September 1, 2021 | News & Press Releases
Kurt Rummelhart (second from right) with North Dodge Hy-Vee District Store Director Kerry Sherlock (right), Hy-Vee District Vice President, Iowa City District, Jeff Carter (second from left), and Hy-Vee Senior Vice President, East Region, Jamie Stephens (left).
IOWA CITY, Iowa (Sept. 1, 2021) — Whenever the Iowa City area has a need, whether it’s for a volunteer to grill at a football game or to help recover from a natural disaster, Kurt Rummelhart is there.
Kurt, the meat manager at the North Dodge Hy-Vee in Iowa City known affectionately as “Rummy”, is a pillar of both his store and his community. He handles the concession orders each week for the athletic activities at the nearby West Branch schools, and personally makes sure the orders for an iconic local pizzeria are delivered. He not only handles the supplies for games at West Branch, he’s often found behind the grill or the counter personally preparing concession stand orders.
That’s why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the North Dodge Hy-Vee yesterday to surprise Kurt with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only 11 winners were selected from among more than 86,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
“Kurt is a pillar of the North Dodge Hy-Vee,” wrote Jeff Carter, Hy-Vee’s district vice president for the Iowa City District. “Not only does he know the customers by name, but most of the time he knows what they want before they even ask for it. Going above and beyond is a natural part of Kurt’s everyday activities. He really brings our Hy-Vee fundamentals to life, and everyone who interacts with him knows that they are valued and important to our company.”
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 Kurt demonstrates exactly the type of caring commitment to others that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Awards were established in 2006.
“Kurt represents the dedication and service that Hy-Vee stands for in everything he does, providing a helpful smile and incredible customer service every day. His nominators gave example after example of the ways Kurt serves his customers and leads those who work alongside him to do the same,” Edeker said. “This award honors the best of the best in our Hy-Vee family, and Kurt is certainly deserving of this award.”
Kurt and the other 2021 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. Recipients will also receive a crystal trophy and a free trip of their choice.
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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 280 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $11 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 86,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.