Whole Foods Market

As I step into the next chapter of my journey with WFM, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible leaders in South Windsor who’ve made this transition so bittersweet. Store openings forge a bond like no other—one that endures long after the doors open. And when you’re surrounded by leaders who exemplify shared fate, adaptability, empathy, and a relentless drive to get things done, that bond becomes unbreakable. Their spirit helped shape South Windsor into one of the top-performing stores in the company. Leading this remarkable team for the past two years has been an honor. Now, I’m thrilled to begin my next adventure as Store Team Leader for the NSO in Cheshire, CT. #TeamWFM #NSOCheshire

"I’m grateful to share that I’ve stepped into the role of Store Team Leader (STL) for our newest location in the fast growing Northwest Arkansas area in Rogers, Arkansas. As we prepare to open the store, I’ve been reflecting on the last several years of my journey with Whole Foods Market and the experiences that have shaped my leadership path.   I began my Whole Foods career in 2016 as an Associate Store Team Leader (ASTL) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Shortly after, I transitioned to Fayetteville to continue supporting teams as an ASTL; it was during this time that I truly recognized how much I valued store leadership and developing others. My first Store Team Leader opportunity came in Shreveport, Louisiana — an experience that challenged and stretched me in all the right ways and confirmed that this was the work I wanted to keep doing. After another leadership opportunity in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I returned to Fayetteville as their new STL.   Every store, team and community I've been a part of taught me something different about leadership, resilience, and the power of a strong culture. These experiences have made me a better leader — and a better teammate.   Every step of my Whole Foods journey has allowed me to grow while supporting others in their growth. I’ve stayed because the work matters: building teams, nurturing talent, creating an environment where people feel valued, and contributing to a mission that aligns with my own values. What keeps me motivated is seeing Team Members step into new responsibilities, discover their strengths and realize their full potential.   Opening a new location is a rare and meaningful opportunity — to shape culture intentionally, to develop future leaders, and to create an environment where people feel supported and proud to serve their community. I’m eager to bring together a team that’s collaborative, curious, and passionate about great food and great service.   We're currently hiring across departments! I welcome anyone looking to lead with purpose and grow their career with a mission-driven organization to consider joining us. I’m excited for what we’ll build together in Rogers."   - Matthew Fowler, Store Team Leader #TeamWFM

At our South Windsor WFM, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect with the community. One idea we loved was creating a little “take a book” library for the kids who visit the store. It’s simple gestures like this—sparked by our team members—that make each store’s culture truly special. What’s your favorite way to give back to your community..? #teamWFM

It’s Thanksgiving week! I’ve traveled to so many stores across the country this year, but one consistently stands out as the benchmark. The Bedford, NH location is a masterclass in what Customer Obsession and insisting on the highest standards look like in real life. If you’ve ever met Philip, the Store Team Leader there, you know exactly what I mean. Working in Philip’s store during one of the biggest food holidays is always energizing in the best possible way. It has helped shape not only how I understand this work, but how I try to show up as a leader. The energy across Whole Foods Market this time of year is a reminder of why we do what we do. We’re here to serve customers. And when we take that seriously, we can make the holiday season feel a little more ✨magical✨ for everyone. Philip isn’t on LinkedIn (he’s busy actually running the place!), so if you know him or if you’re in food/retail and can relate, feel free to show some love in the comments and I’ll pass it along.

"My Whole Foods Market journey started in Berkeley, California, 22 years ago as a Prepared Foods Team Member. I was making sandwiches and burritos part-time while attending college. After two years, I moved into the Meat department where I joined the Meat Apprentice Program to deepen my understanding of the craft. I became a Meat Cutter, then advanced to Associate Team Leader and eventually Meat Team Leader. There, I ran one of the busiest meat shops in the metro, earning the honor of Meat All-Star. Over my two decades here, the “one store, one team” mentality has always stood out to me. I’ve worked in seven stores and supported many others, and one thing I’ve consistently seen is that teams are always ready to step up and help each other — especially in times of need. When I interview a Team Member or connect with new hires, I tell them all, ‘Whole Foods Market is whatever you want it to be.’ If and when you're willing to put in the effort, Whole Foods can support many diverse job or career needs. If you’re a student looking for a part-time job, Whole Foods can be that. If you’re looking to pursue a career, Whole Foods is one of the best places to do it; there are so many Career Growth and Learning programs designed to help you grow into the best leader you can be." - Cristian Luna, Associate Store Team Leader #NourishPeople #NourishWellbeing #TeamWFM

"My journey with Whole Foods Market began 17 years ago at our Union Square store. Fresh out of high school, I started as a part-time Team Member in the Seafood department to help cover household expenses and support my mom who was a single parent. Working at Whole Foods was a way for me to contribute financially and ease some of that burden. Over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles, moving from Team Member to Supervisor, Associate Team Leader, Team Leader, and eventually into Store Leadership. I’ve had the opportunity to work in 11 different Whole Foods Market stores and across two operational regions, from low-volume locations to high-volume stores including my most recent assignment at the iconic Columbus Circle store. Each experience has helped shape my leadership journey and deepened my commitment to our mission and values. As the Store Team Leader for our new Hoboken location in New Jersey, what I’m most looking forward to is connecting with a new community on behalf of Whole Foods Market. I strongly believe in our Core Values, and I’m excited to bring our highest quality selections to a neighborhood that’s new to our brand with the goal of satisfying and delighting every customer who walks through our doors. The Daily Shop concept presents a unique opportunity to train, mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the company, and I’m honored to be part of that journey. Plus, I’m a big foodie, so I can’t wait to experience and share great food with both our team and our community! I’ve stayed with Whole Foods Market because I truly believe in the company’s mission and the growth they encourage. During my time at the Chelsea store, I learned the craft of a butcher a skill I can carry with me anywhere. I was provided tools to build a platform, and I've used it further my career, create job opportunities and educate others about the great food we offer. I appreciate the diversity and inclusiveness that #TeamWFM embraces, where a young Latino man from uptown Manhattan can build a meaningful career and make a difference in his community. For that, and so much more, I’m truly grateful." - Victor Luciano, Daily Shop Store Leader #NSO #NourishPeople #NourishWellbeing