BENTONVILLE, AR, January 16, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Roger L. Gildehaus has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Gildehaus has established a distinguished career in merchandising, marked by more than five decades of expertise and leadership. As founder of Macadoodles since 1997, he has transformed the retail liquor landscape in Bentonville, Arkansas and beyond. Drawing on insights gained during his tenure at Walmart, Mr. Gildehaus recognized a significant gap in the market: local liquor stores were often small, overpriced and offered limited selections. Inspired by the business principles of Sam Walton, he launched Macadoodles with a vision to provide an expansive assortment of craft beers, fine wines and spirits at competitive prices while delivering exceptional customer service. His commitment to creating a welcoming environment has made Macadoodles a beloved destination for families visiting the nearby retirement community of Bella Vista, Arkansas, with many patrons making it their first stop upon arrival. Under his guidance, Macadoodles has earned a reputation for outstanding service and community engagement.
In addition to his ongoing role at Macadoodles, Mr. Gildehaus served as president of GILD Holdings from 2007 to Present. In this capacity, he oversaw strategic investments and business development initiatives that further diversified his professional portfolio. His leadership at GILD Holdings reflected his ability to identify emerging opportunities and foster sustainable growth across multiple sectors.
Prior to founding Macadoodles, Mr. Gildehaus spent 25 years at Walmart, starting his career as an assistant store manager in 1973, growing to Vice President of the Merchandising Division in 1986 up until 1998. During this period, he developed a close mentorship with company founder Sam Walton, traveling extensively with him and gaining invaluable insights into retail operations and customer relations. This formative experience shaped Mr. Gildehaus's approach to business and laid the foundation for his later achievements as an entrepreneur and industry leader.
Mr. Gildehaus's academic background includes earning a high school diploma in Union, Missouri. He attributes much of his success to the strong work ethic instilled by Sam Walton's mentorship during his years at Walmart. Adhering to Walton's philosophy of being different and better than the competition while consistently delivering value has been central to Mr. Gildehaus's accomplishments in merchandising.
Numerous industry accolades further demonstrate his professional excellence. Mr. Gildehaus was named Retailer of the Year by Beverage Dynamics in 2023 and 2024. He received national recognition from Market Watch Magazine with awards including Retailer of the Year in 2016, Merchandiser of the Year in 2012 and the Leader Award in 2006. Additionally, Macadoodles was listed among the Top 100 Retailers by Beverage Dynamics in 2018 and received national awards from Market Watch Magazine.
Beyond his business pursuits, Mr. Gildehaus is actively involved with Lifeline of NWA, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement and community support.
Born in Washington, Missouri, Mr. Gildehaus values time spent outdoors and enjoys hunting as a personal pastime. He has also been dedicated to his family life with his spouse, Christy, and their two daughters since 1984.
Looking ahead, Mr. Gildehaus intends to continue expanding Macadoodles through additional franchise locations in promising markets such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa, building on his legacy as an innovator and leader in retail merchandising.
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