Russ Vernon

Russ Vernon could have pursued other career paths after serving in the Air Force. But in 1960 he accepted an invitation to join the family business, where he began a 50-year career proving that specialty foods were in demand all across the country, not just the East Coast. 

Foray into Food. After working at the Bank of Albuquerque in New Mexico, Vernon decided to join the family business, an independent specialty grocery in Akron, Ohio, whose roots can be traced back to the Great Depression. 

“I was given an opportunity to join West Point Market with the potential of an eventual partnership,” recalls Vernon. “From that point on it was pure passion for the business and the drive to succeed. I had to prove I was able, at age 24, to work beside two 50-year-old partners.” 

Vernon attended his first Fancy Food Show at Columbus Circle Coliseum in New York City in 1962, an experience he remembers being quite intimidating. “I was young and inexperienced,” says Vernon.

Breaking Boundaries. With inspiration and drive behind him, Vernon worked to differentiate West Point Market from all other neighboring stores. In a time when only retailers in major metropolitan areas were showcasing fine wine, imported cheeses, and other exotic specialty foods, Vernon introduced these products to the Akron region, soon drawing customers from as far as 50 miles away, creating a true retail destination. 

“We were able to dominate the category, not share it,” he says. “Because of the unique nature of our specialty foods, we received a lot of press and became known as the only place to find brie.” 

Accomplishments. Some 24 years later, as sole proprietor of the family business, Vernon tripled it in size to 25,000 square feet, offering not only distinctive specialty foods but also an unprecedented intimate shopping environment, with low ceilings and theatrical lights. “It was all about offering our customers an alternative shopping experience to the standard grocery store,” he says. 

On top of helping to pioneer the introduction of international delicacies from Great Britain, France, and other parts of Europe, Vernon earned the honor of Compagnon de Fromages from the French Consulate and the Specialty Food Association’s Silver Spoon Award in 1985—with Julia Child and Craig Claiborne among the past recipients. He also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. 

In 2004 Vernon sold West Point Market to his son, Rick, the current CEO, and Larry Uhl, who became president. Vernon continues to contribute to the industry through speaking engagements with retail groups and counseling small businesses and food startups. 

“My dad gave me plenty of advice over the years,” says Rick. “‘Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are’ is one of the best pieces of advice he’s given.”