Our company was founded by Bob Wintz in 1972 with baked foods as the initial focus. In 1978, Bob and his team began working with a key customer to pioneer the concept of natural foods department. This innovation in supermarket merchandising planted the roots of the Wellness & Lifestyles (W&L) Group and REWCO (Robert E. Wintz Company) began to design and install natural foods departments throughout the Eastern U.S..
It became evident that a significant key to sales productivity and growth is the knowledge level of the store level associates. The more they knew about the product and the customers they were serving, the greater the sales growth. A knowledgeable store level associate is comfortable engaging with the consumer. They become a trusted resource to those new to natural foods and a fellow advocate to the committed natural consumer. The result is more confident and committed associates, greater customer loyalty and increased productivity and sales. As such, our team evolved to focus primarily on education with a curriculum and passion that helps our customers’ store people become fluent in the “Language of the Natural Consumer”.
2020
During 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic changed our world in so many profound ways. Our traditional methods to communicate and learn were disrupted and challenged. With disruption comes growth and LearnNatural was created to become the next generation of education in the industry. Embracing the high adoption of technology by our customers, our solution extends and expands the opportunity to reach more communities in the industry that we serve.
Meet the team
sharon ashcraft
Years Training
6 years for current company, 38 total.
In addition to training, my favorite pastime is…
Being with my family especially my grandchildren in the garden in the summer and cooking and crafting in the winter.
Aha Moment
Many years ago, when my children were young and people called me for health advice. It has taken many turns along the way to today. I started teaching toddler classes 38 years ago.
A new food/beverage or nutritional trend that you recently discovered and why you love it
Pistachio milk by Three Trees. It has 5 ingredients and is certified organic and very refreshing.
Hobbies outside of work
Gardening, Cooking, Teaching nutrition and health.
Personal—general location, family, etc.
Mom of 3 children ages 42, 36 and 30. Mimi (Grandmother) of 5 grandchildren. Reside in NY State, near Buffalo, NY.
jessie gaul
Years Training
8 years.
In addition to training, my favorite pastime is…
I love experimenting with and altering recipes to be gluten free. I use a lot of spare time working on crafting projects, knitting, or doing something with food.
Aha Moment
The first time I realized that I wanted to help educate people about food and nutrition was my freshman year of culinary school. One of the requirements for the degree was to take an academic nutrition class and a nutrition-based cooking class. This was the first time I realized food was more than for just tasting delicious, but also had a function. I realized that many others might be missing that connection too. That one class changed the trajectory of my future in immense and exciting ways.
A new food/beverage or nutritional trend that you recently discovered and why you love it
I started putting collagen in my coffee last year to help my ankle heal from a really bad sprain. Now it’s part of my daily routine, so that’s why I love it.
Hobbies outside of work
Crafting , Learning about nature/plants/animals, Eating for fun.
Personal—general location, family, etc.
I live in eastern PA, near Philadelphia, with my significant other of 7 years and our three-year-old rescue dog.
maggie kHAn
Years Training
20 Years.
In addition to training, my favorite pastime is…
Watching Sports.
Aha Moment
When I realized that 20% of people suffer from Gluten Intolerance.
A new food/beverage or nutritional trend that you recently discovered and why you love it
Coconut fat bombs because they are great for a Keto breakfast idea.
Hobbies outside of work
Gardening.
Personal—general location, family, etc.
Lives in the Charlotte NC area .
carol poliner
Years Training
15 years.
In addition to training, my favorite pastime is…
Gardening (both vegetables and flowers) and beautifying my yard 🙂 I have a wonderful peach tree that consumes a few weeks of my life every Fall—picking, peeling, freezing, making peach pie and peach sauce, and sharing them with friends, family and occasionally strangers.
Aha Moment
The opportunity more or less fell in my lap in 2006 so it seemed meant to be. It’s been a wonderful 15 years of learning and sharing what I’ve learned.
A new food/beverage or nutritional trend that you recently discovered and why you love it
Bullet proof coffee. Ok – it’s not that new anymore but I’ve been making it every morning ever since I first tried it about ten years ago. Who knew grass-fed butter and MCT oil would make coffee so awesome!
Hobbies outside of work
Gardening (I think I mentioned that already), volunteering and activism. I also grow and sell houseplants for fun. I’m a member of and local chapter leader for the Weston A Price Foundation.
Personal—general location, family, etc.
I have 2 grown kids, both married, one local and one out of state. Patiently waiting for grand-babies. I live in NY State, near Buffalo, NY.
