BROOKINGS Customers at the Brookings Hy-Vee know just who to turn to when they need help. Theyll find the helpful smile and outstanding customer service Hy-Vee is known for in Darin Schleicher.
Schleicher, the produce manager at the Brookings Hy-Vee, has been creating an outstanding experience for both customers and co-workers for more than 30 years. Thats why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Brookings Hy-Vee recently to surprise Schleicher with the Legendary Customer Service Award.
The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers expectations. Only 14 winners were selected from more than 70,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
Darins leadership, dedication and passion for customers have contributed to Hy-Vees success, said Jan Nichols, regional vice president for Hy-Vees Sioux Falls region. Darin is knowledgeable across all departments and a top trainer, fostering strong, smart and exceptional customer service.
Schleicher first joined Hy-Vee in 1986 and worked part-time for nearly three years, rejoined the company in 1991 and has been with Hy-Vee ever since. Over the years, Schleicher has served in a variety of roles and is currently the produce manager. Being the first person many customers see when they enter the store, Darin strives for a high standard for service. He knows many customers names, the names of their children, and their school activities. Schleicher’s connections with customers are as genuine as his desire to help them, even if it means walking them to a product on the other end of the store. He is also a mentor to co-workers, training many of them with care, and helping them start strong at Hy-Vee.
Darin elevates the entire stores standard of service, inspiring others to follow his lead and make sure every customer feels valued, respected and welcomed, wrote Jared Johnson, assistant manager of store operators at the Brookings Hy-Vee, in Schleichers nomination.
Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vees top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employees 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-Vees Chairman and CEO Jeremy Gosch said Schleicher demonstrates exactly the type of caring commitment to others that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.
Darin is an outstanding example of the Hy-Vee fundamentals, going above and beyond to serve customers every day, Gosch said. This award was created to honor and celebrate those Hy-Vee employees who go the extra mile to help others, and Darin is certainly deserving of this award.
Schleicher and the other 2025 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into Hy-Vees Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. Recipients will also be given a crystal trophy, a free trip of their choice and will have their image displayed on a Hy-Vee semi-trailer, which will stop at their store to celebrate the employees recognition.
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