From Cashier to Category Boss: Natasha Brinegar on Leadership, Growth & the Future of Grocery Retail

From Cashier to Category Boss: Natasha Brinegar on Leadership, Growth & the Future of Grocery Retail

What does it take to lead one of the most critical categories in grocery retail—and how do you build a lasting, evolving career within the same organization? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Natasha Brinegar, Vice President of Category Management,  Meat & Seafood at Food Lion, joins Jenn Hahn to share her 34-year journey from store-level cashier to executive leadership. Natasha offers a clear and practical view of her current role, including overseeing assortment, pricing, supplier partnerships, and merchandising strategy across more than 1,100 stores. She emphasizes that while category management is often viewed through a technical lens, success ultimately depends on strong relationships, effective collaboration, and people-centered leadership. She also reflects on the key decisions that shaped her career—choosing to remain in the grocery industry, pursuing cross-functional experience through lateral moves, and stepping into leadership roles without waiting for complete readiness. Her perspective highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and confidence built through action. In addition, Natasha shares insights into the evolving grocery landscape, including the rapid growth of digital capabilities, changing customer expectations, and the increasing importance of personalization and convenience in retail strategy. In this episode, we explore: * The scope and responsibilities of a Vice President in category management * Why relationship-building is essential in a data-driven retail environment * The long-term value of lateral career moves and cross-functional experience * How to approach new roles without prior category expertise * The role of calculated risk-taking in driving innovation and growth * Key shifts in grocery retail, including digital transformation and delivery expectations * What hiring leaders look for in candidates, including clarity of purpose and adaptability * How to identify and overcome self-imposed limitations in career progression This episode provides valuable insight for professionals at all stages of their careers—particularly those navigating leadership development, career transitions, or growth within complex organizations. 🎧 Listen now to gain a practical perspective on leadership, career progression, and how to build a meaningful career that evolves with both the individual and the business. Guest Links: Connect with Natasha Brinegar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-brinegar-071b853/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-brinegar-071b853/] Food Lion: https://www.foodlion.com/ [https://www.foodlion.com/]  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/]

How Amy Niemetscheck Became CEO of Certco: Career Growth, Leadership, and Business Acumen

Wondering what it takes to lead a billion-dollar, retailer-owned grocery wholesaler—and how does someone go from public accounting to the CEO seat without following a traditional executive path? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Amy Niemetscheck, President and CEO of Certco Inc., to discuss her career journey from CPA to controller, CFO, and ultimately President and CEO. Amy shares how deep financial expertise, cross-functional curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the full business prepared her to lead a complex organization owned by more than 200 independent grocery retailers. Amy gives a behind-the-scenes look at executive leadership, including what her role looks like day to day, how strategic priorities are shaped in a cooperative model, and why accountability and trust within an executive team are essential for long-term success. She also dives into the value of industry involvement, board service, and peer networks, and how these help her stay informed, effective, and ready to seize new opportunities.  In this episode, we explore: * The unique structure and strategic advantages of a retailer-owned grocery wholesaler * How financial leadership can translate into enterprise-wide executive responsibility * Why understanding the broader business—not just your functional role—accelerates career growth * What effective CEO leadership looks like in practice, not theory * Building strong executive teams through clarity, accountability, and trust * Staying strategically focused while managing operational demands * Leading at a high level while remaining present for family and personal priorities This conversation offers thoughtful insight for professionals at any stage of their career—especially those navigating cross-functional growth, preparing for executive leadership, or seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to lead at the highest level—and deciding whether they love the job—or the company. 🎧 Listen now to gain a practical perspective on leadership, strategy, and building a career that evolves with the business. Guest Links: Connect with Amy Niemetscheck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-niemetscheck-925aa110/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-niemetscheck-925aa110/] Explore Certco, Inc.: https://certcoinc.com/ [https://certcoinc.com/woman-executive.html] Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/]

How To Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry With Aaron Gottlieb of Advantage Solutions

