KANSAS CITY, MO - Empower Fresh Company announced the appointment of Robert Austin as President and Chief Executive Officer. Austin has been with the company since its inception and has served many roles, including Senior Vice President of Sales. His appointment to CEO is one of many new moves the company is making as it looks to optimize its structure to better prepare for significant customer growth in 2025 due to the demand for its products.

“One thing my dad understood and always reminded me of was everything is and should be about the relationship you have with your customers and community,” explained Austin. “It’s the very same thing I love most about Empower Fresh. We get to sell relationships, not just products or services. It’s what independent grocers need today more than ever. Watching (and working with) these third and fourth-generation families hold up their corner of their small town, gets me excited!”

Robert is a second-generation Produce Professional, notably the son of Dave Austin, who was instrumental in the Wholesale Produce market in the Midwest while General Manager at Pisciotta Fruits & Vegetables, down on the City Market. Growing up in Kansas City, Austin also spent his early days as a teenager working at Pisciotta’s in the river market.

“I’m pretty sure I wasn’t old enough, technically, to work,” Austin joked. “But my ‘uncle’ Phil (Pisciotta) told me that if I was old enough to want, I was old enough to work, so I took anything he would throw at me for a couple summers.”

Austin moved on to work in the Picture Hills Bob’s IGA, in the produce department of course, while in high school. There he learned the retail side and enjoyed the time spent on the floor with his customers.

“That was my favorite part!” said Austin. “Visiting with the folks on the floor while stocking, etcetera. It’s what’s missing today, sadly.”

After several more years of managing the warehouse at night and brokering onions and potatoes across the Midwest, Austin ultimately went into business for himself in the IT sector, a press release shared. He spent the last 15 years serving small to medium-sized businesses in and around Kansas City and beyond at Tech Express.

“People deserve world-class IT services with small-town customer service and friendly technicians. That’s what we provide,” added Austin.

Austin brings his vast experience in not only produce and retail but over a decade of providing technology services and support to the heart of our communities—the small businesses. He presents a unique skillset and experience level that will assist Empower Fresh Company to move into the next phase of its existence.

“I couldn’t be any more excited for anything as I am for 2025 at Empower Fresh,” said Austin. “We have worked our tail off, as a small team, the last couple of years to make sure we are delivering the maximum results for each one of our customers today and always. We are experiencing growth, have expanded the team, have new leadership in place, and are making a difference for our retailer partners every day!”

It seems 2025 will be a busy year for the Empower Fresh team. Not only do they have a full schedule of new customers to onboard, but they also plan to be at many of the industry shows this year, hoping to connect with as many folks as they can.

“We are excited to exhibit NGA, Grocery Shop, and a few of the other big shows this coming year,” stated Austin. “We’ve been so busy in the lab, grinding with our early adopters, we haven’t had a chance to get out and see everybody. Can’t wait to see everyone!”

A big congratulations to Robert Austin on his latest appointment!