Success in the CPG industry isn't just about the product. It's about the people who believe in you, support you, and lift you up.
This post is about those people.
For the past year, my sisters and I have been posting about Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. (ShopRite), where they have vendors from different departments come into the stores to sample.
It’s always a great time for not only the vendors, but also for the customers to connect with everyone in the stores.
Last night, the Inserra Family and the team members hosted all the vendors to celebrate and to thank us.
When my sister, Gonca Esendemir, spoke on New Jersey Food Council's trade association panel last year, she talked about how important it is to have a strong support system in the CPG industry.
The Inserra family and team members are those people.
I don’t believe business partners and team members can’t be family. To me, family is everything. Family lifts each other up through every challenge.
So many of the team members have been instrumental to our success and have made a lasting impact.
?? Jim Dorey, from day one, saw our potential and believed in not only Thumb Bread's potential, but he believed so fully in my sisters and I. He is the definition of a great leader- always encouraging, supportive, and emphatic.
?? The bakery merchandiser and category manager, Rosario, who patiently assimilated us into the stores, taught us everything we needed to know, and believed in the product. He helped us overcome pitfalls and gave us the support we needed to build our customer base.
?? The district managers, Jose Marroquin and Mike Koch, who work tirelessly in the stores to keep things running smoothly. They are always willing and able to help us when we need help. Mike Koch came on board more recently and he has proven to be an outstanding leader thus far.
?? Eric Beelitz, Ivan Quiles, Thomas Minardi, and Andrew Goldman, four of the kindest, most dedicated, and hard working category managers who support us even though we are in a different category. The depth of their care for all the vendors, no matter where ring comes from, just goes to show you how strong the Inserra team is.
?? Vera Kovalski, whose infectious personality and operational acumen is inspiring. We just love her and everything she has done to support and encourage us.
?? Dana McLaughlin, RDN, whose dietitian program is unmatched for passion, enthusiasm, and support. She is such a bright light and kind soul.
?? Thank you also to the entire Inserra family: Larry, Lawrence, Lauren, Bonnie, Marie, Laura, Kyle, Lindsey, and Theresa. The family’s love, generosity, kindness, and warmth is touching.
?? Thank you to all the vendors who have become friends.
?? Thank you to the in-store team members, bakery managers, and dietitians, who have become family.
We could not do what we do without all these wonderful people supporting us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
#cpgindustry #cpgbusiness #bakerybusiness
