2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Lori Pounder (Q&A)

Lori Pounder

General Manager
Askew’s Foods

How did you get your start in the grocery business?

I began my career with Askew’s Foods in 1993 as a part-time cashier after school. What started as a student job quickly evolved into a long-term career when I stayed with the company after graduation and stepped into an office role covering a maternity leave. From there, I progressed through a series of roles, including store office manager and lead store administrator for the chain.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple locations—supporting store openings, training teams and leading the implementation of best practices. Each experience broadened my perspective and prepared me for future leadership roles, ultimately leading to my appointment as general manager in 2025.

What keeps you passionate about your work?

What keeps me passionate is the opportunity to continuously improve—whether through implementing new processes, embracing technology or finding more efficient ways to operate. I’m always looking for better ways of doing things and for opportunities to learn and evolve.

Equally important are the people. I’ve been fortunate to work in four of our five stores, and in each one, the team has become like family. Developing and mentoring others and seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud to be part of a company that is deeply connected to the communities we serve, supporting local food banks, school food programs and a range of events and initiatives—from team sports and the arts to local vendors, farmers and community celebrations.

What’s a career challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?

One of the most significant challenges in my career has been leading through periods of change—whether supporting new store openings, integrating new teams or implementing new systems and processes. I’ve learned that success in these moments comes down to communication, consistency and leading by example. I take a hands-on approach, working alongside the team and ensuring everyone feels supported and aligned. By staying focused on people and building trust, we’ve been able to navigate change in a way that strengthens both our operations and our culture.

What is the best career advice you've received?

The best advice I’ve received is to stay close to your people and never become disconnected from the work. In a business that moves as quickly as grocery, it’s easy to get caught up in strategy and lose sight of what’s happening at store level. Leading by example, staying present and understanding the day-to-day realities of your team is what allows you to make the right decisions. At the same time, you have to be willing to evolve. This industry doesn’t stand still, and neither can you. Being open to change, continuously learning and always looking for more efficient ways to operate is what keeps both you and the business moving forward.

What has been your best day on the job?

It’s difficult to point to a single day. Seeing someone grow, step into a new role or achieve something they didn’t think was possible are the days that stand out the most. Those moments reflect the strength of the team and the culture we’ve built together, and they are what make the work so rewarding.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. One of my favourite things is watching my son participate in his sports activities—it’s something I’m incredibly proud of and love being part of. I also cherish time with my husband at the family cabin, which is a place to relax, recharge and stay connected to what matters most.

Tell us a fun fact about you.

Much to my husband’s dismay, I’m very passionate about home design and renovation—I’m always coming up with new projects for us to take on around the house.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given throughout my career. My leaders have always been willing to take a chance on me and have given me the space to grow, learn and expand my capabilities.

The relationships I’ve built along the way have had a lasting impact on my life. The teams I’ve worked with have truly become like family, and that sense of connection is something I value deeply. I’m proud to be part of Askew’s Foods and to contribute to a company that is so rooted in its people and its communities.

Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.