How Amy Niemetscheck Became CEO of Certco: Career Growth, Leadership, and Business Acumen

Wondering what it takes to lead a billion-dollar, retailer-owned grocery wholesaler—and how does someone go from public accounting to the CEO seat without following a traditional executive path?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Amy Niemetscheck, President and CEO of Certco Inc., to discuss her career journey from CPA to controller, CFO, and ultimately President and CEO. Amy shares how deep financial expertise, cross-functional curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the full business prepared her to lead a complex organization owned by more than 200 independent grocery retailers.Amy gives a behind-the-scenes look at executive leadership, including what her role looks like day to day, how strategic priorities are shaped in a cooperative model, and why accountability and trust within an executive team are essential for long-term success. She also dives into the value of industry involvement, board service, and peer networks, and how these help her stay informed, effective, and ready to seize new opportunities. In this episode, we explore:The unique structure and strategic advantages of a retailer-owned grocery wholesalerHow financial leadership can translate into enterprise-wide executive responsibilityWhy understanding the broader business—not just your functional role—accelerates career growthWhat effective CEO leadership looks like in practice, not theoryBuilding strong executive teams through clarity, accountability, and trustStaying strategically focused while managing operational demandsLeading at a high level while remaining present for family and personal prioritiesThis conversation offers thoughtful insight for professionals at any stage of their career—especially those navigating cross-functional growth, preparing for executive leadership, or seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to lead at the highest level—and deciding whether they love the job—or the company.🎧 Listen now to gain a practical perspective on leadership, strategy, and building a career that evolves with the business.Guest Links:Connect with Amy Niemetscheck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-niemetscheck-925aa110/ Explore Certco, Inc.: https://certcoinc.com/Next Steps:Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn