Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers
Grocery From Her Seat
Welcome to "Grocery From Her Seat," the WGA podcast offering a unique perspective on the independent grocery industry, as seen through the eyes of remarkable women who shape and lead.
Your host, Kristin Popp, President of WGA, will bring to light the inspiring stories, triumphs, and challenges of the women serving the industry of independent grocery.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a young person considering the profession, a woman making your mark in the grocery industry, an industry vendor or simply intrigued by the stories of powerful women, "Grocery From Her Seat" will be a source of education and inspiration for you
Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers
Miriam Framson: Lessons from Austria to America
Miriam Framson is the Vice President of Operations at Citrus America, Inc., a US distributor of highest-quality European equipment for the food service and grocery industries.
Born to an Austrian mother and an American father, Miriam's personal and professional international experience spans continents. She earned both her master's in Export and Internationalization Management and her bachelor's in Economics from the University of Economics and Business in Vienna, Austria. Miriam is fluent in English and German. Before joining the family business in Florida in 2022, she worked for a global consulting firm, helping large organizations implement and manage new digital processes.
Miriam is passionate about delivering best-in-class equipment, industry-leading support, and innovate solutions that drive Healthy Profits for Citrus America's clients.
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Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot
Welcome to Grocery From Her Seat. The WGA podcast, offering a unique perspective as seen through the eyes of remarkable women who shape and lead in the independent grocery industry. Your host, kristen Popp, president of WGA, will bring you exclusive stories and insights from the women serving our industry. This podcast is your source of information. Now listen, take notes and welcome Kristen Popp.
Speaker 2:I am your host, Kristen Popp, and today I have the opportunity to chat with Miriam Framson, Vice President of Operations for Citrus America. Welcome to Grocery for Receipt, Miriam, and thank you so much for sharing your time with us today, Hi.
Speaker 3:Kristen so excited to be here today. Thank you so, Miriam.
Speaker 2:I know I mentioned your title, but I'm going to go ahead and let you share with us a little more in detail what that all entails within your organization.
Speaker 3:Absolutely so.
Speaker 3:Again, my name is Miriam Framson.
Speaker 3:I am the Vice President of Operations at Citrus America, and what we do at Citrus America is we work with customers in both the food service and the grocery industry and we provide commercial food and beverage equipment, as well as solutions along with that equipment to drive our customers' success in stores.
Speaker 3:We've been focused a lot on commercial juicing equipment and fresh juice programs, but 2025 is an exciting year for us as we're expanding a lot in our product offering to other technologies such as dry aging, wear washing, vacuum sealing, and my role in all of this is, on the one hand, I lead the day to day business operations, as well as our customer service team with our other departments, such as sales and marketing and accounting, to just help the company on a day-to-day and bringing in new products, helping our customers, and we're a small family business in Orlando, florida, so one of the great things about my job is I am definitely not limited in my responsibilities and I really get to be involved and have an impact in a lot of different aspects of the business Sounds like some exciting things happening for 2025.
Speaker 2:So, miriam, you shared something that is not on your resume, that you're proud of, while we were prepping for this conversation. It is honestly quite inspiring and fascinating to me. Would you mind sharing that with us? I?
Speaker 3:grew up really a lot between Austria and the US and in different states, and so something that you can see on my resume is obviously, then, just business and the educational experience that I have in both countries, but what I'm really proud of and what's not on my resume is just everything that comes along with that. So I think, over the years, and something that I probably underestimated and underappreciated was just that exposure to different cultures and different languages and what comes along with that is kind of that openness and adaptability that you have to learn, you know, when you move between different countries, and that's something that you know. That duality in my upbringing is what I like to call. It is something that I'm super proud of.
Speaker 2:What a great experience to carry with you and the diversity between the two different countries and experience that you've gained from there. So what inspired you to continue your career in the food service and food retail industry, specifically today, with the family business?
