2024 Generation Next winner Eddie Correa (Q&A)

Eddie Correa

Store Manager, Longo's, Leaside

Eddie Correa was tapped in July 2023 to manage Longo’s highest-volume location at Leaside in Toronto following a stint managing the Ontario chain’s smallest and lowestgrossing store. Correa was awarded the plum spot after showing exceptional entrepreneurship at the latter, a location smack dab in Toronto’s downtown core at Bay and Dundas Streets. 

In the aftermath of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, Correa hired and trained new department managers, re-engaged existing team members and promoted the catering service to surrounding businesses. “The store thrived on prepared foods and so I personally handed out business cards,” he says. His efforts increased sales and reduced shrink.

At the Leaside store, located in a neighbourhood in Toronto’s northeast, Correa has achieved a 91% leadership effectiveness score from his direct reports, significantly higher than the company average. “Eddie treats the team like family,” notes a colleague. “He shows his appreciation by having team member appreciation lunches. It’s the little things that matter.” 

Correa, who earned his bachelor of business administration from the University of GuelphHumber, also makes his mark at the corporate level. “I always try and get involved with crossfunctional groups and company initiatives where I can be of value.”

See the full list of Generation Next 2024 winners profiles.

Profiles were first published in the December 2024 issue of Canadian Grocer