Hillsdale Meijer Store Director Kelli Quintana started her career with Meijer in 1994. Growing up in the neighboring county of Lenawee, she is excited to open our new store in Hillsdale and bring the Meijer philosophy of “enriching lives in the communities we serve” to life in the area.
Q: How long have you worked at Meijer?
In June, I will have worked at Meijer for 30 years.
Q: What is your retail experience?
Meijer, Meijer, Meijer! I started at the age of 16 and worked in the Meijer Bakery in the Adrian store, dipping ice cream at our Purple Cow. I didn’t know it then, but what started out as an after-school job, would turn into a fantastic career with Meijer. I started my leadership journey as the Deli Team Leader when I was 20 years old. Since then, I have held numerous leadership positions and worked at multiple Meijer locations, including Ann Arbor, Jackson and most recently Coldwater.
Q: What do you love most about working for Meijer?
Working with such fantastic people! Recently I was with my newly hired leadership team, and we were working to support another store when Hank Meijer showed up. He was there to do his grocery shopping, but he still found the time to peek his head in the backroom and thank all the Meijer team members who were attending a huddle meeting. It really goes to show the care, concern, and appreciation we all have for each other here at Meijer, and how that starts with our leadership.
Q: What excites you most about bringing Meijer to Hillsdale?
The story of Meijer is something truly special. From humble beginnings 90 years ago to the highly respected company it has grown into today, is remarkable. I am very proud to know I am a part of the Meijer story, and I can’t wait to bring that to Hillsdale.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
ALL are fantastic, but I have come to really enjoy the Frederik’s by Meijer spreads, cheeses and meats from our deli department. I am a huge lover of charcuterie, not only for entertaining but also to eat it myself. My absolute favorite is the Frederik’s Whole Ground Mustard and Frederik’s Hot Pepper Jelly. They pair very well with a variety of cheeses, and they taste wonderful!
I also really enjoy the Ophelia Roe brand in apparel. This brand provides high-quality and fashionable products for our customer, at a very reasonable price. I always get compliments when I’m wearing Ophelia Roe, and when other women ask where I buy my clothes, I love to tell them I shop at Meijer.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
While I do not live in Hillsdale, I am local. I graduated from Sand Creek High School, and I worked in the Adrian store for the first 16 years of my career. Meijer was my first and only job, and I’ve held multiple positions, including cake decorator.
Q: What do you love about the Hillsdale community?
Even though I‘ve worked for Meijer for a long time, opening a brand new store is a totally new experience for me, which includes getting out into the community to meet people. It’s been so fun to share my excitement about bringing the company I love to this town. This community has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so appreciative of that. I am proud to be a part of a community so caring, so compassionate, and so proud of their hometown.
More info on the new store is available on the Meijer Hillsdale page.