In a celebration of excellence and community, SpartanNash, a food solutions company with a network of 147 corporate-owned grocery stores, recently hosted its annual leadership summit and Circle of Excellence in Orlando, Florida. This three-day event, initiated by CEO Tony Sarsam, emphasized a “People First” culture that prioritizes the contributions of its employees, setting clear standards for performance across the organization.
At the heart of this summit was the recognition of 43 Circle of Excellence winners, each celebrated for their exceptional service and commitment. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Sarsam shared the joy he felt observing front-line associates being honored. “Hearing from these heroes, the people who are truly delivering the ingredients for a better life through their hands and hearts, always leaves me feeling grateful and inspired,” he noted.
The Circle of Excellence awards highlighted individuals who exemplified SpartanNash’s values through outstanding work in their roles. Among these honorees was Marvin Moore, a Lead Guest Care Associate at Metcalfe’s Hilldale, who has spent over 35 years delighting customers with his exemplary service. His “thousand-watt smile” and dedication to guest satisfaction have made a significant impact on the store’s community.
Esther Mcalpin was also spotlighted for her remarkable achievements as a D&W cashier. She earned the nickname “Sell like Esther” for her ability to sell a staggering 764 units of One More Item products while raising more than $1,368 for various nonprofit organizations in 2023. Customers specifically seek out Mcalpin at Knapp’s Corner D&W, drawn by her friendly demeanor and infectious sense of humor.
Another standout was Virginia Hardman, a truck driver at the Columbus Distribution Center. Hardman showcased a stellar driving record, finishing the year with one of the highest safety scores in the region, further reinforcing SpartanNash’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
The summit also honored the top-performing retail stores within SpartanNash’s portfolio. Stores like Martin’s Super Markets in South Bend, Indiana, and Family Fare in Oscoda, Michigan, were recognized for their commitment to quality and service. Such accolades encourage friendly competition and promote best practices among locations.
In addition to the Circle of Excellence winners, two remarkable executives received the Difference Maker awards. James Gohsman, VP of Sales for the Great Lakes region, and John Paul, VP of Sales, were praised for their decades of contributions to the grocery industry, driving significant growth and innovation within SpartanNash.
With a workforce of approximately 17,500 associates, SpartanNash illustrates the power of a strong corporate culture. The company operates across two key segments: food wholesale and grocery retail, catering to a diverse clientele that includes independent grocers, national retailers, and e-commerce platforms. Its continued position as the 45th largest food retailer in North America, as per the PG 100 list, reflects its robust operational success and commitment to sustainability.
The emphasis on a “People First” strategy ensures that employees are not only recognized for their contributions but also motivated to perform at their best. By facilitating events like the Circle of Excellence, SpartanNash effectively fosters a sense of community and belonging among its associates, which, in turn, enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In conclusion, SpartanNash’s annual summit not only showcased outstanding individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated. The stories of Marvin Moore, Esther Mcalpin, and Virginia Hardman exemplify the spirit of dedication and commitment that drives SpartanNash forward in the competitive grocery industry.
