Member of the year
The National Supermarket Association Florida Chapter takes pleasure in honoring Carlos Hernandez as the Member of the Year for 2024. Carlos’s commitment to advocating for the significant role that independently owned supermarkets play in Florida is unparalleled. Having served on the IGA Board of Directors, the Associated Grocers Board of Directors, and as NSA Florida Past President and Executive Board Member, Carlos has been a leader in the supermarket industry and has helped pave the way for independent retailers to succeed in Florida.
Surprisingly, Carlos didn’t get his start in the grocery business. Born and raised in West New York, New Jersey, Carlos’s first job was in his family’s carpet and flooring business. At a very young age, he was a pro at working with measurements and creating flooring estimates. After finishing school, Carlos started working with Ricoh Imaging and then with Xerox as a copier technician. While still working at his family’s flooring business in the evenings, Carlos was not satisfied with his job as a technician and felt a strong entrepreneurial pull that would lead him on a new path.
A pivotal year for Carlos was 1993, a year that saw him marry his wonderful wife, Yvette, whose family had deep roots in the supermarket industry. That same year, he began learning the grocery business, working with Yvette’s parents at a C-Town Supermarket in Hackensack, New Jersey. Following the sale of that store, Carlos operated a successful Wise potato chip route in Paterson, New Jersey, where he first connected with Dominican store owners, earning the affectionate nickname “Cuba!” In 1996, Carlos and Yvette bought a store in Hoboken, New Jersey. During the two years they owned this C-Town store, they were able to triple sales through dedication and a sincere work ethic!
In 1999, Carlos had the good fortune of landing in Hialeah, Florida, with the purchase of National Supermarket alongside Yvette’s parents. The supermarket evolved into an anchor of the community, and having served as a neighborhood store for more than 25 years, Carlos is regarded as the unofficial “Mayor of Hialeah!”
In 2020, Carlos started what is now Lions Sales Group, an innovative import, distribution, and manufacturing company. Carlos has strong relationships with suppliers in key markets, enabling him to offer high-quality products from around the world to retail stores.
Carlos attributes his success first and foremost to his devoted wife, Yvette, who has journeyed with him hand in hand from the beginning! He appreciates the entrepreneurial guidance and support he has received from his parents and Yvette’s parents. His inspiration comes from his two loving children, Demi and Ethan, and his grandson, Haroldo!
As we honor Carlos Hernandez today, NSA Florida acknowledges that his dedication and vision have been instrumental in our organization’s growth and success. With deep gratitude and admiration, we celebrate Carlos’s remarkable achievements and his lasting impact on our community!
The National Supermarket Association Florida Chapter takes pleasure in honoring Carlos Hernandez as the Member of the Year for 2024. Carlos’s commitment to advocating for the significant role that independently owned supermarkets play in Florida is unparalleled. Having served on the IGA Board of Directors, the Associated Grocers Board of Directors, and as NSA Florida Past President and Executive Board Member, Carlos has been a leader in the supermarket industry and has helped pave the way for independent retailers to succeed in Florida.
Surprisingly, Carlos didn’t get his start in the grocery business. Born and raised in West New York, New Jersey, Carlos’s first job was in his family’s carpet and flooring business. At a very young age, he was a pro at working with measurements and creating flooring estimates. After finishing school, Carlos started working with Ricoh Imaging and then with Xerox as a copier technician. While still working at his family’s flooring business in the evenings, Carlos was not satisfied with his job as a technician and felt a strong entrepreneurial pull that would lead him on a new path.
A pivotal year for Carlos was 1993, a year that saw him marry his wonderful wife, Yvette, whose family had deep roots in the supermarket industry. That same year, he began learning the grocery business, working with Yvette’s parents at a C-Town Supermarket in Hackensack, New Jersey. Following the sale of that store, Carlos operated a successful Wise potato chip route in Paterson, New Jersey, where he first connected with Dominican store owners, earning the affectionate nickname “Cuba!” In 1996, Carlos and Yvette bought a store in Hoboken, New Jersey. During the two years they owned this C-Town store, they were able to triple sales through dedication and a sincere work ethic!
In 1999, Carlos had the good fortune of landing in Hialeah, Florida, with the purchase of National Supermarket alongside Yvette’s parents. The supermarket evolved into an anchor of the community, and having served as a neighborhood store for more than 25 years, Carlos is regarded as the unofficial “Mayor of Hialeah!”
In 2020, Carlos started what is now Lions Sales Group, an innovative import, distribution, and manufacturing company. Carlos has strong relationships with suppliers in key markets, enabling him to offer high-quality products from around the world to retail stores.
Carlos attributes his success first and foremost to his devoted wife, Yvette, who has journeyed with him hand in hand from the beginning! He appreciates the entrepreneurial guidance and support he has received from his parents and Yvette’s parents. His inspiration comes from his two loving children, Demi and Ethan, and his grandson, Haroldo!
As we honor Carlos Hernandez today, NSA Florida acknowledges that his dedication and vision have been instrumental in our organization’s growth and success. With deep gratitude and admiration, we celebrate Carlos’s remarkable achievements and his lasting impact on our community!
