By Terra Avilla
Becky and Aaron Weigel are the hard-working owners of Grocery Outlet here in good ole Susanville, CA. They’re a locals’ best kept secret, but really, they are so beloved to me (and I don’t think they have any idea) because of their dedication to the local area and creative approach to running the store.
Their generosity knows no bounds, as they’ve become pillars of support for numerous local charities and events. From Holiday with a Hero to Toys for Tots, and the Salvation Army to a whole host of other organizations, the Weigel’s have made it their mission to spread goodwill throughout the community.
I’ll never forget my first encounter with Becky shortly after she and Aaron took over the store.
I was the advisor for the Police Explorers, and I nervously approached her about hosting a food drive outside their business. Without hesitation, Becky’s face lit up with enthusiasm.
“Absolutely!” she exclaimed, handing me her business card. “Call me anytime – My husband and I absolutely want to help this this community.” Those were her words. And I think since then, she and her husband have proven very true to their word.
They don’t just contribute with money, they take their hands to the wheel and become involved.
It is not uncommon to see Becky and Aaron organizing toys for the Toys for Tots drive or volunteering their time through another non-profit or organization that they have joined.
Their passion is infectious and they’re a motivator for their employees as well as their customers. Of course, running the Grocery Outlet, for the Weigel’s, is not just about the groceries – it’s about feeding the community in every sense of the word.
From that first “absolutely” to today, Becky and Aaron have proven themselves not only to be entrepreneurs, but community leaders as well. They are so committed to Susanville; they’ve redefined what it means to be a local entrepreneur and know success is not about making money but making a difference in your neighbors’ lives.
Thank you both for having such a heart for service – you both are two of the reasons I love where we live.