Wegmans Food Markets Offers Quality Food And Exceptional Service

This Patch article is sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets.

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is a 103-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and North Carolina. The family company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.

Patch caught up with Kevin Russell, manager at Wegmans Food Markets in Fairfax, Virginia, to learn more about how the supermarket is providing customers with great-tasting products and exceptional service.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Russell: Wegmans entered the Fairfax community in 2005 when our Fairfax, Virginia, store opened.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Russell: I love being around people and food. My career with Wegmans began as a full-time produce clerk in 1986 at our Britton Road store in Rochester, New York. I worked my way up the ranks quickly and became a store manager just 13 years after joining the company. That is one of the great things about working here — there are ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Russell: Fun, Caring, Respect, Empowerment, Diversity.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Russell: Training and developing our team members is my No. 1 priority. While it’s not necessarily difficult, it does takes time. I feel that it’s my responsibility to develop people to be the best they can be, and I do that with the help and support of many team members. This is not something that can be accomplished alone.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Russell: I enjoy working with our employees and customers every day. From hiring and training to interacting with employees in their work areas and on the sales floor, it’s great to watch our employees gain confidence, learn new skills and develop their careers. Customer interaction on the sales floor is also gratifying; they love visiting our stores, and we love that they choose to shop with us.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Russell: First and foremost, our employees differentiate us. Their knowledge and passion for what they do is contagious among one another, as well as their love for food and for providing our customers with great-tasting products and exceptional service.

Wegmans has also been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine for 23 consecutive years, ranking No. 3 in 2020. The company was also ranked No. 1 for corporate reputation among the 100 most visible companies, according to the 2019 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient® study.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Russell: Be who you are, and lead from the heart.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Russell: I’m most excited about our brand-new Tysons store opening with over 400 of my newest friends on Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. Nothing is more exhilarating than seeing new customers walk through the doors of “their Wegmans” and feel at home.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Russell: We are currently hosting weekly virtual hiring events. Interested applicants are invited to apply online, and we’ll contact candidates to schedule a virtual interview. Interviews are held weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times throughout the day. Applicants can get more information by calling our hiring office at 571-423-0707 or visiting the event page on our website.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Russell: You can visit our website, search our jobs or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.