Kia Patterson, 36, is showing her community that hard work pays off. After working in the grocery store industry for 17 years, she is now the owner of Grocery Outlet in the city of Compton.
Patterson started a training process with Grocery Outlet in June of 2016. After training, she gathered her investments and set up a business plan leading her to own the Compton Grocery Outlet on April 1, 2017.
“I made the decision to own a Grocery Outlet so that I could have the freedom to be able to do what I want to do and not be pigeon-holed to anything,” said Patterson. “Now I have the ability to set my own destiny.”
There were many other aspects that made Patterson want to join Grocery Outlet. When it comes to investments, according to Patterson, they are willing to contribute. They are more concerned with their owners having experience than having all of the money to start up. Grocery Outlet also gives Patterson the opportunity to employ and work with her family.
“They really care. A lot of other companies are primarily about money and profit. They lose the people portion of the business and that’s the main purpose of Grocery Outlet. You’re able to work with your family,” said Patterson. “I have my cousins working here with me, my brother, my niece and nephew. That’s really encouraging and with most companies, you’re not allowed to do that.”
Before Patterson took ownership of the store, there were about nine employees. Now there are 25 employees and Patterson’s main goal when hiring is to make sure that her employees have a good attitude. Patterson leads by example, bringing a great attitude to work and doing all that she can to help her employees.
“I’m not one of those owners that dictates things. I mop the floor, I do car runs,” said Patterson. “I’m very hands on with my team and there’s nothing that I would ask them to do that I wouldn’t do myself.”
Patterson gives back through the Magic Johnson Foundation by helping with fundraisers for different schools in Compton. She has also partnered with El Camino Compton Center by helping them launch a low-cost food pantry to help college students.
“I’m definitely involved in the community. That’s important to me because I lived in Lynwood, right next to Compton, so I grew up spending a lot of time in Compton,” said Patterson. “I’ve spoken at career days and it feels really good talking to the kids and showing them that I grew up here too.”
Grocery Outlet is all about customers saving money. There is a bunch of noise and celebration when a customer saves. Patterson’s favorite moments are seeing customers in shock of the discounts and prices.
“I would encourage everyone to go visit your nearest Grocery Outlet and it will become part of your shopping routine,” said Patterson. “The prices of our organic groceries are much cheaper than most grocery stores. The major American brands are also 40 to 60 percent cheaper. You can come here and get quality food for great prices.”
Grocery Outlet Compton is located at 2175 W Rosecrans Ave. and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
