ONE-to-ONE with Jim Slomka – Grocery Business Magazine

Michael Rose Vice President, Fresh Merchandising, Metro Ontario

Where did you grow up? Brampton, Ont. First job in the business? A&P in Brampton. I was a courtesy clerk: pushing buggies, parcel pickup and “cleanups in the aisles.” I have been in retail since. Who or what has inspired you? My family (wife, son, Mom and Dad) inspire me to work hard every day; my work colleagues and team also offer inspiration. How would you describe yourself? Hard working, performance driven, collaborative, energetic and a team player. Best advice you’ve ever received? “If you are not a little uncomfortable, then you are not pushing yourself hard enough.” How do you define success? It is a journey about self-growth while hitting meaningful goals and having great relationships along the way. Favourite meal? Roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding is always a great evening with friends and family. Favourite sports team? Dixie Athletics U18 Boys. My son’s soccer team. Favourite business book? The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload. Hobbies? Muay Thai. I started 12 years ago and fell in love with it as a great form of exercise. Ideal golf foursome? Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Joe Rogan. Favourite vacation destination? Upcoming July ’24 trip to Italy. If you could join a musician on stage to sing with, who would it be? I cannot sing, but I would enjoy seeing Andrea Bocelli perform live one day. Favourite podcast? The “Diary of a CEO” podcast. Favourite TV show? “Game of Thrones.” Celebrities you have met? Michael Jordan and Johnny Bower. If not the food industry, what occupation might you have pursued? Toronto Stock Exchange on Bay Street. Things to do on your bucket list? Visit the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids in Egypt. Car or SUV? There is a time and place for both. Favourite saying? “Today is a gift!” Unusual thing that has happened to you? Hiked Santa Ana, an active volcano. What would people be surprised to know about you? People are surprised to learn of my Native background.