From frosting cupcakes to frying chicken, stocking bananas and everything in between, front-line team members from R² Fresh Solutions, an Advantage Solutions company, are out in the field every day servicing retailer delis, produce and meat departments, as well as fresh bakery operations, dairy and cheese sections across the country. Here are just a few of the front-line associates R² Fresh leaders encountered as they participated in “A Day on the Front Line” as part of Advantage’s Front-Line Appreciation Month in August.
Associates in Action: Bakery, Meat, Produce and More
- Jessica Foley, bakery specialist, travels the Midwest region to assist bakery operations, including Spartan Nash’s Family Fare store in Byron Center, Mich., where she was frosting cupcakes during the visit.What she loves about her job: “Working with multiple bakery employees and being able to work in multiple aspects of the field.”Something we learned: She began her cake-decorating career at Meijer.
“In-store bakeries are slowly becoming a thing of the past, but we will always need people who know how to decorate cakes, cupcakes and desserts,” says Anne Rakosky, senior business development manager at R² Fresh Solutions Midwest.
- Emerson Stansbury, fresh food specialist, has been with R² Fresh Solutions for 12 years. He works in Bel Air, Md., supporting store resets, in-store executions, and events.What he loves about his job: “My connections and relationships with store managers and associates are what I most enjoy… I feel like I’m making a difference in my community.”Something we learned: His birthday is on Halloween, and he’s on a mission to visit all 50 states before turning 50.
- Jennifer Bach, business development manager in Oregon, helped execute a successful Meat Bonanza sale at Sherm’s Thunderbird Market in Roseburg.What she loves about her job: Sales and new-item distribution.Something we learned: She can fix almost anything and loves being on the river.
“We are so fortunate to have one of the most dedicated and passionate front-line teams who will always do what it takes to make every event more successful than the last,” says Linda Lee Miller, retail supervisor at R² Fresh Solutions West.
- Laura Barela, customer development manager in Colorado, was observed frying chicken, building displays, and preparing for store walk-throughs—all in one day at Safeway in Highlands Ranch.What she loves about her job: “Working with Safeway team members and fellow workers in other grocery stores.”Something we learned: She’s a former deli manager and has been with the company for seven years.
“Her dedication to her work and overall professionalism are outstanding,” says Dana Padilla, business development manager.
- Gary Vogt, fresh food specialist in Glen Burnie, Md., was spotted setting up a produce display with bananas.What he loves about his job: “Interacting with people and helping customers.”Something we learned: He’s a talented cook and enjoys traveling and sports.
These team members represent the frontline energy and expertise that power successful grocery store merchandising every day. Their skills support store execution and shopper experience across categories, from fresh food to bakery and beyond.
