Blue Robinson stands next to Grocery Outlet's produce manager Martin Gomez. Gomez was selected as one of 25 finalists for United Fresh's Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.
Hard work, compassion and motivation have elevated one local produce manager in Chehalis to the top ranks of his profession.
Not even two years into his career as produce manager at Grocery Outlet, Martin Gomez was selected as one of 25 finalists for United Fresh’s Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.
After doubling the amount of produce sold from the Chehalis location and improving relationships with the customers, Gomez was selected as a sole representative for the 210 independently owned and operated Grocery Outlets.
“To have an ambassador like Martin at the front of the store really sells so much more produce,” Michael Morgan, co-owner of the store, said. “He defines the culture of not just the store, but the company and the community.”
Gomez moved from New York City in September 2012 and began working in the grocery department in June 2013. Morgan and co-owner Nicole Barnes said it was immediately apparent that he was destined for greater things. After a staff change in the produce department, Gomez became the produce manager in October 2013.
The recognition from United Fresh was classified as a great honor for the store, but Morgan said it was also a good opportunity for Gomez.
“We see this maybe as a way to open doors for him. We’d very much love to have him stay, but if this is a path for his continued success and growth, we’re all for it,” Morgan said. “We want to do whatever we can to provide that opportunity, and if losing him is the worst thing that happens out of all this, we couldn’t be happier.”
Gomez, who lives in Centralia, will be sent to Chicago June 8-10 to receive the award and attend the United Fresh 2015 Convention.
Through it all, he remained humble and credited much of the success to good teamwork and communication in the department.
“It feels really good because it’s not only me, it’s the store,” he said.
The father of three said he had been working in grocery stores for much of his life, and his ultimate goal in the produce department is to increase sales and provide quality items to the customers.
“I try to keep all the stuff really, really fresh,” he said. “That’s important for the customers.”
When trucks filled with 10 to 12 pallets of produce are delivered, the produce manager ensures each item is up to the store’s standard and will not accept anything less. He is also passionate about the clientele that frequent the store.
“He’s focused on the customers and their recognition on a daily basis,” Morgan said.
“He knows you by name knows what you are looking for, and remembers last week when you came in.”
His drive has been one of the leading factors to the department’s continual growth. Owners of the store said his mindset is that of a motor that operates with no finish line.
“You can teach everything else, but passion you just have to have,” Barnes said, crediting Gomez for the trait.
