Alumni

"The Food Industry Management program at the Marshall School of Business at USC was the catalyst for tremendous positive change in my life, from both a personal growth standpoint and in my professional career. The lessons I learned during the FIM program created the foundation for my ability to move well past my current responsibilities and skill set, and leap forward into an entirely new role within the organization. The FIM program does an exceptional job at delivering an intensive, grocery industry focused program that effectively incorporates interesting case studies and hands-on learning. The students are then able to easily apply these lessons to daily business experiences and professional challenges. This course is indispensable for anyone looking to be a leader in the grocery industry, and I would whole-heartedly recommend the program to any company committed to filling their leadership pipeline!" — Nancy K. Lebold, Senior V.P. Operations — South, WinCo Foods, LLC

"The FIM Program was truly a change agent in my ability to effectively operate in this industry. The course material is taught by tenured and veteran leaders of the food industry itself. These instructors have seen and dealt with robust challenges that exist in our industry. They will help provide guidance and leadership through some extreme thought provoking challenges that are ever present in our industry today. Out of the program, one can expect to build an immense confidence in building strategies for growth and tactics to successfully execute against those initiatives. These building blocks will truly become part of the individuals DNA. I am overly grateful to the WAFC for the opportunity to have participated in the FIM program as it has certainly been a monumental experience. I would recommend this program for all companies looking to develop future trailblazers in this great industry of ours." — Nick Schott, Vice President of U.S. Sales – DSD, CytoSport Inc. A Division of Hormel Foods

"USC's Food Industry Management program was a game-changing experience for me. I stopped thinking about my job as a job and instead began thinking about it as a career. It was the turning point in my life and I will always treasure the rich personal and professional lessons that I learned at USC. As Chief Marketing Officer for Unified Grocers, I encourage retailers, manufacturers and third party suppliers to send your best and brightest to the USC FIM program. It is a worthwhile investment that will pay dividends for many years in the future." — Sue Klug, Chief Marketing Officer, Unified Grocers

"The Food Industry Management Program literally opened the door to my career in the food industry. Without it, I would not have seen the opportunities that were right in front of me and I would not have been prepared for the fast paced and ever changing nature of this great industry. I feel fortunate to have experienced the USC FIM Program as a student back in 1978 and to have benefitted from it with over thirty-five years of personal growth and success, because of it! At Bristol Farms we consider the USC FIM Program and the Executive Program critical components of executive education and leadership development. The proof is in the results!" — Kevin Davis, President & CEO, Bristol Farms

"The USC FIM Program absolutely broadened my perspective of the industry. I gained practical knowledge that has benefited me on a number of levels for many years. As President of the Safeway Northern California, I also see the positive impact the program has on our participants today continuing to provide valuable insights to the future leaders of our company and our industry. The program is a tremendous opportunity for the students, participating companies and industry overall." — Karl Schroeder, President of Northern California Division, Safeway