The If List

Scot Olson, President of North/Northwest Division, FreshSource

The former Albertsons and Grocery Outlet exec brings nearly 40 years of experience to his presidential role, and he’s more than happy to wield it to the advantage of his clients. A formidable industry mind, Scot Olson blends a sense of humor with a drive for success. This winning combination shows up throughout the FreshSource President’s day-to-day, but you’ll just have to keep reading to find out…


IF you had to distill your definition of success into one sentence, what would it be?

These four pillars have always been the driving factors of my success: 1. Seek to understand; 2. Be positive; 3. Work hard; and 4. I would be nothing without my team!

IF you had to move into a different city, what three restaurants would you take with you?

Thanks to Daniel Bell, Director of Produce at Grocery Outlet, I’m unable to live without Mikuni Sushi, and I’d also have to bring Chefs Table and Old Town Pizza with me!

IF you could switch places with anyone for one day, who would you choose and why?

My father passed away in 2016, so I would trade places with him so he could feel the sun on his face, drink some Caymus, and hug his family one more time!

IF you could have any actor play you in a movie, who would you want?

Jason Bateman. My favorite line from him as Nick Hendricks in Horrible Bosses is:

NH: “I was drag racing.”
Detective: “In a Prius?”
NH: “I don’t win a lot.”

IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?

I have been in the produce industry for 37 years now and still love it, so I’m staying in produce!

IF you had to be roasted by one comedian, who would it be?

Bring on Ben Stiller. I think he would make it fun, and even though it’s a roast, I don’t think you could get offended by him.

IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?

I would love to have a photographic memory with the ability to quickly recall anything. That could double as a superpower—although if I could fly, that would be great!

IF you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Learn work-life balance!! I have always been driven to provide my family with the most I could. That made me dedicate more time to work versus providing more of my time to them. The Snack Endstop