SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA - In a recent move, Jon Holder has been named Director of Produce at Superior Grocers, an independently-owned grocery chain in Southern California. I spoke with Jon to find out more about his illustrious retail career and what this new role will entail.

Beginning his career in 1975 as a Courtesy Clerk in Northern California at Holiday Markets, he later moved into the produce department. In the following years with the grocer, he held many positions, all the way up to Store Manager. In 1982, he began working with Raley’s in its produce department. In 1999, he was promoted to Regional Specialist in Las Vegas and Reno. In 2006, he took a promotion as Senior Manager of Produce and Floral, where he was involved in product selection, store design, and private label development. When he took an early retirement in 2015, he and his wife Yvonne ventured into entrepreneurship as Owner-Operators of a Grocery Outlet. In 2017, an opportunity arose with Grocery Outlet, and Jon took the position of Produce Buyer for the Pacific Northwest and East Coast, where he managed the procurement and merchandising direction for 135 stores.

In his new position as Director of Produce at Superior Grocers—to which he was appointed this month—Jon explains to me what this role entails.

“I will be diving deep into what makes Superior stand out as a regional retailer, identifying the strengths and weaknesses the company has in its people, product selection, and processes,” he shares. “My role will allow me to help steer the company into the next decade with strength and respect. Superior already has a great name; we just have to understand our customers’ needs better tomorrow than we do today.”

Jon says he will hold office in Santa Fe Springs at the Corporate Office/Distribution Center and report to Shonna Williams, who was recently promoted from Director of Produce to V.P. of Produce. In her new role, Shonna has taken on the role of overseeing shipping and receiving as well as procurement at the distribution center.

Inspired by Superior’s position in the Southern California market, Jon was instantly inspired to join the team.

“Superior is poised to become a bigger player through continued improvement, strong leadership, and consistent quality at fair prices,” he says. “Capitalizing on current store locations throughout the region, Superior has stabilized market share. By building a stronger team with a passion to grow the business, we can realize that possibility. That makes a winning team and I like to be on the team that wins.”

You can hear the passion in Jon’s voice, and he goes one step further to impress his excitement upon me.

“Produce has always been at the core of my career development. From the growers to the packers and shippers, to the buyers and the personnel store at the store level, we have some of the hardest working people in the industry. Why? Because they love what they do! I love what I do! Produce is constantly keeping you on your toes to become better and more efficient,” he concludes.

Congratulations to Jon on this next step! We at AndNowUKnow wish you all the best!

Superior Grocers