After nearly five decades in the grocery industry, including 22 years with Associated Food Stores, Gary Sontag has announced his retirement, effective May 29.
Gary, who has served as a retail account manager in the Idaho area, reflected on a career defined by relationships, service and a deep connection to the people he worked alongside.
“I have worked in the grocery industry for 47 years… what a fantastic ride it has been,” Gary said.
His journey began in 1979 with Albertsons, where he took a part-time job bagging groceries. What started as a way to earn money for a car quickly turned into a lifelong career.
“I had no idea that simple moment would turn into a lifelong career,” he said, recalling how a brief conversation with a store director led to his first job. “My career was off and running.”
Over the years, Gary became known for his commitment to independent retailers and the communities they serve. He credited much of his experience to the relationships he built along the way.
“The passion, dedication, and heart of my teammates… have been a constant inspiration,” he said. “To the people who own and work in the stores I’ve had the privilege to support over the years, you are among the very best. Many of you feel like family.”
Gary described a career that extended far beyond the workplace, sharing in both personal and professional milestones with store owners and their teams.
“We have shared meals, I’ve been welcomed into your homes, and I’ve stood with you in moments of celebration and loss,” he said. “Through it all, your successes have felt like my own.”
Jamie Stevenson, director of the retail account managers, said Gary’s impact on the organization and its members will be long-lasting.
“Gary represents the very best of what we stand for at Associated Food Stores. Throughout his career, he built strong relationships with our retailers and remained committed to serving their needs and communities. We thank him for his years of service and wish him the very best in retirement.”
Gary also reflected on how the industry has evolved since he first entered it — from glass soda bottles and hand-sorted returns to today’s modern operations — while emphasizing that the fundamentals remain the same.
“At its core, this has always been a people business,” he said. “People still want great service, fair prices, fresh food, strong selection, full shelves and a clean, friendly place to shop.”
Though he said he had thought about retirement for decades, Gary acknowledged the decision was not an easy one.
“I’ve stayed longer than I ever expected because I’ve genuinely loved the people and the work,” he said. “Leaving is more difficult than I imagined.”
As he steps away, Gary expressed gratitude for the colleagues, partners and friends who shaped his career.
“It has truly been a people business — and it’s the people I will carry with me,” he said.