GrocerCast

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Prairie Farms.

Brandon Scholz features Prairie Farms Sales and Marketing Manager Stacy Wand.

Wand has over 20 years of extensive experience in the dairy industry that began with dairy plants in Dubuque, IA, spending 9 years with Swiss Valley Farms and 12 years with Prairie Farms Dairy, where he has been the Sales and Marketing Manager since 2009. Wand is responsible for sales and marketing of Eastern Iowa, all of Wisconsin and Northern Illinois and his favorite part of the job is traveling to visit with customers. Prairie Farms was also recognized as WGA’s Vendor of the Year Award in 2014. Currently, Wand resides in Shullsburg, WI and has three children: Noah 22, Alex 20, and Sydnee 17. In his free time, he enjoys watching Wisconsin sporting events and playing golf.

Scholz's second guest is 2nd Generation Viking Village Foods in Reedsburg Owner Pamela Coy (left). Her parents first opened the grocery store in 1975. Viking Village Foods was renovated last year to feature a modern look and now includes fresh sushi, salad bar, pizza & sub station, hot buffet, bakery, cafe, and more. A piece of the past is still present in the form of family murals placed throughout the store. Viking Village Foods has a community-centered mindset; the store is currently raising money to build a splashpad in the community. Coy and her family own and operate numerous local businesses that include a BP convenience store, liquor store, three car washes, laundromat, SNAP fitness, Bronco Billy’s Bar & Grill (by HoChunk Casino), and a large shopping center that is leased out. The Coy family also owns farming operations that produce black oil sunflower birdseed, pumpkins, sweet corn and field corn, all of which are sold at Viking Village Foods in Reedsburg.

The store also won Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award in 2014 and Large Business of the Year in 2019. Additionally, Viking Village Foods received the WGA Excellence in Operations Award in 2011.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Zone Mechanical North.

Brandon Scholz features Graphic Knowledge/Magnetic Advertising Director of Operations Joe Ewest and CEO & Owner Scott Engstrom.

With more than 25 years of marketing and advertising industry experience, Scott has partnered with many of the top agencies in supporting and building some of the most well-respected brands. With deep expertise in imaging, Scott often rolls up his sleeves and jumps on a Mac to keep projects on schedule.

From agencies and design firms, to in-house corporate marketing, Joe has led teams for over 25 years from diverse businesses. Creative at his core, he also thrives on client interaction and has a passion for project management and streamlined workflows.

WGA Allied Members Graphic Knowledge and Magnetic Advertising are very involved in the WGA community; the companies recently sponsored both the Southern Classic and Northern Grocery Industry Golf Outings.

Scholz's third guest is David Weber, 3rd generation Owner of St. Germain Sentry in St. Germain, WI. David grew up in the family grocery business that his grandparents started in 1946. David was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s degree in Social Work. David returned to the family business in 2001 as an assistant store manager and became store manager in 2003.

David loves the Northwoods of Wisconsin, spending time with his wife, Jennifer and their daughters, Grace and Emma. David is proud to be a 3rd generation grocer and celebrating 75 years in the grocer industry.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, July 29!

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!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Zone Mechanical North.

Brandon Scholz features Seth Fochs, Chief Operating Officer, and Jacob Fochs, Director of Business Development, Krueger Wholesale Florist. Starting at Krueger Wholesale Florist at the age of 18, Seth brings over 35 years of floral industry experience to the continuously growing company. Jacob began learning the floral industry while working at Krueger Wholesale through high school and college with internships in Colombia and Ecuador and returned to the business in June 2019. Operating in 9 Midwestern States, Krueger Wholesale Florist is committed to providing their customers with the highest-quality products and service. Vendor partners from South America, California, Florida, and Canada guarantee the freshest flowers and plants from the farm to your store in 4 days. Krueger Wholesale Florist, a WGA Business Partner, generously donates flowers to the annual WGA Grocers Innovation Expo and WGA Grocery Industry Golf Outings.

Scholz's second guest is 3rd-Generation Family Co-Owner Ted Balistreri, Sendik's Food Market. Ted co-owns the 17-store Sendik's Food Market operation with his two brothers and sister. The business was started by Ted's grandfather in 1926 and has a reputation for high quality products and exceptional customer service. In addition to owning and operating Sendik’s, Ted serves on several charitable, civic and industry boards. He recently completed a nine-year term with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin of which he served two years as the Board Chair. He continues in service to that organization as a member of the Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Foundation Board. Ted also serves as a member of the Concordia University Foundation Board. Civically, Ted currently serves as a member of the Board of the Business Improvement District for the Village of Whitefish Bay. He has also served as a member of the Community Develop Authority in Whitefish Bay. Representing the independent grocery industry, Ted is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Grocers Association serving as the organization’s Vice Chair. Additionally, he serves as the Board Chair of the Department of Research and Education, an industry group. A Wisconsin native, Ted received a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Brew Pub Pizza.

Scholz features Anheuser-Busch Senior Key Account Manager, Large Format, Wisconsin Chain Grocery Chris Randerson. Born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, Randerson graduated from Appleton Xavier High School and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Randerson's 28 years of experience in the beer business began at LBJ Distributors in Little Chute, Wisconsin (Miller wholesaler) in February of 1993, eventually purchased by General Beer. Randerson was hired by Tri County Distributors (AB) in Appleton in October of 1998, which was eventually purchased by Wisconsin Distributors. In September of 2015, Randerson was hired by Anheuser-Busch as a Category Manager for off-premise Wisconsin.

