Michelle Halloran

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and how it has shaped you?

I was fortunate to have a strong support system growing up, especially from my dad, who was my biggest cheerleader. He always made me believe I could accomplish anything and never treated me differently from my brothers. I was given the same opportunities and often pushed myself even harder to prove what I was capable of.

My parents instilled a strong work ethic in us from an early age, which has shaped my approach to both my personal and professional life. I strive to give my best in everything I do and continuously aim for self-improvement.

Q. What were some of the pivotal moments that led you to where you are today?

One of the most defining moments in my life was becoming a mother during my junior year of high school, which led me to drop out. At the time, it was devastating. I had planned to be the first in my family to attend college. I dedicated the following years to raising my children, but when my oldest son reached his senior year, I realized I needed to lead by example. In 2014, I began working on my associate degree, and by 2023, I had earned my Master of Business Administration.

My son ultimately chose to serve in the Marine Corps, which further inspired my passion for supporting veterans. He has since earned a degree in bioengineering, making me even more proud of the journey we both took.

Q. How has your career evolved over the years?

I spent 17 years working at Dunkin’ Donuts, where I worked my way up to a management role. The flexibility allowed me to balance work and family until I was ready to transition into a corporate career.

In 2013, I joined Ahold in the payroll department and steadily advanced through various roles. In 2019, I transitioned to merchandising with Stop & Shop, specializing in specialty deli as a category analyst. I was promoted to assistant category manager in 2021 and, most recently, to category manager in 2024.

Twelve years later, I’m grateful I chose to build my career with this company. The strong commitment to community support continually inspires me and makes this a truly rewarding place to work. I especially love working in the cheese category. It’s more than just a product; it’s something that brings people together, creating moments of joy and connection.

Q. What is the best advice you ever received and why?

The best advice I’ve received is to not take myself too seriously. Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and learning. The key is to embrace them, take lessons from them, and even laugh at them once the moment has passed. If you take yourself too seriously, you may miss out on truly enjoying the journey.

Q. What deli retail trends have impacted the industry most over the last year?

The industry has faced significant challenges, particularly with recalls and inflation. Both have had a major impact on business operations and consumer behavior. Additionally, with the potential threat of tariffs, we are closely evaluating our imported product selection and assessing how to navigate these changes, while continuing to provide quality products to our customers.

Q. What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy gardening, working out, hiking, and, of course, petting every dog I meet along the way. In October, I completed my first — and last — marathon, which has officially removed running from my hobby list!

Q. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?

I love traveling to tropical destinations where I can relax and enjoy the warm weather and the ocean, but I also appreciate a good staycation. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than enjoying the comforts of home.