President and CEO, Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG)
Where did you grow up? Stratford, Ont. First job in the biz? Part-time stock clerk at A&P in Stratford when I was 15 years old. Who or what has inspired you? My life partner Deb, my family – parents Jim and Olive Shurrie, Doug and Shirley Page, our children Kristie, Patricia and Kyle, sons-in-law James and Rickey, and my grandchildren Savy and JJ. Also inspired by the leaders I reported to during my career in various roles and, of course, independent grocers across Canada and the CFIG team. How would you describe yourself? I strive for honesty, trustworthiness and mutual respect with all whom I meet, and execute actions with passion and a sense of urgency. Best advice you’ve ever received? Treat people how you would want to be treated. How do you define success? Bringing people together to find solutions and create a better opportunity for all involved to show their entrepreneurial talents and positive results moving forward. Favourite sport and team? Tennis, Toronto Raptors, and the Blue Jays. Favourite business book? Good to Great by Jim Collins. Hobbies? Playing and watching sports, reading, and traveling. Favourite charity? The Grocery Foundation and the Rotary Club. Favourite vacation destination? Southampton, Ont. (friend and family cottages since I was born) and cruising the world. Favourite TV shows and movies? Documentaries, news, sports (all kinds) and action movies. Things to do on your bucket list? Travel, give back to our Canadian communities and our independent grocers, and love life with family, friends and our two dogs Bella and Champ. Pet peeve? People not doing what they agreed to do. Favourite saying? “Nothing happens until somebody sells something.” Unusual thing that has happened to you? Became the national vice president sales for all sales divisions of Parmalat Canada at the beginning of the global financial scandal in January 2004. What would people be surprised to know about you? Wrote our wedding song. Deb and I had the opportunity to help build a school in Jamaica with Mark Josephs from Kisko and family.
Jim Slomka is executive vice president of media strategy for Grocery Business.
