Honoring our Veterans: Meet Chuck, Warehouse Safety Specialist at American Seaway Foods

Throughout the month of November, we will continue to feature our Veteran Team Members each week and thank them for their service to our country! This week, we are putting the spotlight on Chuck, Inventory Warehouse Safety Specialist at American Seaway Foods.

Chuck - We appreciate you and everything you do!

What is your job title? What do you love most about your job?

My current job title is Warehouse Safety Specialist. The best part about my current role is the constantly changing leadership needs from my aspect of the business. Internal customer service is a huge part of my career. Listening to all Team Members in all the areas of the business, including; union, non-union and management at all levels provides me with the ability to coach, mentor and train our teams. Providing the leadership towards our "Zero Incident" safety culture is the best part of my career!

What three words would you use to describe Giant Eagle?

Innovative, changing and inclusive would be the three words I would use to describe Giant Eagle.

How has Giant Eagle supported you in the past?

Giant Eagle has supported me in many ways. Giant Eagle provided me the time to achieve my Master's Degree. They allowed me the flexibility to take tests and use case studies required for school, even while at work in some cases. Also, by setting up the Business Resource Groups, it has helped to educate me on other Team Members prospectives, constantly challenging me to grow. Last, but certainly not least, the Company allowed me to use my skills and knowledge to properly advice and train other Team Members to make the workplace as safe as possible.

What made you think of Giant Eagle as a possible place of employment?

When I was first hired into the Giant Eagle Family, I had just completed my undergraduate degree in Business Management. I was looking for a bigger company that would allow me to grow. Giant Eagle fits the bill because the warehouse was close to home and showed potential for growth. I was originally hired to be a Distribution Supervisor, and then I was provided with the opportunity to become a Warehouse Safety Specialist. This opportunity has led me to grow both personally and professionally. I have achieved a lifetime goal of a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Environmental Management degree. Talk about growth!

Which of our Core Values resonates with you the most? Why?

The core value that resonates with me the most is "See It Own It." This is also one of the three steps we use to define the safety culture. It means that as Team Members, we own the process, opportunity or challenge through the end. It provides a path through all the core values by requiring everyone to respect the risk, step up and speak out.

Do you actively participate in any Business Resource Groups? Can you speak to your experience and how the Business Resource Groups improve the workplace?

I'm currently a member of the Veterans Business Resource Group. I am not speaking for all Veterans, but Veterans can find themselves always looking for the higher calling. The Veterans BRG is always looking for opportunities to help both Team Members and the community we live in. Also, we get notified when there is a new Veteran brought on board so we can make them feel like part of the team! One small thing I do at the warehouse is make sure that all our flags are lowered to half-staff upon a Presidential proclamation.

Check out opportunities to join the Giant Eagle family here!