After nearly a decade with Associated Food Stores, Marty Berlin is retiring, wrapping up a career filled with teamwork and meaningful contributions to the success of AFS’ member retailers.
Marty joined AFS nine years ago as meat director, a role he held throughout his tenure. During that time, he became known for his focus on innovation, team development and continuous improvement.
“I love working with our teams to bring new ideas and innovation for our retailers and AFS,” Marty said. “Working to get better every day has been one of my favorite parts of the job.”
When asked about his favorite memories, Marty couldn’t name just one. “They all tie back to seeing our team members learn and grow their talents and abilities,” he said. Still, he recalls plenty of laughs while traveling with the meat sales specialists. “What a crew!”
Over the years, Marty has seen the industry transform in major ways, from the rise of omnichannel retail and AI to the growing importance of animal wellness and sustainability. He has also seen how challenges such as droughts, supply chain disruptions and skyrocketing beef costs have reshaped the marketplace.
Marty says there are too many highlights to count, but one that is top of mind was helping with the “Farm to Fork” event hosted by the meat sales specialists team last summer. “Jordan Peterson and the team hit it out of the park,” he said.
As he looks ahead, Marty plans to embrace a slower pace with less stress, more time with family and friends, time to read, and more consistent exercise and outdoor time. He also plans to join his daughter-in-law in her real estate brokerage part-time.
His advice for current team members is simple but heartfelt: “Be kind to one another. Everybody is going through something and we all need each other.”
He added that the best advice he’s ever received is to “strive to be a servant-leader. You don’t need a title to be a leader, but leaders will earn titles.”
As Marty moves into this next chapter, his legacy of servant leadership and steady encouragement will continue to influence those he worked with at Associated Food Stores.