KANSAS CITY, KS - The retail landscape is changing, and so are those industry members driving its growth. One of those individuals making moves this year is Jonad Galan, former Category Manager of Procurement for The Fresh Market who has taken on a new role as Balls Food Stores new Director of Produce and Floral.

With a role aimed to develop, support, and deliver, Jonad took a few moments to speak with me about the new position, and where his passion lies.

“As Director of Produce and Floral, my goal is to develop our team with the knowledge and practices that have not been seen or utilized in the local market, while growing the right product programs with strong vendor relations, and providing product and supply with quality and consistency,” Jonad shared with me. “My vision is also to support our stores with effective promotional planning, product assortment, and merchandising techniques, to execute our programs successfully and inevitably help us deliver strong financial results.” 

For Jonad, the largest opportunities moving forward lie in product selection and offerings, not only incrementing the number of exclusive products but also analyzing Balls Foods current sourcing to deliver an outstanding eating experience at a great value.

If he could summarize it with three words it would be “customers, teammates, and stores.”

“Balls Foods Stores is passionate about customer service excellence, cares about and develops teammates, and as a organization we truly understand the importance of our stores–hence an immense support and commitment to our locations and team,” Jonad said.

Officially, Jonad’s start date was July 25th, 2016, just eight days before the grand reopening of Balls Foods’ flagship store; which was subject to a complete teardown, expansion, and building of a 77,000-plus sq. ft. destination.

Jonad’s career in the industry started in 1998 at Publix Supermarkets during his High School and university years. In 2005, a great opportunity presented itself with The Fresh Market as Jonad took on his first Produce Manager role. The Fresh Market provided a great platform to grow professionally under the amazing leadership of former VP of Produce and Floral, Lee Arthur. In this role, Jonad had the opportunity to become a Produce Certified Trainer and opened many new stores throughout the East Coast during the fast growth years. He was then was promoted to Category Manager of Retail for the South East region, wrapping up his most role with The Fresh Market as the Category Manager of Procurement.

When I asked Jonad what it is about this industry that makes him so passionate, he shared that as a produce professional, he has had an opportunity to directly impact a marketplace and the consumer’s eating experience.

“It brings me lots of joy to see our customers experience the sweetest grapes they have ever eaten, the freshest and crispest greens for their salads, a December peach that reminds you of summer and makes you want to bake a pie,” Jonad smiled and said. “My passion is simply delivering joy through produce.”

And I in turn, find my passion in this industry because of the wonderful people, passionate vision, and stories like this.

Congrats, Jonad, on the exciting road ahead!

Balls Food Stores