Pamela Coy

Viking Village Foods and related operations

I am owner and general manager of Viking Village Foods and all of our other business operations: Viking Laundromat; BP Viking Express convenience store and sub shop: Viking Liquor; Bronco Billys Bar & Grill VV Properties-shopping center, where we own and lease 11 locations; Billboard Leasing Co.; Viking Farming Operations, which produces black oil sunflower bird seed, sweet corn and pumpkins for sale in our grocery store; car wash with self-service bays, three automatic washes and two pet washes; Pam’s Greenhouses; and a SNAP Fitness location. We also produce field corn (my husband Jeff is managing the farming for me since he retired from road construction).

My defining moment was when I received the National Woman Grocer of 2021. This was just a complete shock and amazing and thrilling. All I could think of was my grandparents and parents and all their time, hard work and struggles they put into the grocery business over the years. They gave me a great opportunity to run with. I’m so thankful to be a grocer, especially after going through COVID-19. I am also thankful for my loyal and dedicated managers and staff who contribute to making our various companies strong.

I love what I do, serving our customers and community. Most rewarding is serving people and their needs. I’m a strong believer in giving back to the area we serve. It has been so supportive.

The most challenging part of my job is dealing with the demands from COVID and trying to balance different opinions and appease everyone; also, trying to follow the science and do what’s best for employees and customers. Product shortages is getting to be a balancing act, as are equipment delays.

Sarah Decorah

Wisconsin Grocers Association

Years with the company: 18

It is truly an honor to be nominated among the many distinguished women of influence in the food industry. Thank you to WGA President & CEO Brandon Scholz for nominating me, as well as Cheryl Lytle and Michelle Kussow from our association.

Our staff of four has 91 years collectively working for the WGA and representing Wisconsin's grocery industry.

The WGA exists (since 1900) because of our members and the team effort we as a staff put forth on behalf of those members – whether it's WGA events, government affairs, member education or dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We all may have individual roles, but together we work to continue to strive toward our goal in keeping the Wisconsin Grocers Association strong and moving forward.

I very much appreciate this award recognition from The Shelby Report of the Midwest, but also want to thank those I work with, including all of our tremendous WGA members. Working for a trade association is all about teamwork and you truly are only as good as your team.

I believe Andrew Carnegie's quote says it best: "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."

Shaquanda Shari' Gordon SpartanNash

Years with the company: One

My position(s) are public relations specialist and franchise operations director. I coordinate events, playbooks, presentations, nominations, strategies and attend meetings to gather information. I recruit and hire companywide and develop franchise operations. I also assist with social media platforms.

I have two defining moments. The first one was my decision to make Dick’s Fresh Market a career. My mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed in 2018. During that time, I was her hospice care provider. Our company owner, Doug Rinehart, reassured me that I could maintain my full-time status with the company while caring for my mother. That idefined excellent, humanistic leadership in my mind.

The second moment in my career was the recognition that our company received as Grand Master Marketers in 2019. I fell in love with the dedication from our leadership team. Knowing and working with our people is the most rewarding part of my job. I have an associate’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology, which I use daily. I love recruiting, interviewing, hosting events and the opportunity to meet new people. Using our company as a platform to give back to the communities we serve is a large part of our culture.

The most challenging part about my job is managing the multiple avenues of employee connections without missing an opportunity. Advice I would give to any professional new to the industry: make yourself passionate about your people. Work with your co-workers; don’t be afraid to ask what you can do better. In the grocery industry, sometimes we don’t just do our job, we do the job that needs to be done.

Although, I am still early in my career in this industry, I am fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful mentors. Our company owner, Doug Rinehart, embodies an admirable passion for what he does every day. I loved working with Alan Alden, our former general manager, and learned a lot from his guidance and style. Our current operations director/general manager, Randy Roosa, also is a business mentor of mine. I observe, admire and strive to learn a lot of his leadership style and strategy.

I am VP of human resources, talent and diversity. For so long I shied away from DEI for reasons both personal and professional, but I needed a change and I had been wanting a role that would stretch and challenge me.

A few years ago, a former boss reached out to me to ask if I would come and lead the development and execution of the companies national diversity strategy. It was in this moment that I realized this was where my purpose and contributions to humanity would meet my professional goals. Though challenging, it has truly been the most rewarding work I have done in my career.

