Welcome to the thirteenth episode of GrocerCast, WGA's official podcast; hosted by WGA President & CEO Brandon Scholz! The twice-a-month podcast series features industry leaders, member spotlights, and news.

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Zone Mechanical North.

Brandon Scholz features Leslie Sarasin, President and CEO of The Food Industry Association.

FMI is a champion for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to members’ fundamental mission of feeding and enriching society. The reach and impact of their work is extensive, ultimately touching the lives of over 100 million households in the United States and representing an $800 billion industry with nearly 6 million employees.

Under Sarasin's leadership, FMI has emerged as a member-centered organization helping food retailing venues find new and future facing ways of feeding families and enriching lives. A committed collaborator, Sarasin has infused FMI with a vision of cooperative action that amplifies the association’s ability to assist its members in addressing the critical industry issues of the day.

Prior to joining FMI more than a decade ago, Sarasin spent 19 years at the American Frozen Food Institute, serving as president and CEO for the last nine of those years. She also held positions at the National Food Brokers Association, Crest International Corporation and Salomon Brothers. Sarasin holds a JD from the University of San Diego and a BA in economics from Smith College.

Sarasin is admitted to practice law in California and the District of Columbia. Her professional, social and personal commitments are reflected through service on the Boards of the Partnership for a Healthier America, National Chamber Foundation, the Congressional Hunger Center and Gonzaga College High School. Additional leadership roles include membership on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100 and active participation in the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C.

Sarasin has been recognized multiple times among Supermarket News’ “Power Fifty,” Progressive Grocer’s list of “Top Women in Grocery” and Mass Market Retailer’s “Most Influential Women.” She was awarded the prestigious Hospitality Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America in 2019. In 2021, Sarasin was named “Association CEO of the Year” by CEO Update.

Scholz's second guest is Brandon Sosinsky, Owner of the Poynette and Pardeeville Piggly Wigglys. Sosinsky began his career as a grocery bagger at Sherm's Piggly Wiggly in Princeton, owned by Paul Schlaefer. Over time, Sosinsky worked his way up to helping in the meat department, ordering, and helping with inventory. Sosinsky worked at Sherm's Piggly Wiggly from 2008 to 2013; his final role at the store was Night Manager. From 2013 to 2014, Sosinsky worked as a Merchandiser at Coca Cola. From there, Sosinsky left to work at Markesan Piggly Wiggly as a Merchandiser until the March of 2019. On March 24, 2019, Sosinsky, at 26 years old, purchased Poynette Piggly Wiggly. Sosinsky purchased a second Piggly Wiggly store in Pardeeville on December 27, 2020.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, July 15!

GrocerCast *Stacy Wand, Prairie Farms* *Pam Coy, Viking Village Foods*

GrocerCastBy WGA President & CEO Brandon ScholzJul 28, 2021

GrocerCast Stacy Wand, Prairie Farms Pam Coy, Viking Village Foods