Empower Fresh Co. appoints Robert Austin as president and CEO

Empower Fresh Co. announced the appointment of Robert Austin as president and CEO. Austin has been with the company since its inception and has served many roles, including senior vice president of sales. His appointment to CEO is one of many new moves the company is making as it looks to optimize its structure to better prepare for significant customer growth in 2025 due to the demand for its products.

Austin is a second-generation produce professional, notably the son of Dave Austin, who was instrumental in the Wholesale Produce market in the Midwest while GM at Pisciotta Fruits & Vegetables, down on the City Market.

“One thing my dad understood and always reminded me of was everything is and should be about the relationship you have with your customers and community,” said Austin. “It’s the very same thing I love most about Empower Fresh. We get to sell relationships, not just products or services. It’s what independent grocers need today more than ever. Watching (and working with) these third and fourth-generation families hold up their corner of their small town, gets me excited!”

Growing up in Kansas City, Austin spent his early days working, as a teenager, at Pisciotta’s in the river market.

“I’m pretty sure I wasn’t old enough, technically, to work,” said Austin. “But my “uncle” Phil (Pisciotta) told me that if I was old enough to want, I was old enough to work, so I took anything he would throw at me for a couple summers.”

Austin moved on to work in the Picture Hills Bob’s IGA, in the produce department of course, while in high school. There he learned the retail side and enjoyed the time spent on the floor with his customers.

“That was my favorite part!” said Austin. “Visiting with the folks on the floor while stocking etc. It’s what’s missing today, sadly.”

After several more years of managing the warehouse at night and brokering onions and potatoes across the Midwest, Austin ultimately went into business for himself in the IT sector. He has spent the last 15 years serving small—to medium-sized businesses in and around Kansas City and beyond at Tech Express. “People deserve world-class IT services with small-town customer service and friendly technicians. That’s what we provide.”

Austin brings his vast experience in not only produce and retail but over a decade of providing technology services and support to the heart of our communities, the small businesses. Blended he presents a unique skillset and experience level that will assist Empower Fresh Co. to move into the next phase of its existence. “I couldn’t be any more excited for anything as I am for 2025 at Empower Fresh,” said Austin.

“We have worked our tail off, as a small team, the last couple of years to make sure we are delivering the maximum results for each one of our customers today and always. We are experiencing growth, have expanded the team, have new leadership in place, and are making a difference for our retailer partners every day!”

It seems 2025 will be a busy year for the Empower Fresh team. Not only do they have a full schedule of new customers to onboard, but they also plan to be at many of the industry shows this year, hoping to connect with as many folks as they can.

If you haven’t had a chance to meet any of the EF team, be sure to check out their website or find them at one of the upcoming spring retailers shows like NGA Vegas or the AWG Innovation Show KC.