After 24 Years in Retail, Aaron Gottlieb Says Career Growth Starts in the Field—Not the Office. In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Aaron Gottlieb, Executive Vice President of New Business Development for Retailer & Experiential Services at Advantage Solutions and President of Daymon Japan, to explore a career shaped by intentional moves, cross-functional experience, and a commitment to understanding how businesses truly operate. Aaron shares how an early piece of advice—to leave corporate headquarters and gain field experience—fundamentally changed his perspective and accelerated his career. He also reflects on the importance of taking ownership, building a strong professional brand, and continuously seeking opportunities to grow. Drawing on decades of experience across global retail, brands, and service organizations, Aaron offers thoughtful insight into: * Why career ownership is essential for long-term growth and leadership development * The value of cross-functional experience in building effective, empathetic leaders * How to navigate change and uncertainty with agility and resilience * The importance of aligning strategy with in-store execution to drive real results * How to approach difficult decisions and learn from leadership missteps * What differentiates high-performing candidates in today’s competitive environment * Why curiosity, preparation, and mindset matter as much as experience in interviews * The growing role of AI as a tool for accelerating insight and decision-making Aaron also shares his perspective on the evolving retail landscape, including the continued importance of the in-store experience and the opportunity for organizations to better connect strategy with execution. Whether you’re an emerging leader, experienced professional, or navigating your next career move, this episode offers practical guidance on leadership, adaptability, and building a meaningful career. 🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact. Guest Links: Connect with Aaron Gottlieb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajgottlieb/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajgottlieb/] Explore Advantage Solutions: https://youradv.com/ [https://youradv.com/] Explore Daymon Japan: https://daymon.com/ [https://daymon.com/]  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/]

From Pet Industry Executive to Private Equity CEO: How Kristi Ross Scales Growth

What does it truly take to step into a CEO role—and how do you build a career that prepares you for that level of leadership? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Kristi Ross, CEO of Three Dog Brands, joins Jenn Hahn for a thoughtful conversation on executive leadership, career progression, and driving growth within a private equity-backed organization. As CEO of Three Dog Brands, Kristi shares her journey from marketing and sales leadership to her first CEO role, offering insight into how diverse experiences, strategic decision-making, and strong networks contributed to her career advancement. She also provides a clear view into the realities of leading a scaling business—balancing long-term vision with operational execution. In this episode, Kristi discusses: * What the CEO role looks like in practice, including operational and strategic responsibilities * How to transition from functional leadership into enterprise-wide decision-making * The differences between large, structured organizations and private equity-backed companies * Why speed and adaptability are critical in high-growth environments * The value of cross-functional experience in preparing for executive leadership * How to assess opportunities based on strengths, values, and long-term goals * The role of mentorship and networking in career development * Building a culture that supports both performance and sustainability Kristi also reflects on the importance of trusting your instincts, making intentional career moves, and developing the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities—even when the path is not linear. Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned professional considering your next step, or someone interested in the dynamics of executive leadership within private equity, this episode offers practical insights and actionable guidance. 🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact. Guest Links: Connect with Kristi Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristidross/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristidross/] Explore Three Dog Brands: https://threedog.com/ [https://threedog.com/]  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/]

From Box-Boy to President and CEO—An Interview with Ryan Adams of Gelson's Markets

What does it take to build a long-term career in grocery retail—and ultimately step into the President & CEO role? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Ryan Adams, President & CEO of Gelson's Markets, to discuss his career journey from entry-level store roles to leading a premium regional grocery organization. With more than 25 years of experience across large national retailers and independent operations, Ryan shares the key decisions, challenges, and leadership principles that shaped his path to the C-suite. Ryan provides a clear and practical perspective on executive leadership, highlighting the importance of balancing strategic thinking with operational execution, aligning teams around a shared vision, and maintaining focus on enterprise-wide impact. Throughout the conversation, he shares insights on: * What the President & CEO role looks like on a day-to-day basis * Why embracing discomfort is critical to long-term career growth * How authenticity and storytelling can differentiate candidates in interviews * The importance of excelling in your current role while preparing for future opportunities * How cross-functional experience and lateral moves contribute to leadership development * The value of mentorship, continuous learning, and professional networks * Why effective leadership requires humility, curiosity, and collaboration Ryan also reflects on the importance of community in both leadership and business. He shares how his approach extends beyond serving customers to include building strong internal teams and fostering meaningful partnerships across the industry. His commitment to developing people is centered on creating environments where individuals feel supported, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to grow—ultimately strengthening organizational performance and long-term success. Whether you're an emerging leader, a retail professional, or someone aspiring to executive leadership, this episode offers practical, experience-based guidance on navigating career growth and leading with purpose. 🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact. Guest Links: Connect with Ryan Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-adams-50aa5341/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-adams-50aa5341/] Explore Gelson's Markets: https://www.gelsons.com/ [https://www.gelsons.com/]  Next Steps: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail. For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/]