From the store floor to store ownership: Lin Guo

PAK’nSAVE Māngere owner Lin Guo

Lin Guo was just a teenager when he boarded a plane bound for New Zealand from north China in search of opportunity and a future career. Little did he know that it would lead to a string of life-changing opportunities and a successful career in the supermarket industry.

Lin, who now owns PAK’nSAVE Māngere, began looking for work soon after he arrived in Auckland on his own more than 20 years ago.

He lived with a homestay family in Howick while he attended high school and got his first part-time job at a local supermarket. From there, Foodstuffs and PAK’nSAVE opened doors he never imagined possible.

“I started working in supermarkets when I was still at school,” he says. “At first, it was just about financial needs. But very quickly, I started learning and getting interested in how business really works – how people, customers, teams and results all connect.”

His career has included ownership of several stores, national awards, and a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.

After joining PAK’nSAVE Henderson, Lin progressed through various roles including management in seafood, bakery, produce, deli, and fresh foods. He did all this while completing a double major in Finance and Management at Massey University, balancing work, study and life through sheer determination and a passion for the job.

“But no university degree gives you a full picture of how to work in a supermarket,” he says. “You learn by doing, serving thousands of customers, leading teams, communicating clearly, setting expectations, delivering consistent results, and being mentored by the great people.”

With mentoring and support, as well as hands-on experience in other stores such as New World Botany, he was encouraged to think bigger.

“At first, I didn’t see ownership in my future,” he says. “But a year later, my owner-operator at New World Botany followed up with me again, and that conversation changed everything.”

At just 27, he became the owner of his first store, Four Square Ellerslie, where he trebled sales, increased customer numbers, and improved the customer shopping experience. Under his leadership, the store was awarded Foodstuffs North Island’s Store of the Year in 2017.

Ownership opportunities followed, including New World Newtown and New World Southmall, and now PAK’nSAVE Māngere. Some team members have remained with him since his first store. Today, his focus is on developing his people, supporting the community, and delivering for customers every day.

“There’s always more to learn about how we can improve the shopping experience for customers. It's an ongoing driver for us, all while making prices more affordable.”

“PAK’nSAVE is a large business with great capability – but the priority is always people,” he says. “We’re committed to supporting and investing in our team and putting them on a pathway to success. If they succeed, the business succeeds.”

As an immigrant and non-native English speaker, he’s grateful to Foodstuffs and PAK’nSAVE for providing him with the trust, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.

“They trust you. They talk with you. They help you to understand what you need to succeed. You’re allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.”

That philosophy shapes how he leads. Some of his team members have been with him since his first store, and he actively mentors future leaders and owner operators through Foodstuffs programmes, including the trainee operator and development programmes.

“My biggest achievement isn’t sales or any awards,” he says. “It’s my people. Seeing them grow into confident leaders who can make the right decisions – that’s success.”

Beyond the store, he is deeply committed to community support, backing local schools, churches, food rescue organisations and social supermarkets because, as he puts it: “I have been trained from day one that we are all in it together to support our people and communities – the more we can do to help, the better”.

Lin also strongly supports his team to maintain a healthy work-life balance, recognising its importance in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

He lives in Auckland with his wife Tina, their son Carter, and daughter Charlotte. During school holidays, if schedules allow and homework is done, the kids help out instore.

“They genuinely enjoy it – that and the hot food from the deli,” he laughs.

“I want them to understand the value of hard work while still appreciating balance in life.”

In his spare time, Lin stays active and curious. A qualified personal trainer, he prioritises his wellbeing through regular workouts and reformer pilates several times a week to help maintain a healthy mindset and balanced lifestyle.

Looking back, Lin credits the Foodstuffs, Four Square, New World and PAK’nSAVE banners with giving him the opportunities to build strong leadership skills, a successful career and a thriving business.

His advice to others considering a career in the supermarket industry is simple: “Take responsibility. Don’t wait to be asked – be proactive and keep learning. Some situations will be tough, but that’s where you learn the most.”

“Foodstuffs and PAK’nSAVE didn’t just give me a job – it gave me a career, a community, and a future.”