Designing and developing solutions to meet our talent needs has always been a passion of mine. My current role allows me to create holistic solutions across all associate, interfacing HR teams to ensure a seamless and engaging experience.

My advice: Don't be consumed by the pressure of having it all. Define your own version of success and be sure to enjoy life and family while working to achieve it.

My professional and volunteer affiliations include: member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; director for Women’s Resource Center of Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids NAACP executive committee; Certified Diversity Executive; professional in Human Resources; and Society Human Resources Certified Professional.

I have an MBA from Davenport University and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Lisa Grudzielanek

Metcalfe's Market

Years with the company: Six

As the assistant director of operations with Metcalfe’s Markets, I have the privilege to work with an incredible team.

Every day, I learn from the decades of experience of our fourth-generation owners. They have given me the space and trust to explore what needs improvement and provide support with what I need along the way. A role where no two days are ever the same is a rewarding aspect of my position.

Leading during a pandemic was certainly a challenge, however working for a 105-year-old, family-owned business that led with love made all the difference.

What I believe has been helpful to my success is to listen as much as speak the truth. People should know where you stand. Don’t be afraid to offer a point of view, even if it isn’t the prevailing thought at the time.

I passionately go to the bat for our team members, and I am determined to offer the best experience for our shoppers.

When I look back six years ago, running my own consulting business as registered dietitian, I could not have predicted my current career in grocery, but it happened so naturally.

My love for people, food and grocery shopping, along with a varied business and science background landed perfectly for an operations role with Metcalfe’s Market.

I have a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Mary University.

Kari Hansen

Hansen's IGA Markets

Years with the company: 25

I work with a team that manages and creates advertising for Hansen’s IGA Markets. My scope of work includes developing content for print, weekly circulars and our digital offerings. My role also includes coordinating and sourcing product from local growers for our seasonal greenhouses, outdoor fall displays and floral departments. Helping serve our customers and operating a business in uncertain times because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve had to work with urgency and creativity in a world of uncertainty and much of what we face is new.

Being part of a great team that actively works together to serve our guests and have a positive impact in our local communities is most rewarding.

This ever-changing world creates new challenges for our teams to connect with the customer whenever and however they choose to shop.

My advice for up-and-coming professionals: Never stop learning. Always be open to ideas from people of all ages and skill sets.

In addition to serving our customers and neighbors through Hansen’s many community relations activities, I volunteer in our local school, with 4-H and at church.

I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Diane Guerrero

Associated Wholesale Grocers

Years with the company: Three

I am business development manager for Associated Wholesale Grocers in Kansas City, Kansas.

It is hard to point to one defining moment as so many unique experiences have shaped my career. The most impressive transformation over time has been the overall impact of technology, innovation in digital and interactive marketing.

I have been fortunate to work in an industry that I love. Most rewarding are the personal relationships developed along the way. My passion is working with the independent stores, family owners and stakeholders. I am enamored by their motivation, dedication and commitment to their businesses and each other.

Most challenging is how the competitive landscape is always changing and evolving coupled with unprecedented impacts of COVID-19. It has changed the way we go to market, improved our overall agility and will leave a lasting imprint on all.

Advice: stay relevant, grow and embrace the digital future. Be compassionate, conscientious and courageous. Embrace technology, innovation and continuous improvement in everything you do.

I have been fortunate to work under many strong leaders throughout my career and am especially grateful to be part of a growth organization led by David Smith, a truly dynamic and strategic leader.

My affiliations include WGA, IFRA, IRMA and IGIA, while my degrees are ABA, BSBA with IT minor and an MBA.

Janice Honigberg

Sun Belle Inc.

Years with the company: 35

I am the founder, owner and president of Sun Belle Inc., an importer and distributor of fresh produce specializing in berries. I founded the company in January 1986.

The defining moment of my career was the decision to start my own business to represent growers and tackle the inefficiencies in distribution of imported fresh produce including logistics and information flow.

I enjoy introducing new products and packs to market, providing good returns to growers, being a reliable partner to our customers and helping them build their markets through supplying excellent quality product and building a national organization.

Distributing and marketing fresh produce in and of itself is a constant challenge. As for advice – work with determination and dedication, don't skirt the details, stay curious and never be complacent.

My mentors include my father, a multilingual world traveler who launched an export company at about the age I started my company and built it with passion and great ability. My mother is a concert pianist who has worked with unparalleled discipline and dedication.

