure they’ll be productive and happy in their positions, reducing turnover—and stress. And a national trucking program helps members to reduce shipping costs.

Currently, membership in RPIA is limited to retail bakers whose annual revenues are more the $1 million. In addition, members commit to paying all invoices within 30 days of receipt.