Paul D. Minger

Class of 2012

Paul D. Minger was born on September 5, 1952, in Terre Haute, IN, to Fred and Mina, who also raised Steve and Linda.

He began his retail career as a stock clerk at EZ Save Supermarkets in 1969 and one year later joined Walgreen Co. part-time while still in high school. He worked his way up through the company’s management program before serving 10 years as a store manager. He then became the supervisor for alcohol and beverage for Arizona and New Mexico for 17 years before returning to the corporate office as a category manager for the pet and grocery departments.

Paul graduated in 1970 from Maryvale High School in Phoenix, and earned a degree in business management from Glendale College in Glendale, AZ, in 1972. In 1973, he married Linda Neville and they have two children: Scott and Erin.

Paul has worked at Walgreen for 42 years, entering confectionery 10 years ago. He says the retailer has afforded him the ability to think outside the box and take confectionery to a higher level.

The industry is fun, dynamic and very challenging, says Paul, adding it allows him to help people remember the simpler times, bringing smiles to their faces, and for these reasons he chose to stay in the industry.

Paul advises others who want a career in confectionery to focus on simple goals, stay hungry, be passionate and leave each day feeling positive. He says his biggest day-to-day business challenge is staying one step ahead of everyone else.

He notes he would enjoy more time to meet with all of his suppliers and if he could do one thing differently, he would have gotten into the category sooner.

Paul has many industry honors, including winning the National Confectioners Association Confectionery Leadership Award in 2012, which he considers one of his most memorable career moments. He also was recognized with a Buyer of the Year award in 2006.

Paul was named Walgreen’s Rookie of the Year in 1977, and Store Manager of the Year in 1984.

Boating, collecting sports memorabilia and staying active with youth sports through coaching and umpiring are a few of Paul’s hobbies. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.