Scholz's second guest is Doug Rinehart, 2nd-Generation Owner of Dick's Fresh Market. The business has grown over the years to include locations in Amery, Menomonie, Osceola, River Falls, Wisconsin; and one Minnesota location in Wabasha. Dick's Fresh Market prides itself on its many community-centered initiatives, such as hosting in-store donation drives for local food pantries. The chain also hosted its first "Hope for the Holidays" toy donation drive in December of 2020. Generous contributions from community members totaled over $20,000; proceeds were used to provide hundreds of toys and holiday meals for local families.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, June 17!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Brew Pub Pizza.

This week’s episode spotlights Rich Wise, CEO of Valley Cooperative Association, a provider of the finest baking and brewing ingredients, supplies, and business services to support Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Rich has spent his entire working career at Valley, starting out as a Buyer. He also has served as the Purchasing Manager, Business Development Manager, General Manager, Vice President, and Executive Vice President prior to becoming CEO in 2019. Rich also serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Flour Distributors. Rich holds his Business Degree from UW Oshkosh, with a Major in Marketing and Minor in Economics.

Also featured from Valley is Brad Miller, Director of Sales at Valley Cooperative Association.

Scholz also spotlights brothers Tim Metcalfe, President & Kevin Metcalfe, Vice President, Metcalfe's Market Co-Owners. Metcalfe's Market is a fourth-generation family grocery operation. Metcalfe’s Market operates three high-volume, hyper-local markets with two locations in Madison and one in Wauwatosa.

Kevin Metcalfe started his career in the family grocery business as a grocer in 1989. Metcalfe was born and raised in Madison and attended Madison College where he earned his degree in Finance; Metcalfe and his wife, Tina, live in Monona with their three children. Metcalfe is a member of the Wisconsin Grocers Association and currently serves on the WGA Board of Directors, the Wisconsin Realtors Association, and Past President of the Monona Exchange Club. Metcalfe was named the Wisconsin Grocers Association Grocer of the Year in 2012 and has been active in the Monona community as a former City Alder, Planning Commission Co-Chair and Chamber Board Member. Tim & Kevin Metcalfe co-organize the World's Largest Brat Fest founded by their father in 1983.

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Brew Pub Pizza.

This week’s episode spotlights Chad Vincent, who serves as CEO of the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, leading the efforts to build demand and awareness for Wisconsin’s $50B dairy agriculture business. Vincent has an extensive business / marketing / general management / international background, driving growth at companies around the world including roles such as the President of Miller Brewing Company Asia-Pacific, President at Fiskars Brands & Gerber Outdoor, Managing Director at Heinz, and 7 years of dairy experience as the Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Sartori Cheese. Also, Vincent holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Michigan State University. Father of four, Vincent currently resides in Madison with his wife Wendy. Also, June is National Dairy Month! Click here to read more.

Scholz also spotlights Jeff Tate, who co-owns the Watertown and Waterloo Piggly Wiggly stores with his wife, Cindy. Tate has been involved in the family owned grocery business from 1973 until 1996 and has worked with all six of his brothers, as well as his father, in all facets of their stores as they grew the business to five stores. After serving as the Store Manager for Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly from 1997-2007, Tate and his wife opened a Piggly Wiggly in Watertown, followed by the purchase of the Piggly Wiggly in Waterloo in 2017. They are very active in their community and have six children, three of which served in the military with a combined five active tours of duty. They have four grandchildren and reside in Watertown. Sine 2011, Tate has been a member of the WGA Board of Directors and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, May 20!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Kemps. Learn more here.

It's WGA Awards Season! Awards include Grocer of the Year, Vendor of the Year, Excellence in Operations, and Community Service. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 30! Click here to start your nomination form.

In response to the recent shooting at the Roundy's Distribution Center in Oconomowoc, the WGA published a shooter preparedness webinar. Click here to watch.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, April 22!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Kemps. Learn more here.

It's WGA Awards Season! Awards include Grocer of the Year, Vendor of the Year, Excellence in Operations, and Community Service. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 30! Click here to start your nomination form.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, April 22!

The second member spotlight features Candie Baker, Second-Generation Owner & Operator of Webster's Marketplace in Ripon. Baker also serves on the WGA Foundation Board of Governors. Webster's Marketplace is currently celebrating its 34th anniversary! Watch the video here to learn more about the anniversary festivities.

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. For more information, request the DFW e-newsletter or contact them here.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, April 8!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. For more information, request the DFW e-newsletter or contact them here.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, March 25!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. For more information, request the DFW e-newsletter or contact them here.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, March 11!

This episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Lipari Foods. For more information on how Lipari can help retailers showcase their perimeter departments go to liparifoods.com or contact Joe Calo.

Watch for how to tune into the next episode of GrocerCast on Thursday, February 25!

Today's episode of GrocerCast is sponsored by Lipari Foods. For more information on how Lipari can help retailers showcase their perimeter departments go to https://liparifoods.com/ or contact Joe Calo.

The next episode of GrocerCast will be available on Thursday, February 11.