Grizzly promotes Shabir Balolia to COO

Grizzly Industrial announces the promotion of Shabir Balolia to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Balolia will support his father, founder and CEO Shiraz Balolia, to provide strategic leadership as Grizzly enters a phase of accelerated growth.

“We have a lot of very exciting growth opportunities and global goals that will take the company to the next level. I'm looking forward to planning and working with our executive team to accomplish those objectives. My father has worked very hard to create a successful business and this move will also give him the opportunity to enjoy his retirement," says Shabir Balolia.

Balolia joined Grizzly over 30 years ago as a teenager — sweeping, packing boxes, stocking shelves, and even cleaning bathrooms. He worked his way up through the service department, accounts payable, call center, and showroom management. At age 30 he took on the role of corporate manager, overseeing product design, digital marketing, and in-store retail management. He continued to expand his career and Grizzly’s footprint, becoming involved in S.B. Holdings (Grizzly’s parent company) and working in legal affairs while maintaining his previous duties. Having played a role in nearly every aspect of the company, Balolia’s move to COO is the natural culmination of decades of dedication, the company said.

"Shabir and I have worked together for almost 30 years and I am looking forward to continuing this partnership as he carries on the family legacy," says Robert McCoy, president of Grizzly Industrial.