When Preston Kelly turned Roundy’s CEO Robert Mariano into an advertising icon “Chairman Bob” we knew it would lead to increased sales results for Roundy’s Brand products, but it has resulted in a cascade of positive publicity for Roundy’s banner stores Pick’n Save, Copps, and Rainbow Foods as well.

Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Mariano became a media personality this year when the Milwaukee-based chain launched an ad campaign featuring Mariano as “Chairman Bob.” Since then, Mariano has played the persnickety examiner of product quality in TV and radio spots. You’ll find him on grocery bags of Pick ’n Save, the company’s main supermarket chain. Mariano spoke with reporter Doris Hajewski about his experiences and about the serious business of running supermarkets — including Copps, Rainbow and Metro Market — in a difficult economy.

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