For Family Businesses, It’s Personal

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

FOR FAMILY BUSINESSES, IT’S PERSONAL

RENEE AMEN

SUPER A FOODS, INC.

The pride, kinship, and responsibility that comes with running an independent, family-owned business

Few have had the unique privilege of getting to work with your mom and dad every day. However a lucky handful of us in the grocery industry get to experience the special bond that stems from running a business with your family. I’d argue there’s nothing else like it. Growing up in my family’s grocery store has hugely shaped who I am and how I connect with my community. As a little girl I would go to our Hollywood store on Saturdays with my dad and we’d meet all sorts of characters from the neighborhood who relied on our store.

That’s where I realized that no other industry connects to its shoppers and impacts peoples’ lives the way neighborhood grocers do. Being involved in my community through our store has led to some of my favorite memories and special opportunities I’m so grateful for. Just last month I got to take my kids and my grandson to Anaheim Stadium where I threw the first pitch. And of course, having the honor of following in my dad and brother’s footsteps to serve as Chair of CGA’s Board is something I cherish. While there is an enormous sense of pride in owning and operating a small family business, naturally it comes with its own set of challenges. Growing up, I remember when my brother was away at college my dad would call him and ask him to come home to help run the business, saying “I really need you to be here for this.” The responsibility of ownership means that you’re never fully “off duty” and you feel a personal obligation to your customers and staff.

Smaller stores like Super A create a special environment for employees who are able to put a face to the business and work with owners on a personal level. Employees have seen me get on my hands and knees to clean shelves at the store, which in turn inspires them to do a good job. Plus, being independent helps us see changes through from start to finish to get the job done which helps build employee trust. Our Super A employees feel like family. Over the years we’ve been fortunate enough to express our gratitude to employees in fun and personal ways. Super A takes pride in making a real difference in our employees’ lives. For 25 years, Super A has hosted golf tournaments raising more than $1 million in college scholarships for our employees and their dependents to thank them for all they do for our store.

As an independent operator, it has been invaluable to meet up face-to-face with fellow family-owned businesses at events like CGA’s Independent Grocers Golf and the Independent Operators Symposium where we can all come together to collaborate. Being able to bounce ideas off my independent colleagues who share similar experiences is something I count on and has only helped us make our business better. This kind of collaboration is unique not only to our industry, but especially to our tight-knit community of California grocers. It’s no wonder my dad’s very best friends were from this amazing industry. ■