Employee Spotlight

Meet Hal Neiman!

Hal Neiman founded Neiman’s Family Market 40 years ago this month in 1983!

Hal grew up on a farm in St. Clair, graduated from MSU and learned the grocery business from his father in law John Schmidt. 

After Hal married his wife Jean they spent time in Ecuador serving in the Peace Corp, they lived in Ann Arbor where he was a probation officer and teacher before they settled in Alpena opening their first store. They now live in East Tawas enjoying beautiful Tawas Bay! 

Over the years Hal earned many awards such as IGA National Retailer of the year, was signaled out by Governor Rick Snyder in his State of the State address and earned lifetime achievements from both SpartanNash and the Michigan Grocers Association. 

Hal has done every job in our company from bagging groceries, making bagels and popcorn to CEO.

Serving the communities he lives in has always been important to Hal. One way he did this was his time leading the Alpena Hospital, now the MidMichigan Medical Center, Community Foundation Board. Hal and the team raised millions of dollars for the care and treatment of the local residents. 

Hal’s secret to success was to wow customers! This meant excellent service but also included fun ideas, the crazier the better. From bringing zoo animals to the store, cows inside the store, buying a bus to serve customers who needed transportation to the store, and even today he will sit in a dunk tank to help raise money for Toys for Tots!

Congratulations Hal and Jean on 40 years!