"Born into the business" describes Jim. His dad saw to it that his education was "well rounded". He worked clean up, drove a truck, he was a 3rd shift loader, a fish cutter, a packer, the production supervisor, the customer service manager, plant manager, and a fresh fish buyer...to name some of his "classes". He assumed the role of General Manager before he and his brother Paul purchased the company from their dad. Jim became president of Superior Foods in 1997.

In the early years as he watched how things were done he began to question, "Why? Or, why don't we try..." Determined not to let Superior Foods become a "me, too" company, he found ways to differentiate the products offered and to raise the level of service even beyond what had historically been perfectly acceptable. Jim still wants to be better than everyone else so he isn't surprised to find himself forced into new frontiers by the business climate. He goes with no fear about succeeding... for him, failure is not an option. Jim has always been willing to do "whatever it takes" to be the best.

Another factor that drives decision-making is a high regard for image - his customers' and Superior's. Jim is determined to uphold the legacy his grandfather instilled in him three generations ago in a small fish store and restaurant downtown on Michigan Hill. He will continue to learn so he can educate his company and his customers but he will do it with great integrity.

Jim said, "For me to be successful, my customers have to be successful". That is the mantra he has upheld from the beginning. He wants to the ultimate "go to" guy; the guy with the answers; and the guy who has always been willing to take risks to take his company and his customers to the next level.

Contact Email
josterhaven@superior-foods.com

Contact Phone
616-698-2922 (Direct), 616-437-0901(Cell)