Remembering Jim Kowalski

Kowalski's Markets began in 1983 when Jim Kowalski and his wife, Mary Anne, used their life savings to open their first store on St. Paul's Grand Avenue. They were inspired by their love and passion for delicious, quality foods as well as building a fun place to shop that their neighbors would be proud to call their own. Jim Kowalski was always ahead of his time. He made Kowalski's a local place before local was cool. He was all natural before it became the next big thing. His management style was rooted in common sense. Working with local producers and farmers simply made sense; selling and eating foods free from drugs and additives made sense. His natural inclinations created a place in the Twin Cities synonymous with local and natural. In fact, Kowalski's Markets became the first in this market to have a 100% all natural serviced meat department, led by experienced butchers and journeymen. He helped apply a truly meaningful definition to what "all natural meat" means, a definition that many have tried to emulate: "No hormones or antibiotics ever." A humble man, Jim believed in the simple notion that all people have an innate capacity for great ideas. Early on, the Kowalskis implemented consumer focus groups as a way to get customers' ideas about how to better the markets they shopped. You'd often find Jim in the aisles talking to customers, carryouts, cashiers, you name it. In some ways, large or small, these stakeholders' ideas helped shape the Kowalski's of today, just as anyone who listened to Jim was in some way inspired and changed by him.

Jim Kowalski believed in continuous, purposeful improvement that was good for everyone, future generations included. His efforts helped to create a thriving, nimble local business committed to being good world citizens by embracing environmental improvements, ensuring humane animal treatment practices and giving back to the local community.

Jim Kowalski passed away in an accident in 2013 at the age of 67, leaving behind an impressive legacy. In addition to being a successful businessman, he was a devoted husband, father, friend and mentor with an infectious laugh and memorable sense of humor. He was known for being approachable and generous with his time and inspired many as a skilled entrepreneur and industry visionary. Jim was a spiritual man who pursued a life of learning. He was "more than passionate" about his golf game and inspired by the quiet of nature. Jim was deeply humbled by the support and dedication of his employees, vendors and customers. He was deeply loved and is missed by many.