To Neil Lindenbach, it seems like it was only yesterday that
he was 12 years old working in the back room at Bernier’s Valu-Mart in
Val Caron, unloading trucks and putting produce just like this in baskets
for display in the store. Now, 26 years later, after spending the past
eleven years as Store Manager at Moncion’s Independent Grocers, Neil and
his wife, Jeannette, are beginning a new chapter in their life as the new
owners of Neil’s Independent Grocers, the 44,000 square foot one stop
shopping center that has become so much a part of this community. Besides
top quality produce, a wide variety of national brand products, and a huge
selection of natural organic foods, Neil’s Independent Grocers also has
a deli; a hot food department with plenty of hot meals to go; a fine
display of specialty seafood products; custom cuts of top grade meats; a
huge bakery with made-to-order all-occasion cakes; a photo mart, a
pharmacy, and; a wide selection of low-priced general merchandise for the
entire family.
Neil has spent a total of 22 years in the grocery retail business.
His mother, Ramona and his sister, also worked in the grocery industry for
many years, so it is safe to say that Neil knows what he is doing around
groceries. Neil’s commitment
to his community also comes naturally since his father, Richard Lindenbach,
served as the first Reeve of the
Township
of
Valley East
.
The transition from Store Manager to Store Owner was very pleasant
and smooth for Neil. “Jeannette and I want to thank our team of
experienced employees as well as our loyal customers for their
overwhelming support in making our dream come true.”
Neil and Jeannette readily admit that they depend a great deal on
their front line staff of 19 full-time and up to 80 part-time employees.
“The staff have become our pipeline to the community and local
organizations. If a customer has a concern or suggestion, all you have to
do is speak to one of them and we will get the message. We are here for
the customer, and we will listen to what you have to say.”
Neil and Jeannette were both born and raised in
Valley East
, and are now raising their own three children, Amanda, Monica and Justin
here as well. It is indeed good news to know that Neil and Jeannette will
continue the tradition established by Marcel & Linda Moncion and look
forward to many exciting years of community involvement working together
as a partnership with their neighbours from Valley East and Capreol.
NEIL’S YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCERS
5200 Hwy
69North, Hanmer
(705) 969-4474
