LASSENS | NATURAL FOODS & VITAMINS in Los Feliz, meet the Director of Marketing Raymond Martherus and the Store Manager Chris

 

Interview conducted by local REALTOR® Keith Kurlander

Describe your business.

It's a natural health food grocer, deli, juice bar with health and beauty products and supplements..

What made you decide to open this business?

The business was the brainchild of Oda Lassen, the matriarch of the Lassen family, she started it all back in 1971. Oda's on the right.

What was it like when you first started?

When the store opened there was a void of this type of business in Ventura County, but there was a very big interest from many trend setting health conscious individuals that helped to make the store successful.

What's it like working at Lassens?

It's been a really great opportunity for me, not only to learn more about the health food business but also it inspires me to change my diet and my view on healthy living and stuff like that. It's been a continuous education.

What would your customers say they love most about your business?

The fact that our produce is always 100 percent organic not something that you can find very often in a grocery store. Also I think customers really love the feeling of community that they get when they come to our store. We know a lot of our customers by name, we talk to them regularly, we know what it is that they're coming to look for so I think these are the things that they really love when they shop here.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?

Honestly there's a lot of memorable experiences, one in particular that comes to mind is an elderly gentleman who had a huge order for a big Thanksgiving dinner one year. When he came to pick it up and the order was correctly filled, he couldn't believe it and tears welled up in his eyes. It's that kind of gratitude from our customers that make my job very satisfying.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?

We are always looking for new and innovative products. Everyday we move away from GMOs and into locally sourced products.

What is something most people don't know about the business?

We carry only 100% organic produce.

What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?

Offering healthy options and being a true neighborhood grocer

What do you love about this neighborhood?

The people.This neighborhood has a really nice feel and the customers shop here because we care about getting the very best produce for them.

What are your favorite things to do in the neighborhood?

I like to go for walks with my family on my time off and we love visiting Griffith Park and hiking on the trails.

How do you stay in such good shape?

I stay in shape by being constantly on my feet, moving about the store, along with the walking and hiking.

Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?

When you shop local, everybody in the community benefits.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lassenslosfeliz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lassens

Website/Blog: https://www.lassens.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lassens/