This young leader has made history both on the pitch and in the store, showing that talent in one area of life often extends to another. The common denominators: sheer skill and a competitive fire.

Tahjae started his career in the grocery industry right out of high school. Already as a teenager, he was racking up accolades as a top player in Bermuda’s soccer league, helping his team win the premier development league finals. At 16, he was awarded MVP of the league after scoring in the national championship game and he was named Player of the Year in 2018.

Just as he spurred his team to victories in the game of soccer, Tahjaes ability to thrive under pressure and focus intently on hitting goals fueled his rapid ascent in food retailing. He quickly moved up from early roles as a merchandiser and cashier and became a breakout star after completing The MarketPlace’s premier leadership development program. He clocked in as the company’s youngest assistant store manager in 2022 and its youngest store manager in 2024.

Even as he continues to make history as an individual, Tahjae is a consummate team player. He is lauded as a motivator who has driven high employee engagement and low turnover rates through both positive mentorship and friendly competitions that build camaraderie among associates. He models strong community ties by example, too, as he takes part in national holiday celebrations and the MarketPlace Christmas Parade, along with other activities.

This outstanding manager also faces down formidable challenges like he squared off against soccer opponents. Operating a grocery store on the small remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, he navigates complex issues like extreme weather conditions, supply chain disruptions and twice-a-week deliveries from two small container ships. He also turns obstacles into opportunities by helping facilitate infrastructure upgrades and implementing process improvements that enhance customers’ shopping experiences and associates’ productivity.  

Oh, and his record? He has a lot of wins in store management, overseeing growing sales, improving operational efficiencies, and spearheading innovations like the store’s expanded international section that meets the tastes and needs of Bermuda’s diverse Portuguese and Asian communities. Thanks to his coaching, waste reduction and cost controls have contributed to improved profit margin and he has led teams to boost upselling.

Keeping his multifaceted skills sharp – and his innate competitive spirit – he has actively played high-level men’s soccer and is involved in nonprofit organizations and youth programs that regularly give back to the community.

He may be the youngest store manager at The MarketPlace, but Tahjae is hardly a rookie, and is well on his way to cementing a legacy in grocery.