FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the finalists for the 2025 Store Manager Awards, selecting 11 leaders from across the globe who share a passion for customer service and uplifting their communities.
Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who:
- Generate sales growth;
- Effectively communicate company and store goals and objectives;
- Demonstrate team leadership in their store/company; and
- Provide exceptional customer service through in-store programs and improve community relations.
“For two decades, FMI’s Store Manager Awards have recognized extraordinary leaders who nurture, serve and help sustain their local communities,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI.
“This year’s finalists exemplify leadership that is purposeful, innovative and characterized by care for their teams and customers. We are honored to celebrate their achievements as we mark this 20-year milestone.”
Out of 174 nominees, the 11 finalist include:
Category A (Small retailers: Companies with 1-25 stores)
- Russell Blais, Roche Bros. Marketplace
- Emily Lowe, E.W. James & Sons
Category B (Medium retailers: Companies with 26-199 stores)
- Amy Stainbrook, Giant Food
- Jason Johnson, K-VA-T Food Stores – Food City
- Brittany Rhoades, Family Fare Supermarkets
Category C (Large retailers: Companies with 200+ stores)
- Ramatoulaye Diallo, Jewel-Osco
- Toby Pentecost, Food Lion
- Heath Redman, Harris Teeter
Category D (International retailers: Companies operating outside of the U.S.)
- Leon Kruger, SPAR South Africa
- Larisa Kvaratskelia, SPAR Georgia
- Tahjae Welch, The MarketPlace Limited
People’s Pick Competition
Finalists for the Store Manager Awards qualify to be a part of the People’s Pick Award contest. All finalists will be posted on FMI’s website for one week, after which the nominee with the most votes wins a trophy and $500 to celebrate his or her store employees. Voting opens at 8 a.m. EDT on May 19.
Celebration Plans
To express gratitude for this group of leaders, FMI is hosting a ceremony with its sponsor, The Coca-Cola Co. Join the live awards celebration at 1 p.m. EDT on June 5 on FMI’s YouTube channel.
About FMI
As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain.
FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry.
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