Steve Weakley had his first job in the grocery industry when he was 18, just before entering college. That was at Certified Grocers, unloading boxcars. After college, roles at Albertsons and Vons followed before he was able to merge two of his loves – grocery and numbers – with a role at the credit union at Vons. More than 35 years later, he continues to be passionate about offering competitive financial services to grocery industry employees.
His early experience as a union employee shaped his leadership philosophy. Given the opportunity to lead, he knew exactly the kind of leader he wanted to be. And by all accounts, he has succeeded. Those who know him describe him as genuine, caring, approachable, and someone who leads by example. He has cultivated a workplace that feels like family. His intelligence also stands out; colleagues have called him a genius and “the smartest man they have ever known.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Weakley is a philanthropist, outdoorsman, yoga and martial arts practitioner, avid golfer, reader, traveler, as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
For all these reasons and more, Certified Federal Credit Union CEO Steve Weakley has earned his place in the Food Industry Hall of Fame.
What led you to this career path?
I worked as a Teamster for Certified Grocers in Corona while attending Riverside City College and USC. I enjoyed the grocery industry and knew that food is a necessity – there would always be career opportunities. The general manager at Certified later became the general manager for Albertsons in Brea. After graduating from USC, I reached out to him and started as a bakery cost accountant in their bakery plant. I enjoyed the role and eventually became assistant controller for the Southern California Division before moving to Vons.
The most interesting story since leading your company?
Seeing how the credit union has transformed so many members’ financial lives. We help members open a savings account, buy their first car, purchase a home, and save for retirement. It’s an honor to assist people at every stage of life – an untold story that deserves to be shared.
Funniest mistake when starting out, and what did you learn?
I accidentally parked in the general manager’s designated spot on my first day. Everyone made sure I knew that was a big mistake. Fortunately, I survived, and later he and I had a good laugh. Lesson learned: always double-check where you park!
A particular person you’re grateful for?
I have to mention three mentors who shaped my career.
- Ken Olsen, President of Vons and part of the Von der Ahe family, taught me the importance of leading from the top and giving back. He was a leader in supporting the City of Hope.
- Hy Stein, VP, Service Deli and Manufacturing at Vons, taught me the value of innovation when I ran the Deli Kitchen. He introduced Panda Express, Boar’s Head and sushi to Vons in the 1990s and later worked for Andrew Cherng at Panda after retiring. He had received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star when he fought in the Philippines in World War II.
- Bob Hadeler, SVP, Distribution and Manufacturing at Vons, was also chair of the credit union. He was a mentor when I first volunteered on the Credit Committee. His advice? “You never get in trouble for making money.” Maintaining the bottom line and controlling expenses solves many problems. He served in the Navy in World War II.
I grew up with this World War II generation. They were tough, hard-working people, didn’t really complain, just went to work, and they taught you a really great work ethic from a very early age.
And one thing I found out in the grocery industry was that those who really did the best were all great with product, but they were also great with numbers. They knew how to cut a gross; they knew how to set up the right products. They knew how to handle their shrink. They knew how to deliver at the bottom line.
So all those that I’ve seen that have succeeded in the grocery industry, who worked their way up from the bottom, who maybe started as a produce clerk, they all were really good at numbers, because they had to make the money, but they also had to know how to price and everything else.
So these were all great mentors. I keep their pictures in my office for inspiration.
How do you handle stress before important events?
I was a member of Toastmasters while at Vons, which helped me become comfortable speaking in front of crowds. Learning that most people are empathetic – and paying a 5-cent fine for every “um” or “uh” – sharpened my delivery. Humor also helps connect with people.
I work out daily and practice yoga, which helps me stay focused and calm. Yoga’s emphasis on breath control is especially useful in high-pressure situations.
Why is it important for a business to have a diverse executive team?
Bob Dylan said, “You better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone, ’cause the times they are a-changin’.”
Diversity isn’t optional but necessary, especially in Southern California. When I started attending credit union conferences in the 1990s, my credit union chair, Jan Faller, was often the only woman in the room.
Today we are proud that our CFCU Team and BOD reflects diversity.
My own experiences growing up reinforced my belief in treating everyone with respect. We’re all human. We need to help, not hate each other to survive as a species.
[RELATED: Populous West Home To Dynamic, Diverse Grocery Market]
What does an executive do that’s different from other leadership roles?
An executive must:
- Set the vision and direction for the company.
- Weigh all variables and make tough decisions, regardless of the outcome.
- Understand that math and business are intertwined; if you don’t make the numbers, you don’t exist.
I always say that vision and the balance sheet are interdependent.
What is the biggest myth about CEOs?
That it’s all about you. It’s not. Stay humble. Your job is to serve as a guardian for the company and its people.
What’s the biggest difference between your job and what you expected?
The greatest reward isn’t personal success; it’s helping others succeed. Living our vision – helping people achieve financial stability and being the credit union for the grocery industry – is what truly matters.
Key traits for success?
- Strong work ethic
- Discipline
- Dedication
- Clear vision
- Ability to handle failure and difficult situations
- Fostering teamwork
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
By helping people achieve financial security. Life is unpredictable. Job instability, family crises, health issues and inflation make it hard for working-class people to get ahead. Our credit union focuses on supporting blue-collar workers so they can build better futures. That’s real success – helping others.
Five things I wish I knew before starting:
1. Take the time to understand and connect with your colleagues.
2. Set boundaries with difficult people; they’ll walk all over you if you don’t.
3. Save money early; it makes life easier later.
4. Be grateful. Life moves fast; appreciate the moment.
5. Your setbacks can be strengths; you just have to see them that way.
How do you inspire a movement?
Encourage people to care for their bodies through exercise and read every day. Mind, body and spirit are interconnected. A positive attitude can change your life.
Favorite life lesson quote?
Actions, not words. Show your vision through what you do, not what you say.
Who would you have breakfast or lunch with?
Dr. Cornel West. I may not agree with all his views, but I deeply respect his intellect and passion for humanity.
Within the industry, Dick Goodspeed is someone I would choose. Dick was mutually good friends with a good friend of mine, Al Plamann, who ran Certified Grocers.
A little while ago Pat Posey held a breakfast, and Dick Goodspeed was there, along with Jim Lee (former president of Stater Bros.) and Al Plamann. We were thinking to ourselves, why wasn’t Donna invited? I responded, “Well, you know, you guys don’t need me here; because you have Donna!” We were all kidding about that.
Within two months of this breakfast, both Al and Donna had passed.
So, it just tells you that when you have breakfast, you want to invite everybody who you want to spend time with and make sure you enjoy your time. You never know what tomorrow will bring.