Karen O'Dell, produce manager for Martin's Super Markets, first became acquainted with the company as one of its suppliers.
O'Dell, who was recognized this year by the United Fresh Produce Association as one of the best produce managers in the country, grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm that's now approaching its 100th anniversary. In her family's span of helping run the business, she delivered to Martin's for about 15 years.
At that point, there was a tough decision to make: her children were grown and had careers of their own, and no one was interested in staying on the family farm. Continuing to run it would mean big investments, and so O'Dell made the difficult call to leave the business.
Not wanting to go back to an office job, O'Dell approached Martin's about working there, and she's been with the company 16 years now, including 13 as a manager for one of its highest-volume locations.
“I appreciate what Karen’s done and what Karen’s brought to the table at the premier Martin’s store in the entire company and the effort that she’s put into it," said director of produce Mike Stein. "It does not go unnoticed, that’s for sure. That’s why we really had to move forward with this nomination. We just had to make that move because (she) is just an unbelievable cog in this company, and she deserves it.”
O'Dell said her favorite parts of the job including working with local growers and interacting with shoppers on the sales floor, where her store manager likes for her to spend as much time as possible because of how much she knows about so many different items.
“With being on the floor a lot I’m trying to develop relationships with our regular customers, and I really enjoy that," O'Dell said. "At Martin’s we buy a lot of produce from local farms, so I really enjoy that, too, because I was on the other side of the big overhead door for 15 years, so it’s kind of nice to be able to work with them and help them keep their livelihood going, too."
O'Dell said she was surprised when Stein informed her of her nomination.
“I was really grateful for the opportunity to be acknowledged for something that I really love doing," O'Dell said.