Giant’s John Hollenden talks Retail Produce Manager Award

John Hollenden, who was recently recognized by the United Fresh Produce Association as part of its Retail Produce Manager Awards program, is no longer a produce manager; since being nominated for the award, Hollenden has been promoted by The Giant Co. to produce and floral merchandising specialist.

Hollenden said he was shocked to learn that he’d been recognized by United.

“I knew I was nominated, but I just didn’t think there was a shot at it,” said Hollenden, who started his career in produce when he was just 16 years old. “Very honored to be selected, one in 25 across the country. It’s pretty much a highlight of my long career.”

As a produce manager, Hollenden worked under a produce specialist who recently retired. Now, as a merchandising specialist, Hollenden works with perishable sales manager Joe DeGrazio. DeGrazio mentioned that Giant selected Hollenden to be nominated for the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Award program because, along with being excellent in his role, Hollenden also made time to give back to his community through neighborhood watch and volunteering at Philabundance.

“He’s very methodical, there’s a reason for everything that he does, tries not to waste time because there’s a million and one things to do each and every day,” DeGrazio said.

He also noted Hollenden's contributions to resets, remodels and new store openings and his willingness to help others. Hollenden said he plans to continue that in his current role.

“I enjoy getting out there with the teams and helping them, helping them having their departments look as good as they can have them look,” Hollenden said. “If they have any problems or any issues with anything, I’m always there to assist. I did that before as a produce manager, anyone could call me up and I would help them that way, and I intend to keep doing that even going forward.”

To meet more of the people recognized by United through its Retail Produce Manager Awards program, check out the following articles and videos.

Harps Food Stores' Clay Williams talks Retail Produce Manager Award

VIDEO: Brookshire's Freddie Dowell talks Retail Produce Manager Award

VIDEO: Tops Markets' Brad Franklin talks Retail Produce Manager Award

Rouses Markets' Josh Smith talks Retail Produce Manager Award

The Fresh Market's Eddy Queirolo talks Retail Produce Manager Award