Brooklyn Park Hy-Vee Employee Earns Company's Highest Honor
August 23, 2018 | News & Press Releases
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 23, 2018) — Those who work alongside Tom Wu at the Brooklyn Park Hy-Vee store will tell you he only knows one way to work – exceptionally. Whether it’s going the extra mile to make a special Hy-Vee Asian entrée for a customer’s mother, or opening his home to employees who are new to the area, Wu lives out the Hy-Vee spirit in everything he does.
That’s why, today fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Hy-Vee in Brooklyn Park to surprise Wu with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only nine winners are selected each year from among more than 80,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
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.
“Since the store opened almost two years ago, Tom has tried to do anything for a customer or a fellow employee,” Mary Fuhrman, senior regional vice president for Hy-Vee’s northern region, said. “He delivers meals to those who can’t make it in for whatever reason. This past Mother’s Day a customer ordered a special item for the customer’s mother, who is a big fan of Hy-Vee Asian. Tom made the order himself and delivered it to the customer’s mom.”
“Tom’s smile is one of a kind, and he always has it on,” Brooklyn Park store director Phil Hammermeister said. “Tom takes the extra step to take care of customers, every time. He strives to make sure that every customer has a fantastic experience, and does everything in his power to make it happen. Every employee he comes into contact with is better at customer service because of his example.”
Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Wu 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.
“Tom lives out the things Hy-Vee stands for in everything he does by providing helpful, honest and outstanding service, all while going above and beyond for our customers day after day. Over and over, nominators called out his dedication to making an impact in the local community, and doing it with a smile,” Edeker said. “This award honors the best of the best from among our Hy-Vee family, and Tom is most deserving of this recognition.”
Tom and the other 2018 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 the Hy-Vee service award dinner in October, which honors employees for longevity of service. They will also be recognized at Hy-Vee’s annual stockholders’ meeting in December. 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.
Attached is a photo of recipient Tom Wu (middle) with senior regional vice president Mary Fuhrman (right) and Brooklyn Park Hy-Vee store director Phil Hammermeister (left).
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About Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 240 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 80,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.