Odron Retires As Lucky VP
Ed Odron retired Aug. 20 as vice president of produce, floral and deli/bakery sales and merchandising of Lucky Stores Northern division here, capping a 40-year career that centered on produce.
Odron told SN that he intends to continue some level of involvement in the industry, which he has tremendously enjoyed.
"The key to success is to find something that you enjoy," he said of his years as a retailer. "I think when you do that, it doesn't even seem like a job."
Odron worked in the Chicago wholesale market beside his father before graduating from college and joining A&P, Montvale, N.J., as a buyer. Subsequently, he moved to Eagle Food Centers, Milan, Ill., in the same capacity. In 1972, he was transferred to Eagle's parent company, Lucky Foods, and, during the ensuing years, he took on increasing responsibilities in the company's various divisions.
Odron has been active in a number of produce associations, and was a founding member of the National 5 a Day for Better Health Foundation.
Lucky's parent, American Stores, is undergoing a restructuring after its merger with Albertson's, Boise, Idaho. Under the new company, Odron's duties are being divided by departmental function and by individual category.
