The Save Mart Cos. has named Robert Alton as the 2023 Robert M. Piccinini & Nicholas J. Tocco Outstanding Store Manager of the Year Award winner.
Alton, who manages the Save Mart store in Oakdale, Calif., was honored in front of a crowd of 400 at the company’s 30th Annual Management Awards Gala on March 2, according to a news release.
“With humble roots firmly planted in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Cos. has been a proud fixture in the communities we serve for more than 70 years,” Shane Sampson, executive chairman of the board for The Save Mart Cos., said in the release. “Each of our store managers provide leadership, guidance and executes the organization’s vision for excellence. I want to congratulate Robert for continually rising to the challenge and earning this outstanding achievement.”
“I am truly humbled,” Alton said in the release. “None of this would be possible without the amazing team at the Oakdale store, serving our shoppers. Everyone working together toward a common goal; supporting each other. I couldn’t do what I do without each of them.”
In addition to an etched, blown cobalt glass vase trophy, Alton received a $30,000 cash prize and will have the opportunity to wave the green flag at the Save Mart 350 NASCAR race this June at Sonoma Raceway, according to the release. Recognition was also given to the top store managers at FoodMaxx and Lucky: Lisa Pappas from the FoodMaxx in Marysville, Calif., and Mario Guerrero from a Lucky store in Pleasanton, Calif. Pappas and Guerrero each received a $5,000 cash award.
A leader who has worked in all three of The Save Mart Cos.’ banner stores during his 33-year career, Alton’s introduction to grocery came in 1991 while working at Lucky in high school, the company said. Outside Save Mart, Alton enjoys working on cars, running, building custom cabinets and spending time with his wife Holly and their two children, the release said.
The 30th Annual Management Awards Gala also recognized multiple leaders with the Building the Future Award and the Building the Community Award, the company said.
“We have several standouts among a very strong group of store leaders that meet and exceed the needs of our shoppers and motivate our associates throughout The Save Mart Cos.,” Donovan Ford, senior vice president and chief operations officer for The Save Mart Cos., said in the release. “It is truly inspiring to see these managers engage in their communities, mentor their teams and lead from the floors of the stores.”
Building the Future
The Building the Future Award recognizes three store managers who continually demonstrate the company’s values of leading by example, integrity and compassion, according to the release, which added that the winners have a history of developing, mentoring and cultivating the next generation of leaders. Recipients received a $1,000 donation for a store team celebration. The store managers recognized with the 2023 Building the Future Award are:
- Kelly Bizzini, Save Mart Modesto, Store 86.
- Thomas Wilson, Lucky San Francisco, Store 755.
- Ed Barrios, FoodMaxx Fresno, Store 414.
Building the Community
The Building the Community Award honors three store managers for their extraordinary commitment to their local neighborhood and community groups, according to the release. Being an active member and resource for communities is at the heart of each and every store, The Save Mart Cos. said. Each winner received a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice. This year’s Building the Community Award recipients include:
- Paul Azevedo, Save Mart Paradise, Store 613.
- Ann Bradford, Lucky Martinez, Store 725.
- Jamie Hageman, FoodMaxx, Ukiah, Store 473.
The Save Mart Cos. said it honored store leaders and all associates companywide for their dedication to shoppers and the communities they serve.