Dale was once part owner of a small group of ComputerLand retail stores and eagerly participating in the computer revolution. He helped executives grasp the time saving features of personal computers to manage their daily number crunching.

His vision evolved so that in 1991 he purchased Martindale’s from the original Martindale family. Now he is part of the health revolution and helps other people in their pursuit of better health along with his best friends here at the store.

Before becoming an employee of Martindale’s in 1996, Joan remembers shopping here as a teenager with her father. Since 2005 she has led the staff as manager while working to provide a satisfying customer experience for our shoppers. Now no longer store manager, she serves as financial Controller.

After a breast cancer battle in 2009, Joan was able to complete her Certified Nutritional Consultant coursework. This has both enriched her life and enabled her to better assist customers in their purchasing choices, especially those touched by cancer.

Mark has worked in the natural products industry since 1980. He was owner of Under the Sun Natural Foods in Paoli for 16 years before coming to Martindale’s in 1996.

He was eventually promoted to Sales Manager in recognition of his superior knowledge of natural products, his understanding of nutritional supplements, and his ability to use his insights to assist customers with health concerns. In this capacity and as Supplement Department buyer, he serves to guide and assist our departments in purchasing, to ensure Martindale’s continues to offer the best in foods and health supplements.

Mike has worn many hats throughout his time at Martindale’s. Starting many years ago as an employee in the produce department, he grew into other roles in the supplement and operations departments. In 2015 he was offered and accepted the position as the Grocery Department manager. In that role, Mike was able to prove his leadership and organizational skills. Now he is the Store Manager.

All through his journey at Martindale’s, Mike’s passion for the natural products industry has continued to expand. He has a heart for the staff with whom he works and the customers whom he serves. His hope is for Martindale’s to continue to be a place of true healing by offering healthy foods and supplements and building genuine, positive relationships.

Contact Mike for all vendor queries requesting we sell your products.

Contact Mike if you’re a shopper and would like to contact the store manager for any reason.

Debbie’s early love of organic gardening, natural mothering, and healthy cooking caused her to come to Martindale’s initially as a shopper, then as an employee. Her own family’s struggle with food intolerances makes her especially helpful to those on special diets.

She counts it a great day when she learns something new about natural food and healing. Her love of learning has served her well in past years as Supervisor and Store Trainer. Now as Marketing Director, Debbie joyously advances the Martindale’s name in the store and beyond.

Email me about all marketing ideas and charitable donation requests.

Carmen, originally from Philadelphia, moved to Delaware County about 12 years ago. She joined Martindale’s in 2015 where she started in the Bulk, Refrigeration and Freezer department then transferred to the Beauty and Body Care department.

Carmen enjoys riding with her husband, watching movies with her sons, and hanging out with friends. She absolutely loves it when her daughter comes to visit so she can “act like a kid again” when she plays with her grandchildren.

Jim has worked in the area’s natural food stores, as well as at a regular mainstream supermarket. He has been a food broker and worked in the supplement industry.  His core passion at work is to connect people with good nourishment.

Jim lives with his wife and 11-year-old son who keeps him very busy.  Some of his favorite moments are Sundays with family, and playing whiffle ball or board games with his son.

Tracy, a Swarthmore native, started her journey with Martindale’s as a high school student, who loved the store’s unique whole grains and baking mixes – the best around!

Tracy’s life journey took her away for many years, and every experience reinforced that personal and environmental health are interrelated. She got a Masters in Environment, Politics and Global Development from King’s College, London, which taught her about environmental sustainability. She became a research analyst there, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. She was an Environmental Educator in the Peace Corps, Senegal, and a reef sustainability volunteer in Madagascar.

In sum, Tracy’s travels exposed her to various human suffering. She turned to holistic methods to help them – and herself – with healing and integrating body, mind and spirit. She began practicing, then teaching, yoga, breathwork and meditation, and learned the therapies Polarity and Cranial-Sacral. She became a Certified Nutritionist Consultant, and became the Wellness Programs Manager, in charge of popular Detox, De-stress, and Weight Loss Programs, at a remote yoga retreat center in Thailand.

Returning to her hometown with her beautiful Thai rescue dog, Shanti (meaning “Peace” in Sanskrit), Tracy also returned to the health food store that first supported her. She became the Supplements Assistant, then Produce Department Buyer, as good health is rooted in eating local, seasonal, organic, sustainable produce. Tracy is nearly vegetarian for years now; she loves animals – especially her Shanti-Girl, “Little Bud” – yoga, being in nature hiking and jogging, and ALL forms of creative expression.

