Advice from FMI Store Manager Award Winners to Future Nominees

By: Jordan Pietrak, Manager, Education, Food Marketing Institute

Oftentimes, we compare store managers to master jugglers. At any point in time, they’re skillfully balancing the day-to-day duties of their job, while meeting the business objectives and goals of their company. That’s why FMI’s Store Manager Awards highlight the oft-unheralded dedication store managers make to their communities and, more specifically, the store managers who are innovatively contributing to their company’s success as well as the success of the food retail industry. 

What does it take for a store manager to win FMI’s Store Manager Award? Previous winner, Charlynne Stunder, one of Save on Foods’ store managers in Vancouver, BC Canada shares her advice with rising leaders of the food industry.

“I think this award is important because it showcases the hard work and talent we have in our industry,” said Stunder. “It gives managers a chance to network and connect with each other across different companies and countries.”

After winning the Store Manager Award in 2015, Stunder was promoted to serve as a manager in one of Save On Foods top stores,  Stunder said, “For 15 years it was my goal to one day manage this store, and here I am!”

For Charlynne, winning a Store Manager Award was more than a personal accomplishment. “Not only was I personally proud to win this award, but I was more proud that I could win it for my team and my company,” explained Stunder. “It was a truly amazing feeling to see my name and company on the ‘big screen’ on stage in Chicago!”

Charlynne started in the food industry with her company as a cashier after school.  As the years progressed, Stunder realized she enjoyed working in the fast-paced environment of food retail, and the family atmosphere created by her store’s team and long-term customer base. Her commitment and passion as a store manager did not go unnoticed by her colleagues who nominated her for a Store Manager Award. When she received the call that she was a finalist for the Award in 2015 she was speechless.  She encourages the next round of Store Manager Award nominees to embrace the moment and enjoy every second.

Stunder recommends, “Meet as many people as you can and build relationships.  We can all learn from each other. Most of all, just have fun!”

Know a grocery store manager making a difference like Charlynne Stunder? Surprise them by nominating them for FMI’s Store Manager Awards by March 6! Learn more at www.FMI.org/StoreManagerAwards.