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Celebrating 20 years of excellence on June 5, 2025

ARLINGTON, VA – Today, FMI—The Food Industry Association is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Store Manager Awards, elevating 11 store managers from across the globe who share a passion for leadership, customer service and uplifting their communities. Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who:

• Generate sales growth;
• Effectively communicate company and store goals and objectives;
• Demonstrate team leadership in their store/company; and
• Provide exceptional customer service through in-store programs and improve community relations.
  

“For two decades, FMI’s Store Manager Awards have recognized extraordinary leaders who nurture, serve, and help sustain their local communities,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “This year’s finalists exemplify leadership that is purposeful, innovative, and characterized by care for their teams and customers. We are honored to celebrate their achievements as we mark this 20-year milestone.”

Out of 174 nominees, 11 individuals have been selected as 2025 Store Manager Awards Finalists, including:

Category A (Small retailers: Companies with 1-25 stores)

• Russ Blais, Roche Bros. Marketplace
• Emily Lowe, E.W. James & Sons, Inc.
  

Category B (Medium retailers: Companies with 26-199 stores)

• Amy Stainbrooks, Giant Food
• Jason Johnson, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., Food City
• Brittany Rhoades, Family Fare Supermarkets
  

Category C (Large retailers: Companies with 200+ stores)

• Ramatoulaye Diallo, Jewel-Osco
• Toby Pentecost, Food Lion, LLC
• Heath Redman, Harris Teeter LLC
  

Category D (International retailers: Companies operating outside of the U.S.)

• Leon Kruger, SPAR South Africa
• Larisa Kvaratskelia, SPAR Georgia 
• Tahjae Welch, The MarketPlace Limited
  

People’s Pick Competition

Finalists for the Store Manager Awards qualify to be a part of the People's Pick Award contest. All finalists will be posted on FMI's website for one week and the nominee with the most votes by the end of the week wins a special trophy and $500 to celebrate his or her store employees. Voting opens May 19^th at 8:00 am EDT.

Celebration Plans

To express our gratitude for this group of outstanding leaders, we’re hosting an awards ceremony with our generous sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company. Join the live award ceremony celebration on June 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT on FMI’s YouTube channel.  

For Media:

• Media may access headshots here.