Speaker 3:So I love to tell this little story of how it all began with Citrus America, because I've been in the company now for three years, but I did a summer internship many years ago when my father started the company. I did market research and customer research back then in the summertime primarily. I was very inexperienced at the time and I said my father and boss at the time was like I'm never working for you again. This was not a fun experience and this is not happening again.
Speaker 3:So yeah, luckily I went off and I did my own thing and I worked in consulting and project management, primarily focused on the health and public sector, so definitely not grocery related. And during the pandemic and then really post pandemic, I just felt like I needed a change and at the time it so happened that my father was looking for a position to be filled in the company. And yeah, then you know it started off as this interim position and now, three years later, I am more involved and passionate as ever and that's really how I got into being more involved with the industry itself.
Speaker 2:I love that story. I love the experience prior and the comment of that you would never work for your father again. And here we are right yeah, never say never Small evolution there, and so excited to see what that looks like going forward for you as you continue to build experience and knowledge within the business and where you can take it. Looking at your career, miriam, so far, what are some of the highlights or achievements that you have been able to accomplish, and how have they either influenced or impacted you?
Speaker 3:So I'd say definitely a pivotal time for me was working at Accenture. When I was working, you know, in consulting and project management. That was the time where I really learned what I'm capable of. It's kind of a bit more of a cutthroat industry. There's a lot going on. You're managing multiple projects. I also started leading my own teams at the time.
Speaker 3:You have to build your own personal network in this big company and at the same time, on a personal level, it really also forced me to learn when to ask for help, how to set boundaries and figuring out what I want for my personal work-life balance to look like. So overall, I'd say those years in consulting were absolutely crucial in getting me to where I am now, and what I'm absolutely proud of and what we've achieved is at the company now is we really operate on the spaces of trust and integrity, and so when I continue to build our team, I'm heavily involved in the HR and hiring in the company. I got to firsthand be involved in bringing in new people and that kind of have the same values and the same passion. So that to me, is also just a wonderful achievement and something that I feel the positive impact of every day because I just get to work in a team where we have fun and we all work towards that same goal.
Speaker 2:You mentioned a few points that I think are important to call out. You know the building the network, and well, your previous career that was you had to build that out and really forced into doing that. But I think building a network that you can lean into is so critical to individual success in any industry. But the grocery industry is very relationally driven and so building those networks out and having the experience on doing that will only help you continue to grow forward within this industry. And then setting boundaries and I think we don't talk a lot about that, but it's important to set boundaries and then stay within your boundaries that you set for yourself. I think there's a lot of success that can come from doing that, if you're willing to set them and then stick to them Absolutely Right and communicating the boundaries right.
Speaker 3:Because in the end, when you sit down and you talk to your team or you talk to your colleagues, you notice oh well, we all have boundaries. So if we all work towards communicating and respecting those, the work environment, I believe, becomes a lot more productive.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely Good call out on communicating those. It's one thing to have boundaries, but if you're not willing to share what those are, that can get its own challenge correct. So, being newer to the industry and your role within your organization, I imagine it's been a little overwhelming as you navigate through that. Who are some who have helped you be successful in understanding the industry?
Speaker 3:So I guess one of the positives about working in a family business is I end up just working together with my boss and father all the time. So even if we're not on the job, we're talking about things that are happening in the industry. Sometimes on car rides somewhere, we'll talk about trends or we'll strategize and do market research together. So that's definitely been very impactful in what I've learned. In addition, our manufacturer over in Europe, in Austria they've been working with European customers in the grocery industry for probably about 30 years now. So also just listening to what their experiences are, even if it's a different country, is very insightful. Country is very insightful. And then shout out to the WGA right now is it's just attending and being involved with the organization, networking with other ladies in the industry or listening to your podcast.
Speaker 3:I feel like with every conversation I just take away one or two more learnings and things that I didn't know before, and then maybe more on a personal side. I'm super big on cooking and baking. I love doing both, so I actually love grocery shopping myself. It's a big part of the whole cooking and baking process. So shopping in both the US and Austria, I think because they're different experiences, I'm very aware somehow of different things, different trends that are happening and I do believe that that also versus the US. I would love to dive into that sometime with you and understand that a little bit more.
