Michelle Sallese
Michelle Sallese is a seasoned Cheese Specialist at Harris Teeter, LLC, with nearly 18 years of dedicated service and a remarkable trajectory of growth within the company. She began her journey as a trainee Assistant Manager in the Deli Bakery, quickly advancing to Department Manager and then Co-Manager of an entire store. Her career took a specialized turn when she became a Deli Bakery Specialist, focusing on merchandising, before transitioning into her current role in specialty cheeses. Over the past four years as Cheese Specialist, Michelle has worked closely with partners such as Pinnacle and the Murray’s team to ensure both Murray’s and non-Murray’s locations meet corporate standards, carry the optimal variety of products, and maximize sales and merchandising effectiveness.
In her current role, Michelle oversees everything from schematics to customer service, bringing a strategic and hands-on approach to her work. She is especially passionate about introducing innovative products, supporting local items and small dairy farms, and enhancing the overall cheese program at Harris Teeter. Her commitment to quality, tradition, and customer experience is complemented by her dedication to training and coaching associates. Michelle believes strongly in mentoring others, acknowledging that her own success has been shaped by the guidance and support of those around her, and she actively strives to pass that knowledge along to her team.
Beyond her operational expertise, Michelle is pursuing her CCP certification (Certified Cheese Professional) through the American Cheese Society and actively participates in industry events, including the upcoming in-store market for IDDBA in Orlando. Her nearly two decades with Harris Teeter reflect a blend of leadership, innovation, and community engagement, and she continues to drive excellence in specialty cheeses while fostering professional growth among her colleagues.
• Leadership Award
• American Cheese Society (pursuing CCP certification)
• IDDBA (International Dairy Deli Bakery Association)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the many mentors I've had throughout my career at Harris Teeter who have helped me grow. I've had a store manager who helped me quite a bit and just got announced as a district manager. I had a Deli Bakery Operations Manager who helped me on my way to becoming a specialist. When I was a fresh foods manager, I had a specialist who helped me get to where I'm at. I also had my RVP and a VP who helped me along the way. There are a lot of people in our organization that do mentorships, and they gravitate to helping people grow. Without people helping and coaching me, I wouldn't have gotten to where I'm at. That's why training and coaching associates is my number one priority - I want to do the same for everybody else. Communication is also very key to success, because without communication, it doesn't trickle down to the source and it could go all over the place.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Michelle has had several influential mentors throughout her career at Harris Teeter who recognized her potential, encouraged her to step into new leadership roles, and supported her development as she moved from store-level management into corporate and specialty roles. These mentors played a key role in helping her navigate career transitions and grow as a leader.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say be open for learning. Be open to positive feedback and positive criticism. Take everything in as it comes, and do it day by day. Learn everything that you can possibly learn. Just because you're, let's say, in deli bakery doesn't mean you can't learn another section of it. Then take the next step and be exceptional instead of being just average. Don't limit yourself to just one area - expand your knowledge across different departments and always push yourself to go beyond what's expected.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Communication is the biggest challenge and opportunity in my field. Communication is very, very key, because without communication, it doesn't trickle down to the source and it could go all over the place. Making sure information flows properly through the organization is critical to success in retail operations. On the opportunity side, I see great potential in bringing in new items and innovation, especially helping with local items and small dairy farms. The cheese industry is always evolving - if you think you know it, it's going to change - so staying current and helping teams and customers understand these products is an ongoing opportunity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of my most important values. Family is also incredibly important - my company always puts family first and wants to make sure that you are as happy at work as you are at home. Work-life balance is essential to me, which is why I make it a priority to take my family on vacation at least once a year. With three kids, including two older ones who help with my youngest, spending time with the family is my number one priority outside of work. I also value being open to learning, accepting positive feedback and positive criticism, and helping others grow just as I was helped throughout my career.