Marilyn managed the Produce Department for years before becoming one of our floor Supervisors. She gladly helps customers find products in the aisle, get answers to questions on the phone, and complete purchases in a timely manner.

In 2008 she discovered that she has Celiac Disease which is an intolerance to gluten found in many foods. She is always more than happy to show our gluten-free customers the many items we offer that contain no gluten and share what she has learned. Her vegan lifestyle makes her a valuable resource.

Marilyn has a passion for customer service.

Wanda loves people and is more than happy to serve in customer service. Her skills as supervisor make the store’s front end run smoothly for all. Knowledge of supplements and vegan choices make her a great resource.

When away from the store, she might be found crafting blankets for those in need.

Gayline currently works as both a cashier and supervisor. She remembers walking into Martindales for the first time a few years ago and instantly having a sense that she wanted to work there. She has always had an interest in healthy living including providing wholesome meals for her family.

This is her first full-time job after being a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled for 25 years. In her “off” hours Gayline enjoys spending time with her husband, six grown children, and thirteen grandchildren. She is the wife of a pastor and serves her church in various capacities.

Patrick’s journey in natural food began in Connecticut, at age 18. While stocking shelves at a family-owned market, he began learning about supplements, herbs, and nutrition. His newfound interest led him to work and study under the on-staff herbalist and nutritionist. The herbalist took young Patrick on educational herb-walks in nature, teaching him about healing plants firsthand. The nutritionist recommended books that Patrick read voraciously. 

Eventually, the pursuit of higher education brought Patrick to Philadelphia. There, he promoted wellness at a number of natural markets, continuing to educate himself and grow as a health advocate. 

While working in natural food, Patrick obtained his Music Degree from Temple University, where he studied the trumpet. Upon graduation, he joined a touring artist and traveled the world as a professional musician. He has been to 18 different countries, produced and recorded two albums, and played extensively on the East Coast. He enjoys the outdoor sport of disk golf and has recently become an avid rugby fan. 

Nancy’s personal health and wellness journey began when a family member fell seriously ill. When conventional medicine only served to make things worse, she went looking for answers elsewhere. 

This step brought her into the world of natural and holistic health. To gain understanding and self-educate, she learned from professors, doctors, and instructors from all over the world. Her journey took her to career events, online seminars, and internet support groups. She devoured any information she could and became well-versed in wellness including natural approaches to cancer, gut health, broken brain, body detox, liver and kidney wellness, and more. 

Armed with this knowledge, she coached her family member back to health. Moreover, she was able to share her education with family and friends and saw positive results. 

Nancy shares her knowledge with the community at Martindale’s, where she is sought after by repeat customers. She loves seeing the improvements in her shoppers’ lives and learning more about the solutions that work for them. 

“The best advice I’ve ever received, and the advice I continue to share with our customers, is to be your own advocate. Ask questions, be curious, and educate yourself because you know your body better than anyone,” Nancy says.

She is proud to be a part of Martindale’s team where continuing education occurs daily.

Outside the store, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, home rehab, sewing, painting, and furniture restoration. 

Heather’s life journey has always been centered around health, healing, and food. Her love of helping others led her to become a Licensed Massage Therapist, a discipline she has practiced for the past 6 years. Whether it’s through cooking, massage, or natural medicine, Heather’s focus is improving the quality of life for all those around her. 

Prior to becoming an LMT, Heather attended culinary school and was a professional chef and bread baker in some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants; this experience has only solidified her love of cuisine and the culinary arts.

Heather is also passionate about herbalism and natural remedies. She has fed her interest by attending classes, workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, often traveling across the nation to learn more. She has made her own tinctures, juices, balms, suppositories and medicinal syrups, all while continuing to pursue new knowledge. 

In 2018 Heather was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. Her doctors suggested surgery, but she sought alternative treatment with a naturopath in Connecticut. After 14 escharotic treatments, daily juicing and 3 months of back and forth travel, her story was one of success. 

Through her own various health journeys, she has gleaned a well-rounded knowledge of the power of nature in the form of supplements, vitamins, herbs, plants, and healthy foods. She is thrilled to be a part of Martindale’s team and to have the opportunity to help others on their own health journey. 

In her spare time, Heather enjoys hiking in nature, traveling with her son, seeing live music, and cooking as much as possible.