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Sunset Foods manager puts customers first
Jim Ruffin of Sunset Foods has been serving Northbrook and North Shore customers since 1984 on behalf of the Highland Park-based company. Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 21, 2013 2:43PM
Northbrook
Jim Ruffin manages the Northbrook Sunset Foods store front end and goes with the flow. We caught up with him two days before Thanksgiving.
Nary a shopping cart was in sight, most were in use. The rest were being brought in from the parking lot by staff who happily handed off carts to customers like Olympians pass a torch.
Ruffin and his wife MaryJo live in Antioch and have two daughters, Amy Rose, 16, an Antioch Community H.S. sophomore and Maggie, 14, an Antioch Upper Grade School eighth grader. He enjoys playing cards and reading (romance novels). His iPod includes ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s hard rock music (Led Zeppelin, Boston, Rolling Stones). Check out Jim’s webisode interview with Karie Angell Luc at www.northbrook.suntimes.com (posts Monday, Christmas Eve). Meet Jim Ruffin, an employee since 1984 of this Highland Park-based grocery store chain.
Jim, how did Sunset Foods achieve its status?
Because of their customer service, because of the way we take care of customers. They’re greeted when they come in, everybody’s got a smile on their face. If [the customers] are looking for something, we’re more than happy to show them where it is, the speed in which we get people out. I run the front end which is making sure customers get taken care of, checked out, unloaded, their baskets loaded into their cars if they wish. People are looking for quality food, good service and a smile. [It’s a] super company, great family-oriented company.
What is that philanthropic holiday initiative at the front registers?
You’re kind of famous there, Jim Ruffin…
(Big smile) I’ve gotten to know so many people who live in Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield on a first name basis. I mean, over 28 years, you develop relationships with people. If they’re having a problem, they come directly to you. You know, there are certain people, certain customers who come in that will put a smile on my face. I’m always happy to see people.
What’s Jim Ruffin doing over the holidays?
Jim Ruffin’s going to be working! (laughs). My wife (MaryJo) met me as an employee of Sunset Foods so she understands and knows what it’s like to work for a retail business. You’ve gotta be there for the customer. Christmas week is busy, this is our busy time of the year now until the middle of January (Sunset is closed Christmas Day).
What is your New Years wish?
A healthy New Year, a healthy New Year for my family, for everybody. If you don’t have your health, it’s not a good thing.
Your favorite holiday dish?
I grew up meat and potatoes! (laughs). I mean, I like vegetables (and turkey). I’ve got a lot of favorites.
Your wellness advice?
Be safe. Enjoy. Eat turkey (preferably Ho-Ka).~.
