Aaron Preston – Busch’s

Nestled in the heart of southeastern Michigan, Busch’s Fresh Food Market is a local gem. Known for its homegrown flavors, premium-quality products, and community-first ethos, it’s a place where shopping becomes an experience. And behind the seamless operations, pristine stores, and thoughtful renovations is Aaron Preston, the director of facilities who has dedicated his career to ensuring that every visit to Busch’s is nothing short of exceptional.

Preston’s journey to Busch’s is marked by dedication and expertise. Armed with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in facilities management and engineering, he honed his skills over a remarkable 25-year tenure at Eastern Michigan University, rising to the director of facilities. He later brought his wealth of experience to Hyundai Mobis, managing facilities for a global automotive giant. But it was at Busch’s, where Preston has worked for the last three years, that he found a workplace that resonates deeply with his personal values and professional passion.

“I was drawn to Busch’s because of its strong family values,” Preston says. “From the moment you walk into one of their stores, it feels like home. Everyone, from the cashiers to corporate employees, is treated like family. It’s the kind of place where people stay for 10, 20, even 25 years because of how wonderful the culture is.”

The heartbeat of Busch’s stores

As the director of facilities, Preston’s role is vital to the seamless operation of Busch’s 16 stores, spread across a 60-mile radius in the Ann Arbor area. His responsibilities range from managing in-house and external vendors to budgeting for annual repairs and overseeing new equipment purchases.

“Maintaining our stores is a 24/7 operation,” Preston notes. “Every department works together without walls or boundaries. It’s a team effort, and the success of our stores relies on the expertise and collaboration of everyone involved.”

Under Preston’s leadership, Busch’s facilities team includes a dedicated nighttime custodial staff, five full-time maintenance staff, a project manager, a project supervisor, and internal administrators and planners. Together, they ensure that every store—from the parking lot to the ceiling tiles—is spotless, functional, and inviting.

“Cleanliness is one of the things that sets Busch’s apart,” Preston says. “Competitors might overlook the details, but we take pride in ensuring that every corner of our stores reflects the high standards of our brand.”

Building for the Future

Preston’s passion for construction and design has also been instrumental in Busch’s ongoing renovations and expansions. Recently, the company completed a major overhaul of its employee break rooms, emphasizing the importance of providing a relaxing space for its hardworking team.

Currently, Preston is overseeing a $7 million renovation of the Novi location, a project that began in November 2023 and is slated for completion by November 2024. The comprehensive remodel includes adding 8,000 square feet by repurposing a former Rite Aid space for wine, beer, chips, and non-alcoholic products; upgrading meat and seafood cases, coolers, freezers, and deli sections; introducing new lighting, décor, and service areas, including a redesigned front entry, lobby, and checkout lanes; Enhancing employee amenities with new office spaces, break rooms, and bathrooms; improving operational efficiency with an enclosed loading dock, new compactors, and ventilation upgrades.

“This renovation reflects Busch’s commitment to staying ahead while remaining true to our niche,” Preston explains. “We’re not trying to compete with big-box stores. Instead, we’re focused on providing the best local products and an unmatched shopping experience.”

For Aaron, working at Busch’s is more than a job—it’s a mission to bring Michigan’s finest to local tables. From locally produced honey and jams to fresh produce and artisanal goods, Busch’s celebrates the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

“Busch’s isn’t just a grocery store; it’s a community hub,” Preston says. “From the moment a guest steps out of their car to when they prepare their meal at home, we want every touchpoint to reflect the care and quality that defines us.”

Preston credits much of this ethos to John Busch, a visionary leader whose knowledge of facilities and the grocery industry continues to inspire. “John is one of the smartest men in this business,” Preston says. “He understands the local economy, does his research, and makes decisions that align with both community values and business goals.”

As Busch’s continues to thrive and expand, Preston remains at the forefront, ensuring that the company’s legacy of quality, service, and community remains unwavering. His passion for facilities, construction, and team collaboration embodies the values that have made Busch’s a beloved institution in southeastern Michigan.

“It’s not just about maintaining stores—it’s about maintaining relationships,” Preston says. “At Busch’s, every guest, employee, and vendor is part of the family. And that’s what makes my work so meaningful.”