Speaker 2:I think there's a lot to be learned from just that conversation.
Speaker 3:Yes, it took me some time, I must say. Once I moved here it took me a little bit of time to learn how to navigate the grocery store here. It is a very different experience. You wouldn't think so with something that kind of speaks to just the core necessities right in the day to day, but it's a different experience for sure.
Speaker 2:Miriam, what are the challenges you have faced, specifically as a female in the industry that you see others facing as well?
Speaker 3:So the word that comes to mind. There is complexity, the word that comes to mind. There is complexity.
Speaker 3:I personally feel that there are a lot more demands out there that go beyond merit and experience.
Speaker 3:For example, how can I be assertive without being abrasive, or how can I lead my team without being too bossy, and how can I show my emotions and being vulnerable or ask for help without being labeled weak?
Speaker 3:So I know a lot of that is probably also a bit of a personal struggle that I feel like I share with other women in the industry as well, but it's definitely something that I feel is a challenge, and what I've learned, though, what helps is to talk about it and to know, okay, I'm not the only one and you know, we all are probably going through the same questions and insecurities. And in leading and I think that's on the one hand, and maybe more specifically to women, and then overall, just the expectations I believe that employees have of their, of their leaders and of their managers has shifted, and it used to be more, you know, probably an authoritarian role in a hierarchy, and now I feel like it's just more complex because people want maybe more of a personal relationship and a flatter hierarchy, so navigating that can also be difficult, like how do you get the job done but still, you know, have good relationships with all of your employees?
Speaker 2:I think those are good callouts, the learning to navigate that, I think sometimes with experience, but also, like you said, talking about it, leaning into your network and other opportunities where you can have those conversations very beneficial. So, Miriam, in your opinion, what role do organizations like WGA, NGA and similar have in the industry? How will that impact our future?
Speaker 3:The WGA.
Speaker 3:To me personally this is a very personal takeaway that I've had now and it ties into what we just said before is I get this sense of a community and a network where you can exchange, right.
Speaker 3:So you end up within an organization like this you bring together, you know, whether it's suppliers or retailers or any other industries that are involved.
Speaker 3:In some way they all come together and there's a shared passion or shared interest.
Speaker 3:That I think, especially in times where there's so much information out there, there's also so much uncertainty, right. So it's nice to be able to, as you said before, to lean into that network that you have and to work towards a certain goal. And it's impactful knowing, you know, maybe I am just a small company and maybe they are just a small retailer, but when you work together and when you're part of more of a formal organization, you can kind of leverage the experiences and the resources that different players have that are involved to make that positive impact. So I see you know, looking towards the future, that it is important to continue to kind of round up everyone that is part of this process and to work towards that goal and to be successful together, right, and to continue to make sure that we all have a spot in the market in the grocery industry and that we don't get pushed out, maybe by a big player somewhere. I think that's absolutely an important role that the WGA and the NGA both carry.
Speaker 2:I like how you talk about leveraging the experience of others. Right, and it's not about competition and it's not about but it's about how can we use the experience of others and lean into the network that we have to be more successful. Leveraging what you can learn from others to continue to grow and be successful will only help the industry and strengthen it as one. And, if I may, add.
Speaker 3:it's just, it's fun, right? It's nice being part of a community that shares similar interests, so I think to me also when I look at you know, being involved with the WGA. It's an incredibly positive and motivating experience that I've been having, and I can only imagine that it's the same for many others that are involved.
Speaker 2:I know you talked about you know, individuals that have helped you navigate through the industry, but is there any anyone else that has inspired you or who has left a lasting impact on you, and in what way have they? Have they?
Speaker 3:I want to give my mother and my grandmother a big shout out there. So they're the women that have been closest to me all my life and I just see how they have over the years, with seeming ease, done everything right from running a household to raising kids, and both have also always worked. So to me that's super inspiring. My mother just two years ago actually she had worked in as a university lecturer in different universities in both Austria and the US for a long time decided that she would like to venture off and become an entrepreneur. So now she's running her own business and that to me just to see that on a day to day and to be able to talk to her is so inspiring.
