Influencers 2022: Christopher Acosta

From its humble beginnings as a single grocery store in 1960, the family-owned-and-operated Rouses Markets is one of the largest independent grocery chains in the United States. They currently have over 7,000 employees and 64 stores across Louisiana, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lower Alabama. The stores continue to provide each community with the groceries they crave, thanks to the efforts of Christopher Acosta, a 3rd Generation employee of Rouses Markets.

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the workforce? 

I am a Category Manager in Grocery. I manage the Purchasing and Pricing process for numerous grocery items we sell, including the majority of the local brands we carry. I am tasked with figuring out what to buy and who to buy it from. I source from vendors here at home and across the nation. There are two sides to our business: procurement and operations. I knew I wanted to learn both sides. I spent the first 12 years of my career in operations, before switching to procurement three years ago. So, yes, I did see myself moving into my current role, and I am very happy in it.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? 

I was transferred to Mobile, Alabama, when we took over the Bell Foods stores in 2014. I had to learn the culture there and help bring it into our stores and into our company. I learned how important it is to be local down to the neighborhood level. That has been an invaluable lesson I try to pass on to everyone who submits a product to me. 

What does your morning routine look like?

I am up before 6am, and logged on to my computer by 6:15 a.m. I have a cup of coffee — I drink Rouses Organic Vanilla, which we sell in our Produce Department — while I check emails and catch up on the local and national news, as well as industry news. I am currently teaching myself guitar, so I try and find some time to practice. I am typically out of the house by 7:15 a.m. 

What’s the one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning?

My work bag, which has my laptop, journal and a notebook, and a thermos of hot coffee. I usually finish the coffee just as I’m pulling into the office.  

What piece of advice do you share with your team regularly?

Be concise. You should be able to say what you need to say in the least amount of words, so there is no doubt where you stand. The simpler and more concise a message is correlates directly to understanding and follow through. 

What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess?

Active listening. People want leaders who don’t just hear them but really listen to them. You need to be mindful of your team’s individual needs, not just the group needs, and provide each person with the attention and support they need. You must be able to retool your message on a personal level to anyone on your team so that they see the vision you have for a task.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? 

My greatest achievement was marrying my wife, Gloria. She is my best friend and without her I do not know where I would be. Longs days at the office are all worthwhile if you have someone at home to tell the story to. Professionally, I feel like I am achieving more now than I ever have. Our company was founded on local, and I get great satisfaction helping local entrepreneurs get their products on our shelves. I get to make decisions that if we were a national company, I probably couldn’t make, like bringing in a local product to just a handful of stores. That’s the benefit of being local and family owned. As a third generation, I also appreciate that I am continuing a tradition which has led to our company growing to the enterprise it is today. 

Who are your greatest influencers?

My grandfather, Anthony Rouse, taught us that nothing is given to you, you must earn everything you get. We all had to push carts, clean cases, clock in and clock out, work weekends and holidays, and work our way up in the business. Donny, Ali, my brother Nick and my cousin Blake all have that shared history of growing up in the business and starting at the bottom, which is invaluable. We all have our personal stories of our grandfather and that further strengthens us as leaders within the company. I would say another great influence is my dad. He is our marketing and advertising Director, and I have learned so much from him over the years. He has certainly influenced my decision to focus on local and to always remember our neighbors are the reason we are where we are today.

How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

It’s a rewarding and humbling feeling that your approach to leadership has influenced others. We must always remember there’s a person on the receiving end of our actions. It is sign of success but also a notion to keep working at your leadership style every day.

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2022? 

I am able to help local entrepreneurs find actual success at the shelf. The more we can help grow local brands, the greater our region will become. The hours I spend consulting and planning local business activity is invaluable. I will continue to focus on this mission as we grow so other companies will also grow within the Bayou Region in 2022 and beyond.