Josephine Ann Granton, MBA
Josephine Ann Granton, MBA is a Senior Manager of Procurement at Bob’s Discount Furniture, where she leads indirect procurement within the finance organization. Reporting to the Vice President of Treasury, she oversees vendor selection and negotiation, manages strategic supplier relationships, and partners closely with internal business units to align procurement strategy with financial objectives. Her work consistently delivers measurable cost savings while strengthening long-term vendor partnerships.
With experience spanning retail finance and operations, healthcare, mortgage, banking and investments, manufacturing, and waste management, JoAnn brings a uniquely adaptable and results-driven perspective to procurement and finance leadership. Her career reflects resilience and practical discipline—progressing from early roles in retail procurement and operations through diverse industries, and later building vendor networks in the food-waste and recycling sector. Following a period of industry layoffs and unemployment, she joined Bob’s Discount Furniture, where she continues to demonstrate persistence and strategic impact.
JoAnn is known for her collaborative leadership style and her guiding philosophy of tackling challenges “one piece at a time.” She is a strong advocate for accessibility, mentorship, and women supporting women, often positioning herself as a relatable example of advancement through education, hard work, and determination.
A lifelong learner, JoAnn earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Business and later completed an MBA with a concentration in Finance while working full-time and raising her daughter. She openly models perseverance—bringing her daughter to classes and demonstrating the power of commitment through action.
Outside of work, JoAnn prioritizes health and wellness through regular Pilates Reformer practice, which supports her physical strength, mental clarity, and resilience. As a leader, mentor, and devoted mother, she exemplifies adaptability, grit, and a deep belief that challenges can be overcome through diligence and self-belief.
• Sacred Heart University - MBA, Accounting and Finance
• Deans List, May 2013
• Deans List 2012
• Mayor For The Day,
Milford Area Chamber of Commerce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward when the path changed unexpectedly. Early in my career, the economic crisis in 2008 forced me to pivot and rethink what success looked like. At the time, it felt unsettling, but it ultimately became one of the most defining moments of my professional life. It taught me that setbacks aren’t endings—they’re invitations to grow, adapt, and redefine what’s possible.
Throughout my journey, the encouragement of my father has been a steady source of strength. His belief in me helped me develop confidence in my own abilities, especially during moments of doubt. That foundation gave me the courage to take risks, trust myself, and continue showing up even when the outcome wasn’t certain.
I’m also deeply motivated by the example I want to set for my daughter. I want her to see that women have the power to build fulfilling, independent lives on their own terms—with or without a husband or partner—and that resilience and self-belief can carry her through life’s challenges. When I look back, my success hasn’t come from a straight line or perfect timing, but from persistence, purpose, and the willingness to evolve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a mentor for many years as I moved through different stages of my career who reminded me that everyone faces challenges, and no one gets a free pass. We all experience ups and downs—what really matters is how you respond, how you recover, and what you take away from each experience. Some people face more adversity than others, but no one escapes life untouched. Growth comes from learning, resilience, and continuing to move forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I’ve learned that I am the master of my own destiny. Holding my head up high and continuing to show up—especially when things feel uncomfortable—has made all the difference. I’ve felt imposter syndrome myself, but it fades as you build and master the skills that help you succeed in your role. Progress comes from persistence and steady action over time. You don’t need special privilege to be successful—consistency, confidence, and a willingness to keep learning will create opportunity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in indirect purchasing is managing an increasingly broad and complex spend portfolio while being asked to deliver more value with fewer resources. Indirect categories often touch every part of the business, which means priorities can shift quickly and stakeholder expectations can be high. Balancing cost control with service levels, flexibility, and risk management requires strong relationships and a deep understanding of the business.
At the same time, that complexity creates significant opportunity. Indirect procurement has a unique ability to influence efficiency, cost avoidance, and long-term value when we move beyond transactional work and partner more closely with stakeholders. There’s also a growing opportunity to leverage data, standardization, and supplier collaboration to drive smarter decision-making and more consistent outcomes across the organization.
As expectations for procurement continue to evolve, indirect purchasing is well positioned to play a more strategic role—helping the business navigate change, optimize spend, and build resilient supplier partnerships. For those willing to stay curious, adaptable, and relationship-focused, this is an exciting time to be in the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are authenticity, resilience, and respect. I believe in showing up as myself, being honest in how I communicate, and treating people with fairness and empathy. Building trust and strong relationships has always been important to me, both professionally and personally.
I place a high value on respect and independence—respect for different perspectives and experiences, and independence in thinking, decision-making, and growth. I believe people do their best work when they feel trusted and empowered.
I also value perseverance and curiosity. Staying open to learning, adapting to change, and continuing to move forward through challenges has shaped my career and my life. These values guide how I make decisions, how I lead, and how I try to set an example for those around me.