August 19, 2019 | News & Press Releases
MISSION, Kan. (Aug. 19, 2019) — For many Hy-Vee customers, ask them about their local store and they’ll tell you about “their” Hy-Vee. When it comes to the Mission Hy-Vee, Mike Huerter makes sure that his store feels like home – even if “home” is halfway across the world.
Huerter, the bakery manager at the Mission Hy-Vee since 2008, is legendary in his commitment to serving his customers and making sure everyone feels welcome and celebrated in the store. That’s why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Mission Hy-Vee store today to surprise Huerter with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only 11 winners are selected each year from among more than 80,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
“Mike is constantly going out of his way to make sure his customers are taken care of,” Mission Hy-Vee human resource manager Toni Lewis wrote in his nomination. “Many times I have heard customers tell me they only come to the Mission Hy-Vee for the service Mike provides. He goes the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect and his customers leave the store happy. He is always there for the customer.”
Huerter makes sure that all his customers feel at home in the store – even when they’re coming from across the globe. Thanks to the relationships Huerter has formed with the Mission Police Department, he was introduced to a young man from the United Kingdom named Alexander. Alexander and his family frequently visit the Kansas City area for medical treatments that can only be delivered in the states. Huerter worked alongside members of the police force to organize “Alexander’s Journey” fundraisers to help offset their travel and treatment costs. He’s coordinated fundraising efforts both through the store and volunteering on his own time.
“Mike’s attitude toward service is genuine,” Mission Hy-Vee store director Chris Wiltfong wrote. “He does things because they are the right thing to do, and he truly enjoys seeing the smiles he generates with his actions. I think he’s the most hugged employee I’ve ever worked with.”
Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vee’s top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employee’s overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.
Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Huerter demonstrates exactly the type of commitment to customers that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.
“Mike lives out the things Hy-Vee stands for in everything he does — caring, helpful and dedicated service to our customers. His nominators pointed to example after example of his commitment to his customers, his co-workers and his community,” Edeker said. “This award honors the best of the best from among our Hy-Vee family, and Mike is most deserving of this recognition.”
Huerter and the other 2019 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into
Hy-Vee’s Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a coveted Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. They will be guests of honor at Hy-Vee’s service award dinners in October, which honor employees for longevity of service. They also will be recognized at Hy-Vee’s annual stockholders’ meeting in December, where they will receive a travel voucher good for a trip to a destination of their choice. And finally, their photos will be prominently featured on the side of Hy-Vee trucks, showcasing their helpful smiles to millions of travelers across the Midwest.
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Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 260 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 80,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.