Our People

TOM T. O’KEEFE, founder and chairman of the board.

TOM T. O'KEEFE, founder, chairman and head barista, started Tully’s in 1992. He is also Chairman and CEO of O'Keefe Development Corporation, a real estate development and investment firm he started in 1986 after spending nine years with Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Services, now known as CB Richard Ellis.

O’Keefe’s foray into the real estate business came shortly after college when he and a friend wrote a business plan to start an upscale neighborhood gourmet grocery store featuring domestic and international artisan produced food and beverage products. While researching locations for his “gourmet grocery store” O’Keefe met many real estate professionals who urged him to consider the real estate business. After much research O’Keefe decided instead to pursue a career in commercial real estate but did not abandon his dream of becoming a gourmet retailer and merchant.

Years later, while developing neighborhood shopping centers, O’Keefe was approached by Starbucks to lease space in his buildings. This inquiry rekindled O’Keefe’s desire to continue his earlier quest and he spent a year researching the specialty coffee industry. His research provided abundant evidence that there was a tremendous opportunity for another specialty coffee retail chain. Having been a daily coffee consumer for as long as he can remember back into his childhood, it was natural fit.

Tully’s original four points of difference; its roasting technique and flavor profile, employee style and dedication, a warm and inviting store environment and a commitment to the health and well being of the children in our community, is a result of that research and planning.

Tom and his wife Cathy have been actively involved in community organizations for over 25 years and their charitable efforts focus largely on the health, education and welfare of the children in our community. The O’Keefe’s were co-founders of the Patrons of Cystic Fibrosis and of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Seattle guilds. The O’Keefe’s have chaired many fundraisers for these and other similar entities that encompass grassroots campaigns to multi-million dollar earning galas.

O'Keefe is presently serving as a board member to the Seattle Preparatory Academy, Virginia Mason Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Guild of Seattle and is a Trustee of The Museum of Flight. O’Keefe formerly served as a board member or trustee for the Villa Academy, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Children’s Hospital and the Bellevue Boy’s and Girl’s Club.

CARL PENNINGTON, SR., president.

Before joining Tully’s, Mr. Pennington founded Pinnacle Management, a management company, and PinnPointe Consulting Group, a consulting company advising retail and wholesale companies. Mr. Pennington brings extensive retail and wholesale expertise to Tully’s, having previously served as Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Merchandising at Albertson’s, the nation’s second largest retail food chain, from 1995 to 2001. He directed and had responsibility for leading the operations, sales, marketing, and merchandising functions of the company. Mr. Pennington also held various other positions including division vice president and district manager with Albertson’s from 1967 to 1995. Mr. Pennington graduated from Fullerton State College and the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.

RON GAI, vice president of wholesale.

Ron Gai joined the Tully’s team in May of 2002. Previously, Gai served as director of trade development for Franz/Gai’s Bakeries in the Northwest. His responsibilities included increasing market share among grocery stores and large retail chains. Prior to the acquisition of Gai’s Bakeries in 1996, Gai, as a principal of the company, was instrumental in building the family-owned business into the largest bakery in the Northwest. He also played a key role in the company’s expansion, which included Seattle’s Langendorf Bakery and Venice Bakery of Vancouver, B.C. In addition, he oversaw the development of new brands such as Seattle Sourdough, Country Hearth, and Poulsbo breads. Gai is a native of Seattle.

ANDY WYNNE, vice president and chief financial officer.

Mr. Wynne, CPA, has been with Tully’s since 2005 and most recently served as Controller, where he held responsibilities in accounting, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and SEC reporting. Prior to Tully’s Mr. Wynne served as Corporate Assistant Controller for Fisher Broadcasting, Inc., a Seattle-based communications company that owns or manages twelve full power, seven low power television stations and eight radio stations. Mr. Wynne began his career at KPMG and holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Gonzaga University.

MARK DACOSTA, vice president of wholesale logistics and operations.

Mark DaCosta brings 25 years of Food Industry leadership to Tully’s Coffee. Previously, DaCosta served as a Corporate Account Executive for United States Bakery, where he led & managed the commercial bread categories for national retailers. DaCosta also managed multiple sales divisions, responsible for the logistics & operations of direct route distribution throughout the Pacific Northwest. He began his career operating retail grocery supermarkets where he directed all departments & buying. Mr. DaCosta also has completed the Food Industry Executive Education Program at Portland State University.

JOHN RADER, vice president and general manager of supply chain.

Mr. Rader joined Tully's in Janary of 2008, and brings 35 years of experience in food manufacturing and distribution, serving most recently as the President and CEO of SoCal Bakeries in Santa Ana, CA. Previously, Mr. Rader was the Vice President of Operations for Gold Medal Bakery in Fall River, MA, and the General Manager of Gai's Northwest Bakeries Division. Mr. Rader received holds a B.S. in Bakery Science and Management from Kansas State University, and a M.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

SID WILLIAMS, vice president of retail operations.

Sid Williams joined Tully's in August 2007, most recently serving as Director of Retail Operations. Prior to joining Tully’s, Williams was in charge of operations for Alternative Sports, a high-end specialty retailer of snowboard and skateboard products. Williams spent over 12 years with the Arby’s organization, holding positions in corporate and franchise operations, including Director of Operations. Prior to leaving Arby’s, Williams served as a Senior Consultant to their franchise community, covering the western United States and Canada. Williams attended Georgetown and Pacific Lutheran Universities.

MARTIN WALKER, vice president of marketing and merchandising.

Martin Walker joined Tully’s in January 2006 as Director of Database Marketing, and held the position of Director of Merchandising and Loyalty prior to being named to the executive team. Previously, Walker was with the Seattle Sonics & Storm for 9 years, serving in Director-level positions in merchandising, ticket sales and interactive marketing. Walker brings over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing to the Tully’s leadership team.