Hello from Jim and Debra Hoffman, the operators of the Grocery Outlet in Springfield, Oregon.  Shortly after graduating from college and marrying his wife Debra, Jim Hoffman got a call from Bob Downs, owner of the Redmond store, asking if Jim would like to work for him.  Jim thought it sounded like an exciting opportunity and agreed.  Six months after working in the Redmond Canned Foods Store a new store in Springfield, Oregon became available.  In the winter of l974, the Springfield store was open and Jim and Debra were working together for the first time! ...