Take a visit to the headquarters of Supervalu's Acme division and you will find many executives come from modest grocery backgrounds. In fact, the Cherry Hill Courier Post reports that 14 of the 16 executive offices at Acme are occupied by people who began their grocery careers as cashiers and/or baggers. That includes Judy Spires, the company president.
Ms. Spires is quick to say that her management of the company has been largely influenced by her career in stores. It was there she learned the value of making a connection with customers.
"I'd see the same customers and I enjoyed the relationships," she recalled. "Mrs. Donaghy, Tuesday night, with six kids and two carts of groceries."
Meg Major, fresh food editor at Progressive Grocer magazine, said Ms. Spires has a lot in common with many of the consumers who shop in Acme's stores. "Judy has a keen ability to relate to the average shopper's mind set," she said. "She's a working mom."
Ms. Spires is also said to have the right touch when it comes to the company's workers. The Courier Post article spoke of a recent visit Ms. Spires made to a store and her common touch with employees.
"It's not something I consciously work at, it's how I feel about these people," she said. "I am truly appreciative of the hard work they do."
Progressive Grocer's Major said, "She exudes energy. She has an upbeat, positive personality that is very attractive in a leader."
Another interesting aspect of Ms. Spires' career is that she is a former member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union. Having that experience gives her a different perspective on doing business with the union than perhaps many other heads of companies do not.
Ms. Spires acknowledges that paying workers more and offering better benefits does put Acme at a disadvantage compared to non-union competitors when it comes to employee costs. On the other hand, she said, you get what you pay for.
"It gives us the opportunity to attract and keep the right people," she said. "We believe in taking care of our people and giving them a good living with benefits."
Discussion Question: Do retailers managed by those who have come up through the ranks have an advantage over those who have leaders with backgrounds outside the industry?