MODESTO, CA - The Save Mart Companies, California’s largest regional grocer, operating 194 stores under the Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx banners, is honored to announce that George Pulido is the recipient of The Save Mart Companies Piccinini-Tocco Outstanding Store Manager of the Year 2024. Pulido, who manages the FoodMaxx store in San Pablo, California, was honored in front of a crowd of 400 at the company’s 31st Annual Management Awards Gala on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in San Ramon.

“From our roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies has been proud to stand by our communities for over 70 years,” shared Jim Perkins, President, in a recent press release. “Our store managers are the heart of our operations, guiding teams and fostering connections with customers while bringing our vision of excellence to life. George embodies this spirit with his dedication to his team, his store, and his local community. Congratulations, George!”

Reflecting on the award, Pulido said, “I am incredibly honored to receive The Save Mart Companies Piccinini-Tocco Outstanding Store Manager of the Year award. I want to thank my District Manager, Roger Brown, for giving me this opportunity three years ago.” He continued, “I could not have done this without my team. We have an exceptional group of people who just needed someone to lead them, to get us where we are today. Great customer service, a full and fresh store, and every display counts; these are the things we talk about every day. What more can I say? I’m just really thankful.”

In recognition of his remarkable achievement, Pulido was presented with a stunning etched cobalt glass vase trophy and a $30,000 cash prize. In July, he will have the unique honor of waving the green flag at the Toyota Save Mart 350 NASCAR Race at Sonoma Raceway.

Pulido joined The Save Mart Companies in 2022, bringing with him extensive experience from previous roles at FoodsCo, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, and Target. A leader known for his dedication and reliability, Pulido tackles every challenge with his signature, “We’re on it” attitude. Under his leadership, the San Pablo FoodMaxx store has remarkable achievements in operational consistency and performance, community engagement, and setting a new standard for success.

Awards were also given to the Top Performing Store Managers at the Save Mart and Lucky banners. Melody Pitsker from the Save Mart Sacramento Store on Fair Oaks Blvd. and Alesia Skaggs from the Marina Lucky Store each received a $5,000 cash award.

The 31^st Annual Management Awards Gala also honored multiple store leaders with the “Building the Future” and “Building the Community” Awards.

Building the Future

With an eye toward developing the leaders of tomorrow, the Building the Future Award recognizes three store managers who continually demonstrate the company’s values of leading by example, integrity, and compassion. The winners have a history of developing, mentoring, and cultivating the next generation of leaders. Recipients received a $1,000 donation for their store team celebration. Store managers recognized with the 2024 Building the Future Award are:

• Julia Sardia, Store Manager, Save Mart Roseville
• Hong Sayasombath, Store Manager, Lucky Santa Rosa
• Isaac Gonzalez, Store Manager, FoodMaxx Bakersfield

Building the Community

The Building the Community Award honors three store managers for their extraordinary commitment to their local neighborhood and community groups. Being an active member and resource for communities is at the heart of each and every store. Each winner received a $1,000 donation to a non-profit organization of their choice. This year’s Building the Community Award recipients include:

• Jerald Smith, Store Director, Save Mart Modesto
• Thomas Wilson, Store Director, Lucky San Francisco
• Candice Ramos, Store Director, FoodMaxx Lodi

The Save Mart Companies is proud to recognize these outstanding store leaders and appreciates the commitment all its associates make to its communities and the shoppers it serves every day.