Honoring Phil Blackburn and David Weber: Celebrating Decades of Dedication to IGA

After more than 15 years of working together, Phil Blackburn and David Weber are retiring, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter of partnership, leadership, and service. Recently recognized with the Spirit of IGA Lifetime Achievement Award at a special dinner in Wenatchee, Washington, their journey stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication — not only to the grocery industry, but to their communities and the core values of IGA.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Grocery Industry

Phil Blackburn’s grocery career began at 16 with a part-time job at a local store, which sparked a lifelong passion. After graduating from Washington State University, he returned to the industry during a tough job market, finding early success at a 74-store chain later acquired by Albertsons. His career took off in 1979 when he joined Associated Grocers in Seattle, gaining valuable experience before purchasing his first stores in 2007. Over the years, he expanded his holdings to include locations in Washington towns Okanagan, Cashmere, Quincy, and Grandview.

IGA SVP Retail Doug Fritsch presents Phil Blackburn with the Spirit of IGA Award in Washington.

David Weber’s career started on the Washington coast, where a full-time job at a small grocery store gave him key insights into operations and customer relations. After 25 years navigating mergers and acquisitions at a small, independent company, Weber joined Blackburn in 2009 as operations manager for stores in Cashmere and Quincy. Together, they rebuilt the Quincy store after a devastating fire. In 2011, they purchased the Grandview location together.

David Weber laughs as Doug Fritsch presents his Spirit of IGA Award in Washington.

Guiding Principles and Community Impact

Blackburn and Weber's success is built on a shared commitment to integrity, fairness, and empowering their employees.

"Treat everyone fairly — vendors, suppliers, employees — and do so with integrity. It always pays off," Blackburn explained.

Weber, too, believes in instilling a sense of ownership in his team.

"I wanted my people to feel like they owned the store or their department. They needed to understand the business side of things," Weber said.

Beyond their business achievements, Blackburn and Weber made a lasting impact in their communities. In Cashmere, their store helped raise over $100,000 for scholarships, ensuring every applicant received support.

As Blackburn put it, "We are proud to have helped with this fundraising. The greatest joy is giving back to the community."

Their stores also championed local sports teams, events, and charitable causes, strengthening the bonds with the neighborhoods they served.

In this video from 2019, Phil Blackburn talks about not wanting to retire and how he became a Subway sandwich artist.

The Value of the IGA Brand

Blackburn and Weber’s deep commitment to the IGA brand has been a cornerstone of their success. Both praised IGA’s training programs, digital marketing, and private label offerings as key tools for independent operators to compete with larger chains.

“The IGA brand has real value. It’s recognizable and trusted,” Blackburn said. “John Ross and his team are very much out on the cutting edge of what is going on in the industry. John is really into partnership and truly believes in the independent grocer and wants to see us all succeed.”

Weber agreed, saying, “The leadership from IGA, especially in marketing, is the biggest piece of why IGA is such a great place to be.”

For both Blackburn and Weber, IGA is more than a brand — it is a partnership that helps smaller companies succeed at higher levels.

“We’re real believers in the IGA program," Blackburn said. "It’s a great way for the independents to compete with a big chain.”

IGA Quincy Market features David Weber on their Facebook page. Click here to read the full post.

Retirement and a New Chapter

Their decision to retire was mutual and timely. Weber, at 64, had planned to retire at 65, but a conversation with Blackburn accelerated the timeline.

“How about yesterday?” Weber joked when asked about his readiness.

Both agreed it was the right moment to step back and pass the torch.

Chris Brown, a long-time acquaintance and local IGA operator, was their ideal successor.

“We’ve known Chris for about 30 years,” Blackburn shared. “He’s family-oriented, treats his employees well, and is committed to keeping everyone on staff.”

Brown, who currently owns four IGA stores, will expand his portfolio to eight with this acquisition.

IGA Quincy Market - El Mercado

Looking Ahead

As Blackburn and Weber step into retirement, they are excited to focus on family, travel, and personal pursuits.

Blackburn looks forward to visiting iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone and spending time in his garden.

Reflecting on a career of hard work, he shared, “All my life, until recently, I have worked a lot of hours. So, there is a lot of catch-up to do.”

Weber is excited to spend quality time with his wife of 36 years, Karen, as well as their sons and six grandchildren. While he looks forward to embracing a slower pace of life, he’s equally eager for new adventures, including more time on the trails, mountain biking and hiking, as well as traveling. Weber adds that he will always treasure his 44 years of dedicated service in the grocery industry and will carry the memories and lessons from that rewarding chapter of his life.

A Legacy to Inspire

Blackburn and Weber’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and steadfast dedication. Their impact on the IGA community and their local neighborhoods underscores the profound difference independent grocers can make. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of IGA retailers to lead with integrity, champion their communities, and uphold the values that define the IGA brand.

As they enter this next chapter of their lives, we thank Blackburn and Weber for their tireless dedication and for leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire IGA retailers for years to come.