It Takes Two: Reflections from Mary Anne Kowalski
It Takes Two: Reflections from Mary Anne Kowalski
Contributed by Mary Anne Kowalski, Owner of Kowalski's Markets.
Jim and I married in 1964. Our early years found Jim launching a career with Red Owl, where he worked as Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager and Franchise District Manager. We moved about from Faribault to Fairmont to Chippewa Falls and back. During those many moves, I was home with our daughter, Kris, or working as a secretary at a container company. Eventually, I became a paraprofessional peer counselor. After training, I was employed as a counselor at a medical clinic in Hudson.
We lived busy and fulfilling professional lives, but our family and careers really took an exciting turn 40 years ago. Jim and I began the journey of a lifetime when we bought the Red Owl grocery store at 1261 Grand Ave. in St. Paul. It took all that we had saved at the time – a pension plan, a loan from a friend and a very large loan from Red Owl – to make it happen. And the rest is history, as they say.
My 40th anniversary message is twofold.
First and foremost, to past and present employees, past and present customers, partners and friends:
THANK YOU for your loyalty and trust in us. You have all played, and continue to play, an essential part in our success. I am especially grateful to my daughter Kris, my nephews Mike and Boyd, my sister-in-law Deb Kowalski, Jim's brother Bob and executive Terri Bennis, all of whom have played a pivotal role in getting us this far.
My second anniversary message is a tribute to Jim Kowalski:
Jim was a man who loved life, family and golf! He loved to laugh! He was a man who understood people, business and himself. He understood his own limitations and fears well, but never, ever did they stop him from taking great risks or having great adventures. His charisma, business sense and visionary skills were remarkable. He is truly missed by so, so many due to his impact on their lives through personal friendships and business partnerships alike. Even 10 years after his passing, when I'm out and about, people stop me quite often to tell me about his influence on them. He was beyond proud of our daughter, Kris, as she has worked just about every area and nearly every job in the company to become the capable leader and brilliant Chief Executive she is today.
Stakeholder Spotlight: Mary Anne Kowalski
What I do in my free time: I play tennis and golf whenever I can. I also love spending time at our family cabin in Wisconsin, playing board games, card games and reading.
Favorite products from Kowalski's: Kowalski's Strawberry Jam, Kowalski's Smoked Bacon, Certified Akaushi New York Strip Steaks, Ciabatta Bread, Maple Sticks, and any and all donuts (as long as they don't have sprinkles on them!).
What I cook at home: Ribs with Kowalski's BBQ Sauce, rotisserie chicken and pasta – I love our Kowalski's Signature Bolognese Sauce!
