By: Cynthia Brazzel, Sr. Director, Member Relations & Advocacy (Western Region), FMI
Looking back 20 years ago makes me pause and consider just how far we’ve come . . . in 2005 the iPod Shuffle was introduced, the New England Patriots won their third Super Bowl, YouTube emerged on the nascent social media scene, and . . . FMI’s Store Manager Awards program was launched to recognize the hardworking folks who lead our grocery stores.
Well, the iPod Shuffle is in the bottom of a drawer somewhere, the Patriots are back to the starting board developing a new quarterback, remarkably YouTube has emerged as the biggest social and information platform yet and the FMI Store Manager Awards program has celebrated hundreds of store managers who have been nominated and recognized during this time for their significant leadership contributions to our industry. And, the excitement of the People’s Pick award has generated tens of thousands of votes.
It’s no secret that the events of the last few years have only increased our appreciation for and dependence on this front-line team of leaders: the grocery store managers. Not only do the store managers ensure quality, fresh and safe product selection for shoppers, but equally important is how they lead and inspire their team of associates and show up in their communities.
We pay tribute to this year’s honorees and in particular the outstanding winners who represent various categories of the grocery industry:
Category A: Russell Blais, Roche Bros. Marketplace
Category B: Jason Johnson, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., Food City
Category C: Ramatoulaye Diallo, Jewel-Osco
Category D: Tahjae Welch, The MarketPlace Limited
Plus, we are excited to announce Heath Redman of Harris Teeter LLC, is the People’s Pick online voting contest winner of 2025, garnering more than 1,300 social media votes.
In celebrating these exceptional store managers, we celebrate the heart and soul of the food retail industry. Their commitment, leadership and unwavering dedication are the foundation to the success of our community supermarkets.
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