Affiliations include: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, board member and promotions committee; life trustee of Merit School of Music, Chicago; board member Pilgrim Chamber Players, Highland Park, Illinois; and governing member, Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

I have a bachelor’s degree from Yale and an MBA from Harvard.

Heidi A. Huff

Iga

Years with the company: 13

I am the VP of business partnerships at IGA, USA. The most rewarding thing about what I do is bringing big brand attention and funding to independent retailers, giving them opportunities they may not otherwise get from these companies.

Working with independents is so rewarding and challenging at the same time. We are working hard to help them, while they are working so hard and are so busy that finding the time to see what we offer can be tough, especially in today's environment.

A defining moment in my career was becoming a female executive in the grocery world. This has traditionally been a male-dominated business and I am proud to be here and see that begin to change with women shining in roles throughout the industry.

Any young woman who is interested in any facet of the grocery business can make her way. Be strong, courageous and don't be afraid to speak up.

I am grateful to the people who have helped pave the way for me to grow in this business and given me opportunities. I am fortunate to have supervisors both past and present who have mentored me and believed in what I can achieve. I am a member of Chief, executive board member of WGA, NGA Board of Regents member and active in my church.

Jody Kotab

GF Buche Co.

Years with the company: 24

My current position is director of human resources. My defining moment of my career would be this last year with juggling home schooling because of a pandemic, a full-time job and adding multiple locations along with my husband gone for a deployment.

The most rewarding parts of my job are taking time for our team members, leading them in orientation and working with them with our benefits.

The challenging part of my job would be to find the time to help when issues arise with 400 team members and juggling other tasks.

The advice I would like to share with up-and-coming professionals is to lead with your heart, be genuine and a great listener. Mentors in my career would be my mom, who showed me how to multitask as a farmer’s wife and a mother of nine. She is very patient and hard working.

Another mentor would be the president of our company, RF Buche, who has guided me in knowing the business and saw many things in myself that I didn't always see.

Professional and volunteer affiliations that I am involved with are a new nonprofit day care board; HR Share group; compliance officer for Money Grams; notary; and certified cast trainer. I have an associate’s degree in early childhood development.

Anna Johnson Kraft

Heinz

I am head of field category leadership-grocery area. I’ve worked in sales at Kraft Heinz for most of my career and lead a team of 22 category experts who serve as consultants for our retailers by helping them win in the marketplace through optimized distribution and shelving.

Despite the challenges we often encounter, I take pride in providing my team with the tools, guidance and empowerment they need to succeed, while keeping us focused on long-term goals to overcome the obstacles we face.

Personal growth and people have always been my passions. In my career, I’ve played a leadership role on internal teams that focus on people development, including a mentoring program, our Women’s Sales Council and a sales engagement task force.

We create action plans that drive inclusion and belonging in a time when in-person interaction is minimal, which enables authentic interactions, sharing of voices, and added exposure to help build stronger networks across the organization.

I often reflect on a career defining moment that took place three years ago when I assumed my current role. I was excited to stretch myself and develop new leadership skills but was also admittedly terrified. I felt insecure in my ability to lead a team in a function where I had no prior experience and questioned whether I was making a positive impact.

Working with an external coach, I realized I was too focused on my perceived gaps and decided to instead leverage my strengths, knowing this is where I’d make the biggest impact. I also consulted with trusted colleagues and mentors, who encouraged me by sharing their own experiences with self-doubt.

Michelle Kussow

Wisconsin Grocers Association

Years with the company: 24

I currently serve as the EVP for the Wisconsin Grocers Association.

A defining moment in my career relates to personal property tax. In 2015, I created a coalition of 51 business groups to repeal Wisconsin’s “Mainstreet” Tax. In 2017, we successfully advocated for a $75 million exemption for machinery from the tax.

In 2021, the coalition was instrumental in efforts to pass legislation that fully repealed the personal property tax, which was ultimately vetoed by the governor.

The most rewarding part of my job is the members. Grocers are the best people out there. They love their communities, they’re humble and hardworking. I truly enjoy representing the grocery industry.

On the other end of this spectrum is the most challenging part of my job, which is politics. I’m referring to the political minutia that encompasses every issue. This is a reason why people quip that laws are like sausages – you never want to see either being made.

My advice for any up-and-coming professionals, in any career or industry, is to not take yourself too seriously.

