The Next Generation – Jr. Board Member Interview
In this month’s WISE Jr. Board newsletter, we are featuring Kyle Zofinski, a Sourcing Analyst at Topco. Kyle graduated from DePaul University where he majored in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Education (IME). Since then, he’s graduated from Topco’s rotational program and has been a Category Management intern. Outside of work, Kyle has become an avid traveler visiting 13 different countries over the past 5 years. He loves to cook often experimenting with new recipes and cuisines. This passion for food translates into his work within the industry.
WISE: How did your journey progress at Topco and where has it led you today?
Kyle: I first heard of Topco at a category management career fair at my university. I didn’t even know what category management was until I started networking. I was able to correlate the learnings from my first job at Target to my new potential career path! I started out at Topco as a category management intern on the branded meat team. I was among the first summer intern groups at Topco. At the end, I had an opportunity to be the first rotational program specialist. Since then, I’ve been through 6 different departments across the organization (4, 3-month rotations) (2, 6-month rotations). These include Member Services, Master Data, Supply Chain Warehouse, Supply Chain Demand Planning, Category Insights, and Sourcing. Within each department, I learned the day-to-day tasks and operations as well as making lasting improvements that can be seen to this day.
WISE: Tell us a little bit about your current role as a Sourcing Analyst? How did the rotational program help prepare you?
Kyle: I currently manage a variety of general merchandise categories such as Cake Decorating, Culinary (Cookware, Bakeware, Gadgets), Stationery as well as supporting larger categories such as Pet. The internship and rotational program built up my analytical skills and provided firsthand knowledge of the complex operational sides of the business. Because of this background, I’ve been able to better communicate with these functional teams and build connections across the company.
WISE: What got you interested in joining the WISE organization?
Kyle: When I first heard about WISE, I was inspired by their mission and focus on diversity and minority groups. When joining the professional world, I often felt the need to hide the fact I was gay. I really wanted to join a community that embraces diversity and doesn’t put a label on anyone. I’m even a little shocked that I was accepted onto the board considering I’m a male.
WISE: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.
Kyle: I grew up in the far northern suburbs of Chicago. I graduated from DePaul in 2020 where I majored in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Education (IME). Through this program, I worked through in-depth, consulting like projects creating innovative solutions and strategies for leaders in the food industry. This cohort drove my desire to pursue a career in the grocery industry. In my personal life, I’ve become an avid traveler marking 13 countries within the last 3 years. The next country I plan to visit is Morocco in November! I love meeting new people and indulging into the local cuisine and culture. My focus is to travel like a local rather than just marking off the tourist attractions. I also love to cook actively experimenting with new recipes. Otherwise, I’m relatively active whether it’s riding a bike, hiking, or running.
WISE: What advice would you give new and aspiring young professionals?
Kyle: Attend those networking events and career fairs! Come prepared with questions and do some minor research as it’ll help start good conversations. You never know where those will lead, and the connections are invaluable! Getting involved at work through an employee resource group or other committees is important too! This helps you network across departments and meet people you may have never known otherwise. And most important, be your authentic self.