Elgin Food Lion Store Manager Isaac Smalls is Food Lion’s 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. The company selected Smalls from a group of more than 1,100 store managers serving their neighbors across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Awards recognize and honor exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of Food Lion’s customers, associates and the communities they serve.
In addition to Smalls, four other store managers were recognized for exceptional leadership and honored as 2023 Divisional Store Manager Excellence Award recipients. They include:
• Mid-Atlantic Division: Angela Robinson, Clayton, N.C.
• Northern Division: Jay Moaveni, Inwood, W. Va.
• Central Division: Patrick Burns, Gastonia, N.C.
• Richmond/Norfolk: Jeff Salmon, Mineral, Va.
The annual award celebrates and recognizes outstanding Food Lion store managers who make an impact on those around them. In recognition of Small’s impact on his community, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals in his name to Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist in Bishopville, through the retailer’s hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds.
In addition, Smalls is involved with the Blanketing Families organization in Elgin, and Food Lion Feeds is donating $1,500 in gift cards to them as well.
“I am truly honored to receive this honor and represent the Southern Division. It gives me the ultimate sense of pride and accomplishment,” Smalls said. “No matter where your journey begins, strive to be the best at what you’re doing, as bigger and better opportunities will await you here at Food Lion.”
Isaac joined Food Lion in 2008 as a bagger and has held multiple roles leading up to store manager. He leads a dedicated team of nearly 95 associates who help neighbors shop for everything they need to affordably nourish their families. Isaac believes an exceptional store manager is a leader who listens, communicates effectively, leads by example, possesses the ability to adapt to change and brings out the best in others. He is also passionate about being able to provide the local community with adequate nutrition every day. He believes a successful life starts with the nutrients that Food Lion provides. He and his staff have partnered with the local sheriff’s department, local food banks and NAACP of Columbia.
“Isaac’s leadership is a testament to the positive influence a store manager can have on associates, customers, and the towns and cities they serve,” Food Lion President Meg Ham said. “Our store managers are the heartbeat of Food Lion. They foster a culture of care and belonging that helps their associates thrive and their communities flourish. I am proud to recognize these five leaders and deeply appreciate all they do to bring our brand, strategy and culture to life while nourishing families and setting them up for success in life.”
The five honorees are also celebrated for successfully leading the business, supporting their teams and inspiring others.
