Bloom where you’re planted. That advice rings particularly true for James Hensel, who has put down solid roots over the course of his 35-year career and continues to reap success for his customers, people and organization.

Fittingly, his career arc at the family-owned Oregon Dairy store began with roles as produce manager and perishable manager, where he excelled before being promoted to store manager three years ago. Another one of Jim’s notable accomplishments was creating a full-scale lawn and garden department.

He continually branches out with other innovations to stay top of mind in a highly competitive market. Recently, he expanded the retailer’s private brand program, fueling growth in the center store while boosting gross profits across all departments. He also spearheaded the launch of a new sushi program, which now generates the highest gross profit per square foot.

James’ tenure, coupled with his work alongside many founding family members, has given him a holistic perspective on operations and what the store means to its shoppers. That understanding led him to create a loyalty program that offers customers a wide variety of choices.

Because he held many positions during his career, James is highly in tune with staff. Through weekly meetings, he shares ideas on cross-merchandising and emphasizes the importance of keeping shelves fully stocked. He is seen as a mentor among team members, including some of the youngest workers who may be starting out on similarly long vocations.