“The only constant in life is the difference.”
– Greek philosopher Heraclitus, 2,500 years ago.
I was thinking about this ancient quote a few weeks ago as I slowly rode out of the dark windows of Belle Meade Kroger. Looking across the front -blocked doors, all the shelves were empty. The only food carriages I saw were some remaining on the sidewalk that seemed to be left behind and revotted like trash.
This old Kroger grocery store, which has been part of the community since the 1970s, had become a victim of change as the shopping mall that anchored for so many years was being cleaned to make ways to a new developmental development.
I could not help, but think again in the summer of 1986, when at the age of 16, I donated the Belle Meade Kroger’s platform as a “guy bag”. It was my first real job, and I was looking forward to earning money spent and maybe impress a certain someone who frequented the cereal line. I knew little that summer would teach me lessons beyond the refinement of the art of luggage of food.
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As in 2025, the mid -1980s were a time of change for Kroger. Between 1984 and 1986, the company came out of several markets, citing challenges in competition due to higher salaries for trade union employees.
In our store, tensions were flowing over salaries and working conditions, leading to conversations about a strike. As a teenager more concerned with mixtures than disagreements at work, I suddenly found myself in the middle of union meetings and paying disagreements, trying to understand the terms like “collective bargain” and “receipt lines”.
When the strike decision was made, I was torn. The idea of standing for right salaries and better benefits resonated with me, even if my main financial goal was giving concert tickets. But at the same time, I was just a kid I wanted to make extra money before school started.
But after some research of the soul, I decided that I had to support my associates. Armed with a home -made sign and a sense of youthful justice, I joined my colleagues in the Picket line. For me there was not so much for the issues we were fighting for, but more about the support of my older collaborators, whom I was close to, as we did everything, from cleansing in line three to ensure that the eggs were always baggage on top of everything else.
Reflecting at the time, I understand how formative my summer-line-line painting experience was. I learned some business lessons that have stayed with me decades later:
- Always try and see both sides. At that time, I saw the strike simply from the workers’ perspective. But looking back, I can appreciate the challenges of the company, also in balancing the costs of working with competitive attitude. Business is full of competitive interests, and success often comes from navigating that medium terrain. Whether you are negotiating a contract, closing a deal or managing a team, being able to see both parties is a critical skill.
- Reputation matters. I remember some customers giving us a big finger as they crossed the pickup line and others looking at us as if we would personally destroy their food running. This was my first brush with public relations. In business, perception matters – whether clients see your brand or how employees feel for leadership decisions. How a company (or an individual) treats difficult situations can have stable effects on its reputation.
- Talks are an art. Strikes are essentially high interest negotiations. At the age of 16, I got my first taste of what it means to shop-what is a “necessity” against a “beautiful to have”. This difference is invaluable in business.
- Work is not just about money. At that time, my main concern was sufficient profit to promote the style of my teenage life. But being part of that strike made me realize that work is more than money. People want respect, fair treatment and a sense of purpose.
Now, while Belle Meade Kroger makes a way to a new development that features apartments, a hotel and shopping area, I can’t help but feel a sadness of sadness.
Progress is inevitable, and while the new development promises modern facilities and revitalization, I hope it also honors the heritage of the space it replaces.
Back in 1986, it took only a few days for both sides to gather to end the strike. But these lessons have lasted a life.
JJ Rosen is the founder of Atiba, a custom firm for software development, and Nashville it Support Company. Visit Atiba.com for more information.