2022 Packer 25 — Vic Savanello
The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. As always, our editorial team was energized and awed by the talented pool of nominees this year. Now in its 18th year, The Packer is once again spotlighting 25 dynamic and inspiring people who are moving the produce industry forward.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Vic Savanello, regional vice president of produce and floral, SpartanNash, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Describe your current job role, where it is, and why you like it.
Savanello: I often get to spend my days delivering the ingredients for a better life for both everyday moments and times of celebration. In this role, I am directly responsible for wholesale distribution to our over 2,100 independent grocery partners and the retail produce and floral merchandising and sales for our 147 corporate-owned stores. This position brings a diversity of exciting challenges that push me to use complex problem-solving skills, which is part of the reason I love this role so much. The main reason, however, is that I’m surrounded by an incredible group of creative problem solvers and deeply passionate people who love what they do. At SpartanNash, being ‘people first’ means having the opportunity to invest in your passions and be immersed in a fun and supportive work environment, which is easily the best and most rewarding part of my job.
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
I started working in supermarkets the day I turned 16. My first job was at the local ShopRite, where I pushed carts in the parking lot. I worked in supermarkets throughout high school and college, working in almost every department of the store at some point. Having that background is part of what makes this role so rewarding for me, because I understand that doing my job well will make the lives of other associates and shoppers easier.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
At SpartanNash, we are a ‘People First’ company, so investing in my relationships with other associates is an important aspect of my job. Being able to mentor and guide several young men and women into confident leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I have an immense amount of pride in the number of people I’ve been able to see learn and grow in a way that not only impacts their department, but the grocery industry as a whole. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing people I’ve helped mentor experience success in our industry and grow their passion for what we do.
What industry organizations, boards or volunteer groups have you joined outside your job role, and why?
As someone who has benefited from my time in the grocery industry, it feels important to give back and support others through a variety of organizations and volunteer groups. Most notably, I’ve served as four-time vice president and two-term president with the Eastern Produce Council. This has been one of the most demanding positions, but also the most impactful and rewarding. I was also involved in the development and introduction of the New York Produce Show and had the responsibility of serving as the chairman of that show for several years. I am also currently a member of the International Floral and Produce Association Retail Council and am excited to help drive the consumption of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables through our work. Friends and family often ask why I spend so much of my personal time on projects that are related to my work. The answer is simple: Because I love it.
What are some goals for the future?
I am so grateful to work at SpartanNash, which has strategic priorities that align with my personal and professional goals. As a top priority, I am committed to strive to create a ‘People First’ culture throughout every level of my group, and across our entire company. I am also committed to being efficient in my role and guiding my department to deliver on the promise to reach operational excellence. I aspire to elevate execution in all our actions and initiatives, win every day and deliver the ingredients for a better life to our shoppers. And, I truly intend to have a lot of fun while doing it.
Which fruit and which vegetable are almost always in your kitchen?
For the fruit, I have to go with a classic and say there’s a banana on my counter every day. For a vegetable, my favorite is Brussels sprouts.
Name your favorite efficiency hack.
An efficiency hack that I use quite often is called the Eisenhower Matrix. It is an organizational system that helps me sort priorities by urgency and importance, sorting out the less urgent and important tasks to be lower on my to-do list. I have always found that using this simple mental practice has helped me categorize my tasks in a quick and simple way, which allows me to be more productive and effective.
What’s a little-known or fun fact about you?
I’m obsessed with the show Saturday Night Live. I’ve watched every single episode since the show aired in 1975, and still can’t miss a new one. I’ve watched the show live in New York City twice, and both times were a huge thrill.
