10 Stand-Out Supermarket Store Managers

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

I’ve learned that behind every good supermarket there is a strong store manager. That’s why we annually recognize store managers who stand out for their excellence in generating sales growth, providing great customer service, contributing to attaining company goals and are an integral part of the communities they serve.

This year, we received 98 nominations for the FMI Store Manager Awards and are pleased to share with you the following 10 finalists. These exceptional store managers will attend FMI Connect, where the winners will be announced during the annual FMI Speaks presentation on Wednesday morning, June 10. 

As a special feature, we added a social media category to the FMI Store Manager Awards called the Store Manager “People’s Pick” Award. We’ve posted stories and photos of each of our finalists to the FMI Facebook page. The finalist that receives the most “likes” by Friday, May 22, will receive the Store Manager “People’s Pick” Award and a $500 donation to help the winner celebrate his or her store associates. Visit the FMI Facebook page and like your favorite store manager today! 

The 2015 FMI Store Manager Awards Finalists

Category A (1 – 49 stores)

Brian Hayes is a store manager for Super Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska. His guidance has helped his store have the second lowest employee turnover in the Super Saver Group and helped his store win the company's 18 store annual Mystery Shopper ACE Race award in 2014 as the best overall service store in the company with a 95.13 percent overall score. Hear more of Brian’s story.  

Elizabeth Haywood is a store manager for People’s Food Co-op in Rochester, Minnesota. When Elizabeth first joined the People’s Food Cooperative team in 2012 she was charged with turning around a newly acquired store that was under-performing. She oversaw the relocation of operations from a 7,500 square foot store to a 15,500 square foot store and the hiring, orientation and training for additional staff, which grew from 36 employees to 86 overnight. Hear more of Elizabeth’s story.

Bernie McGoldrick is a store manager for ShopRite Supermarkets Inc. in Chester, New York. His lasting impact on his community and store is evident in the numbers—including thousands of dollars donated to local organizations, and his store exceeding its budgeted average weekly sales, increasing sales by 4.60 percent and breaking 11 department sales records in 2014. Hear more of Bernie’s story.

Category B (50-199 Stores)

Mark Hubbard is a store manager for Food City in Kingsport, Tennessee. Mark has earned respect and admiration in his ability to motivate his associates, so much so that they recently surprised him by purchasing their own T-shirts for use at special events with the moniker, “TEAM HUBBARD.” Hear more of Mark’s story.

William (Bill) Martin is a store manager for Giant Food Stores in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. In 2014 Bill's store hosted a dinner for all associates who received customer compliments during the course of the year. More than 50 employees attended, which is a true testament to their commitment to customer service. Hear more of Bill’s story.

Will McDevitt is a store manager for Weis Markets Inc. in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania. Will instills and nurtures a culture of creativity and service that resulted in a 60 percent increase in sales and 90 percent increase in net income in 2014. Hear more of Will’s story.

Category C: (Over 200 Stores)

Steve Gannon is a store manager for Winn-Dixie in Cantonment, Florida. Throughout the year, Steve hosts multiple community events, including school field trips, career day, customer appreciation days via activities such as a pumpkin carving contest and kick ball tournaments. Hear more of Steve’s story.

Brian Wilken is a store manager for Hy-Vee, Inc. in Charles City, Iowa. Brian’s store creatively showcases talent by hosting cooking demos in the aisles and events throughout the year – including a Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner with a string quartet. Hear more of Brian’s story.

Josh Wise is a store manager for The Kroger Co. in Westerville, Ohio. Josh takes an active role in customer service and community relations, including helping organize the store donation of 7,000 pounds of meat, produce, bread and other products to the Westerville Area Ministry. Hear more of Josh’s story.

Category D: (International)

Charlynne Stunder is a store manager for Save On Food in Vancouver, Canada, part of the Overwaitea Food Group. Charlynne’s generosity has a personal touch, as she and her team regularly shop and even deliver to one local customer’s residence at no charge after she learned her customer suffered a tragic accident. Hear more of Charlynne’s story.