The Wegman family is behind the fabled supermarket chain of the same namesake. The company started small in Rochester, New York, with two Wegman brothers and began to soar when Robert Wegman joined the company in 1937. He made it his life’s work to create a boutique chain of supermarkets with a European flavour. Foremost on his mind was creating a store that sold quality products and put families first. Part of that approach was creating a culture of family among the company’s employees. Robert Wegman saw his life’s work realised a year before he died when Wegmans was ranked first in Fortune’s best places to work list in 2005.
His son, Danny Wegman, took over as CEO and President in 1976, and he continued his father’s tradition. His efforts saw Wegmans establish their own branded products, among other major milestones. Danny Wegman continues to serve as Wegmans’ chairman. In 2005, before his passing, Robert Wegman made his granddaughter, Colleen, the President of the company to coincide with Danny’s eventual transition to chairman. Now the CEO and President, Colleen Wegman is supported by her sister, Nicole, who is Senior Vice President.