MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: RICK SAKER
Touching Lives in Many Ways Working tirelessly as Vice President of Operations for Saker ShopRites and Dearborn Market, Rick represents the fifth generation of leadership in his family’s grocery business that was founded in 1916 in Freehold. STORY SHANNA POLIGNONE PHOTO MELISSA AMORELLI
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had the opportunity to learn who Rick Saker is and the traits he possesses that make him a successful businessman, an avid competitor, and important part of our local community.
I was first introduced to Rick within the glass walls of a greenhouse belonging to Dearborn Market, with the living and breathing farm and market in the background. Rick reached out his hand to shake mine, his introduction showed strength, as well as humility. It is readily apparent this is a man who is strong in his trade but realizes it is not about him. As he led me through the upscale Holmdel farmers market, I watched as he said hello to associates, held the door open for others and greeted his customers by name. Once getting to speak with him, I found that he gave credit to others before himself and spoke highly of his family, friends and associates. He shared with me how
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his family has always taught a culture of giving back and of social responsibility and it’s clear from his actions that he is keeping those traditions alive. Rick’s roots run deep in Monmouth County. He grew up in Colts Neck and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, then graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a Masters in Food Marketing in 2005. His entire immediate family all reside within the surrounding Fair Haven area, where Rick now calls home. “I consider myself blessed to have so many of my loved ones, both family and friends, living either in Fair Haven or within just a stone’s throw.” The Saker family is intertwined with many local organizations. The family’s legacy is strong in making a difference in all aspects of the community, giving back where they can, making their employees happy, knowing and studying the food industry and making
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sure they and their businesses are assets to the towns in which they live. In a time where the word “local,” is used as a marketing tool by retailers and manufacturers, Rick shared with me how along with his family, the nearly 10,000 Saker ShopRite associates are all Central New Jersey residents. “There is nothing more local than that. I am very proud of the fact that all of the revenue generated in the communities that we serve is reinvested directly back into these same communities. We are deeply ingrained in each local community’s fabric and economy.” The Saker family also supports over 2,000 local affiliations and Rick mentioned a few that are close to his heart. Joan Dancy & PALS is an organization that provides support for those suffering from ALS and their families. It is a cause they take very seriously. The family is also quite passionate about the Vision of