Packer 25 2021 — Shawn Peery

How did you get your start in the produce industry?

I started in the grocery industry in 1986 at a small independent in Klamath Falls, Ore., called Y Market Basket. I fell in love with produce from Day 1—from the ability to be an artist in the produce department and how everything was constantly changing, to keeping the product selling and fresh for our customers.

What roles have you held during your career?

I worked as bottle and can counter, a stocker and a clerk at Y Market Basket, Food Connection and Sunset Marketplace. Then I started a 15-year stint at Albertsons, moving up from produce clerk to produce category manager. I worked as VP of business development at Litehouse Foods for a few years, then as a director of sales at Apex Sales and Marketing. I came back to Albertsons in 2013 and became VP of produce and floral in 2017. 

How would you describe your current role?

I collaborate with our division teams to grow sales and market share and help develop three-to-five-year initiatives to drive growth. I identify and develop future leaders in our company and maintain lasting relationships with our produce supply partners.

What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through that role?

First, I’m trying to grow and develop our employees through mentorship, collaboration and coaching, sharing the knowledge that has been passed to me over the years. I’m continuing to grow our market share. And, last but not least, I’m building our strategic partnerships with growers and vendors.

What industry groups are you involved with?

I am a member and 2020 co-chair of the PMA Fresh Summit board as well as board member for the PMA’s nonprofit Center for Growing Talent. I’m also a United Fresh Produce Executive Leadership Alumni.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Helping Albertsons LLC rebuild the Albertsons Northwest division back to the powerhouse that it is today.

What does leadership mean to you?

Serving others. I try to help young leaders achieve their professional and personal goals. I encourage them to leave their comfort zone, challenge them when needed, and share experiences from my 35 years in the industry.

Who are some of your industry mentors?

Three leaders have been key to my leadership style and my professional growth over the past 30 years: Cal Capson, produce sales manager of the Oregon division; Dennis Schwarz, VP of marketing and merchandising for the Seattle division; and Jerry Callahan, group VP of produce and floral, who’s been mentoring me since my return to Albertsons in 2013.

What’s a little-known or fun fact about you?

I’ve read the Bible cover to cover each year for the past five years.

What’s your favorite efficiency hack?

Exercising daily: morning workout, a lunch walk break and whatever else I need to focus on my body, clear my mind and help me focus.

If you had to pick one fruit or vegetable to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I need to include a fruit and vegetable. I can’t pick one over the other—grapes and asparagus.