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Finalists

2026 Store Manager Awards Finalists!

Store Manager Awards are given to outstanding managers who generate sales growth, effectively communicate company and store goals and objectives, demonstrate team leadership in their store/company, provide exceptional customer service through in-store programs and improve community relations.

Category A: (1-49 Stores)

Jeff Payne

Harmons Grocery
Orem, Utah

Like most store managers, Jeff Payne is rarely in one place. One day, you might find him making cheese balls in the deli, then come back later and spot him corralling carts. He also sets aside quiet time to craft nominations for the store’s internal ...

James Hensel

Oregon Dairy
Lititz, Pennsylvania

Bloom where you’re planted. That advice rings particularly true for James Hensel, who has put down solid roots over the course of his 35-year career and continues to reap success for his customers, people and organization. Fittingly, his career arc ...

Lisa Milla

Strack & Van Til
Munster, Indiana

Lisa Milla is considered a trailblazer in grocery management, and today, she helps uncover opportunities for future leaders at the store that she oversees in Northwest Indiana. Lisa’s pathway to leadership began when she was nominated for a ...

Category B: (50-249 Stores)

Wei Zheng

99 Ranch Market
Chandler, Arizona

Wei Zheng’s journey to store manager at 99 Ranch Market has been described as the realization of the American Dream. After joining the retailer’s mentorship program and emigrating to the United States, this was Wei’s first professional role. Wei’s ...

Luke Schentrup

The Fresh Market, Inc.
Hendersonville, North Carolina

Luke Schentrup didn’t just have a good year, according to his colleagues at The Fresh Market: his performance was billed as one of the best in recent company history. As a result of his impressive streak of sales and EBITDA growth, associate ...

Ashten Walker

Market District/Giant Eagle
Solon, Ohio

One thing that sets top managers apart is when they are selected to serve as trainers for other leaders. Within Giant Eagle, Ashten Walker has earned both store-level and corporate respect and was chosen to lead all training for future leaders ...

Category C: (250+ Stores)

Mark Ferrari

QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies
Bothell, Washington

Transparency and dedication are twin priorities for Mark Ferrari, whose candor and commitment have ripple effects across his store. As the leader of a Kroger QFC in the Puget Sound region, he cultivates a culture of accountability that has sparked ...

Jamie Franck

Hy-Vee, Inc.
Dubuque, Iowa

One of Hy-Vee’s longest-serving store directors, Jamie Franck has, in many ways, come full circle in the organization. After rising through the ranks and taking on various regional, district and even board of director roles, he returned to a single ...

Almedin Dokic

Food Lion
Richmond, Virginia

Every manager takes a unique journey that leads to their position at the helm of a store. Almedin “Almo” Dokic’s journey started in war-torn Bosnia, continued through a time as a refugee in Germany and ultimately took him to the United States, where ...

Category D: (International)

Tina Tsitsava

SPAR Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia

It’s one thing to aim for the highest sales in a retailer’s network. It’s quite another to achieve it. Tina Tsitsava has achieved that impressive goal, guiding her store in Tbilisi to lead both sales and assortment within that region for SPAR. The ...

Salvatore Cossu

EUROSPAR Sorso
Sorso, Italy

Nestled along the scenic coast of Sardinia, this EUROSPAR location underwent a 2025 renovation, resulting in a new look and expanded offerings. The makeover reflects Salvatore Cossu’s approach to continually make the store better for its customers, ...

Kanchan Rijal

SPAR Paceville
St. Julians, Malta

There’s never a dull moment at the SPAR Paceville store in Malta, and that suits manager Kanchan Rijal just fine. He thrives at a location that is open 24 hours a day in one of the island’s busiest tourist neighborhoods. Kanchan, who started as a ...