Meet Josh Kuhbander, VP of Neighborhood Fresh, an employee-owned (ESOP) grocery chain in northern Indiana that made a bold move by eliminating print ads in 2024. Discover how they're achieving an impressive 86% loyalty program participation rate through customer service, meat cutters, baggers, and strategic digital engagement while competing against big box retailers.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Josh's grocery industry background and family connections

1:26 - What makes Neighborhood Fresh unique: employee ownership

2:03 - Bold move: eliminating print ads in 2024

2:56 - Competing against big retailers through service and loyalty

4:18 - "Control the controllables" philosophy during challenges

5:49 - E-commerce considerations and pandemic lessons

6:26 - Why timing matters for digital transformation

Thanks to Simbe for making our SpartanNash Conference coverage possible!

#EmployeeOwned #ESOP #NeighborhoodFresh #IndependentGrocer #LoyaltyPrograms #DigitalMarketing #CustomerService #GroceryInnovation #SmallTownGrocery #RetailStrategy

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