Just as the business is constantly evolving, so is our staff! This month we welcomed our NEW Grocery Manager, JB Woods. JB was born and raised in Hamden CT until the age of 10, when he moved to Wallingford. An only child, he graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 2005, with 4 years completed in the FFA program. After high school, JB went to Southern Connecticut State University for two years with a focus in elementary education. He is also a certified firefighter and completed his FF1 certification. JB married his wife Heather in 2016, and other Lyman Hall graduate, and shortly after got their first child, an Alaskan Klee Kai (miniature husky) named Thor. About a year later, they had their son Eli at 30 weeks. Eli was in the NICU for 59 days, becoming a strong little warrior who continues to surprise them.
JB had been with Stop and Shop since he was 17 years old, starting as a bagger and cart collector. Within 2 years he was promoted to full time 3-12 in grocery. Throughout his 15 years with Stop and Shop he has learned the retail business from the ground up. Positions he has had are Dairy Manager, Frozen Foods Manager, GM and HBC clerk, receiver, Grocery assistant, Grocery manager. He eventually made his way to upper management where he became an Assistant store manager. “As an assistant store manager I became an inventory specialist and went to become a store manager in reserve running stores when store managers were out,” explains JB.
Here at Bishop’s. JB will be overseeing grocery, dairy, frozen, cheese, florist and meat. His past professional experience, positivity, and enthusiasm will make him a great new addition to the team. “I am excited to be part of the Bishop’s Orchards family and grow stronger in my position as the grocery manager. I look forward to building strong work relationships with the staff and using my knowledge and expertise to help benefit the company.” With his knowledge in the industry, JB hopes to bring an overall better flow to the sales floor and helping to make it easier and more convenient for our customers to shop. “I hope to make Bishop’s more efficient with ordering and increase product availability for customers.”
Outside of work, JB enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, and spending time with his family. In the last few years, he joined The Run 169 Town Society whose goal is to run a race in each town of CT, totaling 169 towns. Currently he has completed 74 towns. Family time has been spent in Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and Florida where his parents have recently retired too. Music is a big part of his life, knowing how to play 4 instruments. His son shares in his love of music and he cannot wait to teach him how to play an instrument one day.