Stakeholder Spotlight: Second Time Around

Grocery stores commonly provide first jobs for lots of teens, but they're also a great place to build a second (or third!) career. Consider Karen Diethert and Michell Shamble. These vibrant women are among a growing contingent of experienced individuals who have found a place for themselves at Kowalski's a little later in life.

Karen started working for Stillwater Bakery at age 13! She went on to have an incredibly diverse career, being employed by such businesses as Montgomery Ward, State Farm and even Northern Pacific Railroad! Michell worked as a field service engineer in the semiconductor industry in California! Seeking new adventures, both ladies joined the Deli team at our Oak Park Heights Market when it opened nearly 20 years ago.

Karen says, "I'd never used a meat slicer, but here I am today, still enjoying the job, and the people."

"I found it to be a great place to work with a friendly atmosphere," Michell adds. "I have made some great friends over the years, too."

Michell and Karen also thoroughly enjoy their off hours. Michell sings in a band called Rock On! She also loves gardening, swimming and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Karen enjoys doting on her eight grandnieces and grandnephews, straw bale gardening and spending time with her husband and best friend of 62 years, Len.