A group of undergraduate students from the SUNY Oswego Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student organization recently explored the question of why Wegmans Food Markets is often considered one of the most admired employers in the nation.
SHRM members took an immersive field trip to Wegmans’ Rochester headquarters followed by a tour of their flagship store. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the company’s strong culture, innovative HR practices and purposeful organizational structure come together to create an exceptional workplace.
"The visit effectively illustrated how a strong, positive culture and core values translate into specific HR programs that meet employee needs to be empowered and heard," Barry A. Friedman, SHRM faculty advisor, explained. "It was fascinating to see how Wegmans ensures its business strategy aligns seamlessly with innovative HR programs.”
One of the most surprising insights from the visit was the connection between Marketing and HR. Students learned how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plays a dual role -- driving clicks not only to Wegmans’ products but also to its job openings. This unique intersection highlighted the strategic thinking behind Wegmans’ approach to talent acquisition and brand management.
Friedman also emphasized the critical role of store-level Employee Advocates, describing them as the “boots on the ground” who bring HR strategy to life. “Their Employee Advocates have excellent employee relations skills and tools, ensuring that employees feel supported and engaged. HR career paths were also illustrated by the hosts personal experiences. It was an incredibly insightful day!” he added.
Kevin Stickles, senior vice president human resources at Wegmans Food Markets and a 1990 SUNY Oswego graduate, said that “hosting the students at our Rochester headquarters was an energizing reminder of why we invest so deeply in our people. Their curiosity and engagement reaffirmed the importance of building a workplace where every individual feels supported, empowered, and proud to grow their career. It’s inspiring to see the next generation leaning into what great company culture can achieve.”
Josh Poorman, a SUNY Oswego sophomore majoring in human resource management reflected that “what unfolded was far more than a tour. It was a hallmark in what people-first HR looks like in practice. Witnessing Wegmans’ field and corporate HR operations firsthand — from the culture they’ve built to the systems they’ve implemented -- gave me a powerful new lens for the kind of HR professional I aspire to be.”
The event was organized by SHRM President Kaedyn McClain, who Friedman said deserves kudos for coordinating this intensive, all-day experience. The trip not only deepened students’ understanding of HR in action but also inspired them to think creatively about how HR drives organizational success.
McClain remarked that “what stood out most to me was how intentional Wegmans is about putting people at the center of every decision. They frequently stated they’re an HR company that just happens to sell groceries. From talent acquisition to store-level employee advocacy, it was clear their culture isn’t just a value statement on their wall. It’s operationalized in every decision made and everything they do.”
SHRM is a student organization dedicated to exploring how individuals are engaged at work through a human resources management lens. Open to all majors, SHRM welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the dynamic field of HR. For more information, contact Kaedyn McClain at kmcclai3@oswego.edu or Barry A. Friedman at barry.friedman@oswego.edu.
-- Submitted by the College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Kevin Stickles (top left), senior vice president human resources at Wegmans Food Markets and a 1990 SUNY Oswego graduate, guided SUNY Oswego Society for Human Resource Management members on a recent tour.