Page 19 - NSA GALA JOURNAL 2017

ELIGIO PEÑA MEMBER
OF THE YEAR
ALEX GUZMAN
Alex Guzman is a first generation American whose parents migrated to the United States in the 1970’s hoping to realize the American Dream. Upon arrival,Alex’s parents, Juan and Milagros opened up their first bodega in Corona, NewYork. As a way of spending time with his father,Alex would accompany him to work when possible.This is where the seed of his entrepreneurial spirit was planted in the food retail industry.In 1993,Alex’s father and uncles purchased their first supermarket which opened the door to other supermarket opportunities.
During this time Alex worked at every level of the operations. He worked his way up to a managerial position.These experiences led him to develop his excellent leadership skills and successful store operations.
With time, Alex’s desire to learn led him to a position in corporate America with the Coca Cola Company where he learned the distribution side of the business. Armed with the experience of the corporate world, and his years and knowledge of the family business, Alex along with his brother and sister were given the opportunity to run their own supermarket. They began operating Compare Foods inWyandanch,New York. With the growing success in Wyandanch, Alex continued to expand into Key Foods in Valley Stream, NY.
His father, a member of the National Supermarket Association, encouraged Alex to join this highly respected organization. Alex brought his passion and desire for success to the organization and quickly positioned himself as a leader. He was elected as a board member soon after joining the organization and continued to become the youngest Vice President of the National Supermarket Association.
As part of the Board, Alex was not afraid to take on the important issues facing the Independent Supermarket; issues such as the WIC program deficiencies. He fought to change legislation that restricted customer access to specialty baby formulas. Alex chaired the NSA Trade Show Committee for various years taking a major role in developing what is now one of the largest DSD trade shows in the North East.
In 2007, Alex met the love of his life, Diana, while working out at the gym and they were married in 2012.Today Alex and Diana have been blessed with two wonderful children, Alex Jr., and Alyssa Faith. Alex credits his wonderful achievements on two major components in his life: his endless love for his wife, kids, siblings Kelvin, Eddie, Elvis, and Johanny and his parents and his faith in God as the foundation to his life.
Alex and his family have not forgotten where they come from and believe in giving back to those in need.They support various charitable causes and are always looking for a way to help.
Alex is an extraordinary young man that has become a true success story not only in his business life but most importantly in his personnel life. He is proud of his family and the fact that he and his father are the first Father/Son team to receive the Member of the Year award. Alex hopes to someday continue to influence the youth of his community by being a role model and a motivational speaker.This and so many other factors are why the National Supermarket Association is proud to honor Alex Guzman as our Eligio Peña Member of the Year.