Even if you haven’t met Win Tun (he/him) formally, it’s likely you’d recognize his smile between the aisles of the Wellness department at the Friendship store. After a long stint at another grocer, Win found himself at Seward Co-op, where he is a member of the Wellness staff. When Win began at the co-op over seven years ago, he worked in Produce. Since then, he’s held other roles, including Manager on Duty and Front End Shift Lead.

As a resident of the neighborhood surrounding the Friendship store, Win enjoys making connections with shoppers who also live in the vicinity. “My favorite thing about working here is meeting my neighbors in the store and making small talk with each other, especially if we don’t often meet outside of the store.” Many Seward Co-op staff live nearby the stores, with 60% of staff living in walking or biking distance (1.5 miles) of locations in 2023.

Win recently became a Wellness Replenishment Buyer, where he helps bring in products for the Wellness department. “As a Wellness Buyer, I’m selling things that meet people’s basic needs and helping to suggest herbal supplements for seasonal sickness as well as 21+ products for releasing stress.” Win says this role is his favorite to-date working at Seward Co-op.

This summer, Win is looking forward to spending time with his new puppy, being outdoors, and biking with his children. Plus, of course, helping people at the Friendship store. “Working at a grocery store is in my blood and my tradition. It makes me happy because growing up, my family had this kind of business. I love my neighbors and my community: they are my friends.”