Tom Rosenberger

Class of 2025

Tom Rosenberger grew up in a close-knit family that valued faith, dependability, and time spent together.

Born on March 23, 1964, in Waynesboro, PA, the son of Harold and Dorothy, Tom was raised alongside siblings Mary, Jim, and John. The family’s foundation was built on Christian values, outdoor adventures, and a strong work ethic. Tom’s fondest memories include his parents’ unwavering presence, consistently showing up for their children.

Originally dreaming of becoming a wildlife conservation officer, Tom’s path shifted during his time at Shippensburg University, where in 1987 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a marketing major. Tom jumped into the food business after graduation, starting a career that now spans more than four decades.

His journey actually began in high school, working as a stock clerk at Waynesboro Super Thrift Market. Sparked by an interest in merchandising and customer interaction, he took a position as a territory sales rep with Keebler after college, then spent 13 years with PA&S Small Co., which later became Fleming Foods, honing his skills in buying and category management.

After a short stint at Home Made Brand Foods, in 2001 Tom joined Sheetz, Inc. as a purchasing manager tasked with helping set up the retailer’s move into self-distribution. At the time, Sheetz had around 260 stores. today, that number has nearly tripled, with expansion into multiple distribution centers.

Serving as category manager for Confections and Snacks since 2005, Tom has also managed Automotive and HBC categories. His current responsibilities span several aisles: confection, salty snacks, sweet baked snacks, cookies, crackers, meat snacks, protein and energy bars, nuts and seeds, and ice cream.

Reflecting on his career, Tom says the most memorable moment has been watching Sheetz grow from a regional chain to a major player with sights set on 1,000 stores by 2028. His advice for others in the business is to “Know your customers and know their customers.”

Tom prides himself on being a dependable, truthful, straightforward communicator, who will put in the time to gain success. He admits that others might be smarter or more skilled, but few will devote more effort.

Giving back to the industry, Tom volunteers as a judge for the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards and participates on panels and discussion groups at the NCA State of the Industry Conference. He says it’s important to interact with colleagues and vendors to experience different business perspectives, adding that meeting with vendors in person is still the best approach.

Tom credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife Carol — his college sweetheart — and the empowerment he’s received at Sheetz to lead and innovate.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys hunting, and spending time outdoors. He and Carol have two grown children, Jake and Claire, who he says have been the heart of their family journey.

Tom hopes others view him as consistent, on-time, thorough, and numbers driven — without any drama.