Speaker 3:And then I had one supervisor leader at Accenture and she is a complete Excel guru. So from her I learned all of my skills that I have now. So thank you to her for teaching me that. But one thing that I also learned from her and that I observed was she knew her stuff. She was an expert in in the field of project management and, even though you know, she'd sit in these calls with senior managers and directors that were well above her pay grade, and she wasn't scared to speak and to speak up if something was incorrect or if she thought of it differently and she could kind of explain it with her experience or her knowledge. So to me that was so inspiring at the time. To say, ok, just because you're a certain position doesn't mean that you can't be actively involved and have an impact in the company.
Speaker 2:Great, role model, the inspiring to hear your mother's story of completely pivoting and trying something new and great to hear those stories For others that are aspiring to join the industry or continue their career path forward. What are some advice that you would share with them?
Speaker 3:Get involved, Don't be afraid. And if you don't know something, I would think either the person across from me that I'm going to ask doesn't know it either, and then you maybe sit down and figure out a solution together, or they know it and they're willing to share it with you. So I really can't think of any circumstances where I asked for help and I was shot down or not. Then you know, given that help right or given that support. So just again, that network, leaning into that and stepping out of your comfort zone, I believe, is something that will get you very far as you enter into a new industry.
Speaker 2:I have found in this industry that there are so many that are willing to share, willing to ask the question. There's a wealth of information and knowledge that you can gain from asking the question. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and that's how you continue to grow. I love it Absolutely. What excites you the most about the future of the industry?
Speaker 3:Even as smaller players in the industry. If you work on things step by step, even if it feels like maybe you're not moving the needle yet, you probably are. And I think, especially in the grocery industry where you know you have the suppliers and the retailers, they can really also shift and change consumer behaviors, wants and needs. So I think there's real impact there that we all can have. That I find super motivating. And maybe it's just something small, right, maybe you're bringing in a new product into your store or you're bringing in new equipment or technology, which is obviously that's what we focus in on. But there's so many different aspects where I think it might be something small but it can truly change also the way the customers walking into your store perceive their shopping experience and that shapes their behavior and that again shapes the industry. So I really feel there's such a domino effect in the industry and that's so cool to somehow be able to just be part of that.
Speaker 2:Miriam, as we like to wrap up this wonderful conversation, I'm going to throw a little curveball at you. If you were writing a book or creating a podcast about the industry today, what would the title be?
Speaker 3:I think it would be success more than one way. We are in a people industry. We have so many different personalities, experiences and so many different paths that the people around us have taken or are going to take. There is no one size fits all solution, but there's lots of solutions, lots of solutions. Communicating and working with each other, even if we're on slightly different path, is something that I truly believe in, is something that I like to live on a day-to-day with my team as well.
Speaker 2:I love it. I can't wait to read that book and I couldn't agree more. There's so many paths to success and everybody's story is so interesting in how they achieve their success, so sharing those stories is inspiring. Miriam, thank you so very much for sharing your time and your thoughts with us today. I appreciate you, your story and your contribution to the industry. Thank you for your valuable insights and I look forward to continue watching you make a difference in all you do.
Speaker 3:Thanks, kristen. This has been a lot of fun. Thanks for having me, and to our guests.
Speaker 2:thank you so much for tuning in to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the discussion as much as we did. If you found value, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and to never miss an episode and leave a review on your favorite listening platform to help others discover Grocery From Her Seat. Until next time, keep making a difference in all you do, Thank you.
Speaker 1:On behalf of the Women Grocers of America, we thank you for listening to our podcast today and ask that you subscribe, leave a five star review and share with a friend. Episodes are released every other week and they are sponsored by NGA, hosted by Kristen Popp, president of WGA, and published by Rachel Milo with SWA Marketing.
