The independent grocery community recently lost a bright young leader with the passing of Chelsea Cardwell at just 36 years old.
Cardwell was deeply involved in her parents' store, longtime IGA owners' Clarence and Valerie Cardwell's Baltimore IGA Express and Tarlton Market IGA and was poised to carry the business forward as the next generation of leadership. Proud of her role in the store’s growth and evolution, she embraced the responsibilities of succession with energy and purpose. As her obituary notes, being asked to participate in the NGA Executive Conference was a meaningful milestone for her — one she considered a significant professional honor.
IGA Area Director Jake Jennings worked with Cardwell in his previous time at Laurel Grocery Company and continued through the stores' transitions to Winkler Wholesale Grocers. He remembers Cardwell as a highly engaged and forward-thinking retailer.
“She was very active,” Jennings said. “Every time we launched something new, she was engaged. She would call, ask questions, and really dig in to understand how it would impact her store.”
Whether participating in Laurel webinars, attending wholesaler shows, applying for grants like REAP or HFFI, or exploring new product categories, Cardwell consistently demonstrated a commitment to continuing education and operational excellence. She worked closely on initiatives such as grant funding to upgrade equipment and improve efficiency, always looking for ways to strengthen the store in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“She wasn’t someone who just signed up and stayed quiet,” Jennings said. “She would engage in the webinars, follow up afterward, and ask thoughtful questions. She wanted to learn. She wanted to grow.”
Jennings also recalled her warm personality and natural ability to build relationships across the industry.
“She was bubbly, very warm and welcoming,” he said. “When you saw her, it was always, ‘How are you?’ She connected easily with people and had a good read on the temperature of the industry.”
Cardwell's eagerness to learn, her pride in her family’s business, and her dedication to serving her community reflected the very best of the independent grocery spirit. She represented the future of the industry: engaged, innovative, and committed to doing things the right way.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, employees, and customers during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.