Redner’s Markets director details hiring, employee retention

A Conversation with: Randy Kostelac, director of corporate training and education for Redner’s Markets Inc. 

LVB: Redner’s Markets is one of Berks County’s largest employers. How many people work for you and what are some of the jobs with the company? 

Kostelac: Redner’s currently employs around 5,300 wonderful associates which includes our supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses, central kitchen, and corporate office. We offer a wide variety of positions throughout the company from entry level store associates, skilled position apprenticeships, department managers, store management, truck drivers, warehouse selectors, just to name a few. 

LVB: Many retailers are having trouble finding the right workers? What is Redner’s doing to attract top talent? 

Kostelac: Yes, it is very difficult to find the right workers these days. Over the past few years we have placed more emphasis on providing more benefits to our part-time associates. Including offering healthcare benefits to employees who average 30+ hours per week, accruing vacation time within the first year of employment, but our staple has always been providing a very flexible, family friendly work environment. We hear from employees every day about their appreciation of our flexibility to work around their family’s needs. We have a wonderful culture throughout our company and provides us the ability to attract the best of the best. 

LVB: What is it that Redner’s looks for in an employee? 

Kostelac: The most important quality we look for in a perspective employee is someone who puts the guest first. Providing first-class customer service is what we do and it is a priority each and every day We are interested in candidates who are service minded with outgoing personalities. Our guests love to interact with our employees and appreciate the genuine care and service they receive when they shop at any Redner’s. Of course, we also look for a commitment to working their shifts and providing an honest day’s work. We try to keep it simple. 

LVB: What makes Redner’s a good company to work for? 

Kostelac: Redner’s is committed to working around the needs of each employee. Everyone has a different situation, and we approach this on an individual basis. It’s no longer a one size fits all approach. Every employee provides significant value to the success of our company. We offer top-notch benefits and flexibility which makes us a great company to work for.