News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Neiman’s Family Market owner Hal Neiman has owned and operated the store in Alpena since 1983 and added three other stores since. On Aug. 11 he will retire and his three children will take over day-to-day operations.

ALPENA — In 1983 Hal Neiman and several investors purchased a struggling grocery store in Alpena. After taking full ownership, Neiman has built Neiman’s Family Market, which rivals big box supermarkets, and has expanded his company’s footprint as well.

In addition to Alpena, Neiman owns stores in Tawas, St. Clair and Clarkston.

Now Neiman has decided to step away from the day-to-day operations at the store and retire on Aug. 11.

Neiman said a succession plan has been made over the last 10 years and once he steps down his three children are going to take the reins of the company. He said although he won’t be making decisions in store operations, he intends to remain involved by working with the company’s oversight board and also taking part in ways to promote customer and employee relations and special events at all four stores.

“We have been joking for years that three days after I’m dead I’ll still be sending out email and voicemails,” Neiman said. “At 74 my role needs to change and do some different things for the company. The kids have a tremendous amount of experience and have bought it from us lock, stock and barrel and we have to give them space to do their thing.”

Neiman said the first year Neiman’s Family Market was open it suffered significant losses due to its newness and the popularity of other grocers such as Giant, Midway and A&P.

He said after the second year the store broke even and after that began to thrive. There also were significant additions and new services added to the store in Alpena.

“We added the pharmacy, bulk food, the Bagel Shop, a florist area and just kept finding fresh and exciting things to add,” he said.

From the start Neiman, his family and employees have been large supporters of community events and sponsors of them. He said that is likely why the store has received the support it has over the years. That, Neiman said, is one of the things he is the most proud of in terms of his accomplishments.

“We have been able to give a lot back to the community without having to go up a chain of command and get approval. We have complete control of things,” Neiman said. “When we saw a need, we always wanted to step up and help. I think being able to serve the community and make a difference in it is the most rewarding thing for me.”

Neiman said today there are more than 300 employees among the four stores. He said many times former employees who have moved on to other careers stop in the store to visit and say hello.

“I have been able to watch the growth of some of the people who have come through the store for many years and see them move on to other successes is always special,” Neiman said. “Time and time again they will come up to me and thank me and tell me how I helped prepare them to be a productive employee. That always feels good.”

As Neiman’s last day nears there are going to be special events taking place at the Alpena store. He said details are still being worked out, but will be announced soon.

“I just want to thank the people for the support and we still have some exciting things in the works,” Neiman said. “We will be having a new rewards program coming and we’re confident everything people love about the store will continue. Our support for the community will also remain strong.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.