I don’t necessarily have a mentor, but having worked with WGA President & CEO Brandon Scholz for 24 years, it would be impossible to say that I haven’t learned a thing or two from him.

I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

Cheryl Lytle

Wisconsin Grocers Association

Years with the company: 22

As the events director of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, I work with the WGA Board Events committee to determine the annual events and twists that make each one unique. Education, vendor connections, promotions and fun are key to having participants return each year.

WGA annual events include: Grocers in the Capitol Day; two Grocery Industry Golf Outings; a Day in the Field (pheasant hunt); and annual Grocers Innovation Expo.

I also help produce the Wisconsin Grocer Magazine, a magazine with locally written articles featuring WGA members. WGA also produces several weekly marketing emails to help members stay current on industry and association news.

I enjoy working with vendor companies to help connect them with the grocery industry in Wisconsin through customized program to promote their company and products and services with WGA events, print and digital promotion.

I have a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where the foundation of providing service was taught, and it has always been one of my core values. I'm also obtaining credits to take the Certified Association Executive exam in 2022.

Kristina Maurer

Maurer's Market

Years with the company: 10

My current title is vice president, which in a small family business means, anything and everything that needs to be done – from cashier and pricing to HR and cook.

The most challenging part of the job is the current environment that we live in. Running a grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic has created conditions that have never been seen before. New norms are being created, staffing and customer challenges, supply and shipping issues. They all create a new normal. You cannot apply old logic to new conditions, which makes it every day a battle.

This business is difficult, it is challenging and can be rewarding. You need thick skin, but tears will still happen. It helps to have: the confidence to fail; be always in the pursuit of sales growth; intelligence to learn from mistakes; and the ability to self-reflect, so you can continue to grow, learn and inspire. The person you are at the beginning of your career is never the person you are at the end of it and the ability to self-reflect gets you through the journey.

I chair the WGA Education and Scholarship Foundation and am president of Gio's Garden, which is a nonprofit in Madison, Wisconsin, that provides respite care to children (birth to 6 years old) with special needs.

I have a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary's CollegeNotre Dame and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Amy McClellan SpartanNash

As of VP of fresh merchandising, Amy plays a key role in developing the vision of fresh product categories to ensure success for SpartanNash’s more than 150 company-owned stores and 2,100 independent retail locations.

She is responsible for the overall product assortment strategy in addition to delivering the highest quality products and solutions to meet and anticipate customers’ ever-changing ap-petites. She is passionate about developing talent and leading teams of grocery subject matter experts.

Defining career moment: After serving as SVP of retail merchandising and operations at Martin's Super Markets and achieving three consecutive years of positive comparable store sales growth, she finished her 20-year journey at Martin's in 2018 by serving as the company's executive marketing, merchandising and operations subject matter expert. In that role, she hosted management presentations and store tours for potential buyers, which ultimately led to a successful sale of the 20-store chain to SpartanNash.

Advice for young professionals: Be bold and brave with your ideas; stay close to your frontline associates.

Early career mentors: former (retired) Martin's leaders: Randy Holtzinger, VP sales and marketing; Ed Osowski, director of produce

She serves on the board of directors for Buehler Food Markets and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University.

Tiffany Menyhart

Kraft Heinz

I am head of sales, strategic accounts and U.S. retail. The most rewarding part of my job is encouraging the development of my team members while navigating the business transformation we are driving at Kraft Heinz.

The most challenging part of my role is staying focused on our long-term growth plans while balancing the day-to-day challenges facing our industry. We strive to deliver the "now" while developing strategic growth plans and category-enhancing solutions for the future.

I began my career in consulting, where I developed a learning agility. I'm proud to have excelled in roles across a variety of functions while always seeking continuous improvement opportunities.

Although every role I’ve held has been a steppingstone, the most defining position I’ve had was leading the U.S. category leadership organization for Wrigley, then Mars Wrigley. It was not part of my "plan," required enhanced strategic planning, large team engagement and the ability to set aspirational goals – ultimately resulting in top industry recognition for the company.

I've had internal sponsors and external mentors, including a few from Network of Executive Women. NEW is a nonprofit where I have volunteered for 15 years, and currently serve as executive co-chair in Chicago.

I’m also proud to co-lead internal efforts focused on our diversity, inclusion and belonging mission, and supply reliability within U.S. sales.

I have two bachelor’s degrees from Vanderbilt University.