HAYVN Hubcast Rooted in Tradition, Leading with Purpose: How Megan Palmer Rivera is Driving the Family Business EP 117
On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed talks with Megan Palmer Rivera, CEO of Palmer’s Market and Palmer’s Catering & Events. As a fifth-generation leader in her family business, Megan shares her inspiring career of blending tradition with innovation.
Megan’s journey shows how leadership and legacy go hand in hand. She shares how her early start, launching a bakery within Palmer’s Market at just 21, taught her not only how to create incredible products but also how to run a business. Over time, her focus shifted from serving customers to leading a growing team, finding deep satisfaction in helping others thrive.
When Megan officially stepped into the CEO role, she knew maintaining the family’s values was key. She introduced more structure to the business, fully committing to a set core business values for the first time in its 100-year history to ensure the culture remained strong for future generations.
Recently, Megan led the development of a new commissary kitchen to support expansion beyond their original location. She emphasized that growth for Palmer’s isn’t about getting bigger, it's about staying close to the community, maintaining quality, and providing new opportunities for her team.
Even as technology drives instant gratification, Megan is clear that Palmer’s will stay rooted in personal connection. From hand-sliced deli meats to packing groceries with care, the experience remains deeply human.
Finally, Megan offers thoughtful advice to fellow entrepreneurs. She speaks candidly about the loneliness that often comes with leadership and the power of finding a trusted network, something she found through HAYVN to lean on during both the good and challenging times.
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