admin Starting a business is a challenge. Sustaining it for more than 140 years across five generations is an extraordinary accomplishment—one that speaks to resilience, commitment, and devotion. This is the story of Julie Camardo, CEO of Zweigle’s Inc., a family-owned meat and protein manufacturer in Western New York. Under her leadership, the company not only honors its heritage but also embraces innovation to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry.
Julie reflects with pride: “Zweigle’s is my family legacy, and I am honored to carry forward its traditions. We are deeply rooted in Rochester’s history, and we work to help our community grow and thrive in every way we can.”
“Zweigle’s is my family legacy, and I am honored to carry forward its traditions. We are deeply rooted in Rochester’s history, and we work to help our community grow and thrive in every way we can.”
A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Founded in 1880 in Rochester, New York, Zweigle’s Inc. is a fifth-generation family-owned company that specializes in high-quality meat and protein products. Its portfolio spans natural casing and skinless hot dogs, sausage links and patties, meatballs, chicken breasts and strips, deli meats, plant-based proteins, and more—serving retail, food service, and private-label customers nationwide.
At its core, Zweigle’s is driven by its mission to create lasting memories through delicious food and strong partnerships. The company culture emphasizes accountability, recognition, and learning. Julie explains: “Accountability means honesty and owning your actions, whether good or bad. Mistakes are seen as learning tools, and we work hard to reinforce that philosophy through training and support.”
Recently, Zweigle’s introduced a new value: continuous improvement. With a dedicated R&D team and investments in people, processes, and technology, the company continues to innovate and adapt to new food industry trends.
Overcoming Leadership Challenges
When Julie stepped into a leadership role, she faced three key challenges: building trust, shaping culture, and embracing lifelong learning.
- Trust: Julie worked to demonstrate her genuine care for both employees and the company, fostering openness and aligning the right people in the right roles.
- Culture: By defining and embedding core values, she helped cultivate a workplace that embraces both tradition and change.
- Learning: Julie acknowledges the importance of humility in leadership. “It took time to understand my own strengths and weaknesses. I strive to hire people who are better than me in their roles, and that’s how we’ve built a strong leadership team.”
Her decision to return to Rochester early in her career proved pivotal. Over time, her connection with customers and her pride in the family business grew stronger. “My greatest achievement is carrying Zweigle’s into its fifth generation. Leading beyond our 141st year is an honor I hold dearly.”
Leading with Innovation and Adaptability
In an industry where female leadership remains rare, Zweigle’s stands out as a nationally certified woman-owned business. Julie credits much of their progress to active collaboration with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and industry peers, as well as consistent engagement in trade shows and networks.
She understands that staying competitive requires adaptability—to USDA regulations, shifting consumer behaviors, and new technologies. Guided by a 10-year growth plan, Zweigle’s is expanding private-label and co-packing opportunities, diversifying products, and strengthening its branded portfolio while staying true to its mission.
Balancing Leadership and Life
As CEO, Julie leads strategic planning, manages external partnerships, and serves as a visible community leader, sitting on numerous boards and committees. Beyond the office, she fulfills another vital role: being a single mother of three.
Balancing professional and personal responsibilities is not without its challenges, but Julie embraces it with grace. “It’s important to expose my children to the work I do at Zweigle’s and in the community, while still making family time a priority. I encourage the same balance and flexibility for my employees.”
Her personal practices—yoga, hiking, reading, and staying connected with family and friends—help her maintain clarity and resilience.
“My greatest achievement is carrying Zweigle’s into its fifth generation. Leading beyond our 141st year is an honor I hold dearly.
Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
Julie Camardo’s leadership is defined by equal parts tradition and transformation. By honoring Zweigle’s 141-year-old legacy while steering it toward future growth, she embodies the qualities of a leader who is both grounded and forward-looking.
Through her journey, she demonstrates that success in business isn’t just about growth metrics—it’s about trust, culture, adaptability, and above all, carrying forward a legacy with purpose.
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