Mark A’Court
Store Owner
Mark has been part of the Fresh Choice team for thirty years, but this wasn’t his first gig in groceries! In his twenties, he joined a large wholesale grocery company and gained his first junior management role. He then had a couple of other corporate roles before becoming the supermarket owner at Fresh Choice Nelson.
Mark is incredibly proud of his seven-strong team, which runs the store’s day-to-day operations while concentrating on the big picture and overseeing the business’ strategic plan. That said, you may still see Mark on the shop floor stacking shelves.
When he’s not in the aisle or the office, you’ll find him soaking up time with family, friends and Hugo the dog. He loves motorcycle touring and runs the local Cars & Coffee meet-ups.
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
There are too many (I built this playlist over many years), and I can’t possibly choose one. But I like that the tempo and flavour add ambience and vibe to the store.
Veronica Hippolite-A’Court
COMPANY DIRECTOR & CFO
Similarly, Veronica has been part of the Fresh Choice team for thirty years.
As CFO, Veronica handles the numbers. With three decades of financial literacy, resource management, system, structure, and statistical analysis, she knows the store inside and out.
Veronica is rightly proud of the family-owned and operated business she has helped to shape. And believes that the focus on Fresh and Local is part of what makes the store so unique in the community.
When Veronica isn’t crunching the numbers or strategising, you’ll find her taking time out with family and friends, walking the dog and playing golf.
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
I don’t have a favourite track, but I like how the music feels – whether that’s Lazy Sunday morning vibes or Friday Friyay vibes.
Jess Lagrutta
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER
Jess has been with us for over a decade and a half. She started as a Sunday girl stacking the shelves with soft drinks and chips. Since then, she’s worn many different hats, from chalkboard artist (writing our specials up on the outside signs) to check-out supervisor.
Part of Jess’s role now is conducting staff inductions and providing health and safety training. She’s also the chief of Christmas spirit at the supermarket and is in charge of tinsel and all the other decorations so that our store looks the best in town at Christmastime!
When she’s not at work Jess has a house full of houseplants to nurture and two dogs to take care of!
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
I have a few favourites… But Boney M (Rivers of Babylon) and Dean Martin (That’s Amore) are right up there!
Kerry Stevenson
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER
Kerry has been with us for over ten years but joined us with previous supermarket experience as he started his supermarket life as an after-school checkout operator.
He now leads the Checkout and Duty Manager teams and is responsible for HR and Training. He helps the Fresh Food Manager with daily operations and store standards and also assists with the Food Safety and Health and Safety programs. You could say he’s a safe pair of hands!
When Kerry isn’t working you’ll find him in the kitchen or discovering new destinations, he loves to travel!
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
Anything by ABBA!
Dean Wastney
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Dean joined our team almost two decades ago, bringing with him a Diploma in Business from NMIT.
These days, Dean’s role is wide and varied. He orders stock for the chilled and frozen departments and oversees the store room and inward goods. He checks and maintains our pricing. He negotiates with our suppliers. He also oversees our online shopping operation and IT operations and equipment.
Dean will tell you that his favourite part of his job is working within a great team and dealing with fantastic suppliers.
When he’s not at work Dean loves a Netflix binge! He also enjoys gaming and the odd bit of baking and gardening
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
I don’t have a particular favourite as I tend not to pay attention to what is playing as I’m focusing on the task at hand.
*Hmmm, we’ve seen him having a secret groove…
Jo Kinzett
LONG LIFE MANAGER
Jo has been with us as long as the store owners, Mark and Veronica.
Her retail career began at Night Owl Dairy in the 1970s, so she has every skill needed to fulfil her role of ensuring that we have the right people in the right place at the right time to deliver excellent customer service and products at the right price!
Jo will tell you that her favourite thing about working at Fresh Choice Nelson is the people. Both her colleagues and customers. She has made life-long friendships over her three decades at the store.
When Jo isn’t working, you’ll find her enjoying the peace of home or out walking and having coffee with friends. On a Sunday, Jo loves an outing for craft beer and a bowl of chips… And so say all of us!
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
Take Me To The River by Annie Lennox.
Bryce Goodall
FRESH FOOD MANAGER
Bryce has been with us for thirteen years and is the meat man! He manages the produce and meat departments and is our head BBQ chef in charge of smoking pulled meats.
He’s a qualified butcher with over twenty years of experience and learned all about produce from our late, great Trevor Fry.
Bryce loves that he can bring you new and exciting products in the butchery and is proud of our award-winning Brisket, Jalapeno and Cheese sausages.
He really values the relationship he has with our local suppliers because it means you get the best products.
When he’s not at work, you’ll often find Bryce at the grill, cooking up a storm. He also loves his sport and enjoys photography.
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac.
Charlotte Tear
Office MANAGER
Charlotte has been with us for almost thirty years and does a stellar job running the office. From accounts to payroll to IT issues, Charlotte has it all in hand!
Charlotte has many qualifications that qualify her, but, above all, she’s super organised!
You might not see her on the store floor, but she’s part of the team that makes the wheels turn smoothly. Charlotte says she’d hate to work from home, and we’d hate that too!
When she’s not working, Charlotte stays busy and active. Her hobbies include walking, paddle boarding and travelling.
Favourite Track on the
Supermarket Playlist:
Return to Innocence by Enigma.