In February of 2023, I moved back up to Stillwater from Jacksonville, Florida to help take care of family. I wanted to pick up a part-time job while I stayed here and started my job search. Having worked at other local businesses in Stillwater previously (Len’s Family Foods, Ziggy’s, VAC), I applied at River Market Co-op because of it’s proximity and history in Stillwater. One cheerful interview later, I started in the Front End as a part-time cashier!

Three quick months later, the time came to head back to Florida. I wished I could take the co-op back with me! The connections I made with my coworkers and our local community had a profound impact on me in my time there.

Later that summer, I felt the call to move back up to Stillwater again and checked to see if they had any positions open. Luckily, there was an available management position in the Front End and by September I was back and leading the team I cashiered in previously.

I’ve been managing the Front End for almost 2 years now and I’m proud of the team I’ve helped build. My philosophy is to create a friendly, welcoming environment and the least stressful shopping experience in the St. Croix Valley! Our team truly enjoys our work here, especially getting to know our customers (longtime and new), sharing recipes, and seeing kids grow up in their visits here.

As of this month, I’ve accepted a new position at River Market: our Customer Experience Director! This position will focus on streamlining the grocery experience for shoppers, planning fantastic sales, and working with our local vendors on bringing in exciting new products. I may not be on the cash register as often, but I’m looking forward to this new opportunity to keep expanding on the co-op experience we all know and love here.

I appreciate every kind face and story that comes through here and love the opportunity to work alongside our crew here at River Market Co-op!