The Meijer Legacy Awards recognizes team members who have made a significant impact on their teams, customers and communities. This year’s 7 winners came from our stores, distribution centers and corporate offices, and shared their best piece of career advice with us.
The 2022 Fred Meijer Award winner
Ben Negron
We’re pleased to recognize Adrian, Mich. Store Director Ben Negron with the Fred Meijer Award, the highest honor a Meijer team member can receive. Ben is described as a person with a heart for the people in his family, store and community. Community members know Ben by name and he never misses an opportunity to engage with people in meaningful ways—much like our company’s founder, Fred Meijer.
When asked what advice he has for others, Ben said, “In life and in work, my experience is to constantly be willing to lead, teach and develop myself and others in the areas of service. All the hard work that comes with doing that will return in ways that you cannot even imagine in the future – and when you need it most!”
The 2022 President’s Award Winners
Carol Bork
Congratulations to Meijer President’s Award winner Carol Bork! Carol is a Cashier at our store in Washington Township, Mich., and has been serving our customers with her trademark smile for nearly 24 years. Our customers appreciate Carol for being quick, efficient and knowledgeable, while her team feels energized and inspired by her every day. When asked for her career advice on how to keep smiling after 23 years, Carol had this to say: "My advice to any new hire is to be patient and kind with every customer. In our ever-changing world, a smile goes a long way."
Amy Chan
Congratulations to Amy Chan, Office Manager for our Global Sourcing Office, on her recent recognition as a Meijer President’s Award winner! Amy does it all – she’s the office manager, human resources manager, and provides IT support for our global sourcing office. She also helped us carry our strong culture across the globe to help our souring office team members feel connected to Meijer. Amy offered this career advice: “One of my favorite quotes from Fred Meijer is, ‘Remember how you don’t like to be treated.’ I believe treating others with dignity and respect is of utmost importance when I work with team members and service providers. It helps to instill trust and to build a strong and effective work relationship.”
Ben Hamlin
Congratulations to Director of Own Brand Food Ben Hamlin on being recognized as a Meijer President’s Award winner! If you’ve shopped a Meijer store or seen a Meijer ad, you’ve likely seen Ben’s work. Ben helped launch our Frederik’s line, which is known for quality and has seen tremendous results so far. When asked about his recipe for success, Ben shared: “Think about your career as a marathon, not a sprint. Be intentional about building relationships and enjoying the people you work with along the way.”
Dave Hoover
Congratulations to Dave Hoover, Director of Outbound Logistics at our Lansing, Mich. distribution center. Dave was recognized as a Meijer President’s Award winner for the work he’s done to build a strong logistics program, like finding innovative ways to train new drivers and mechanics, and for implementing measures that save money and help the environment. As a leader, he’s known for demonstrating teamwork, humility, and generosity. When asked about his drive for success, Dave said: “I’ve never been afraid of problem solving; only of not having a clear understanding of the problem. Taking the time to understand the issue at hand puts you on a path to arrive at a more effective solution the first time and helps avoid the potential for causing unforeseen consequences and making matters worse.”
Kyle Musser
Congratulations to Kyle Musser for being recognized as a Meijer President’s Award winner! Kyle is Director of Distribution at our Tipp City, Ohio distribution center. Last June, Kyle got the call no leader wants to get – a tornado was headed straight for the complex. Fortunately, Kyle has instilled a strong culture of safety at the complex, so he and his team were well-trained and knew what to do to lead everyone to safety. While the complex sustained some damage, not a single person was injured as a result of the storm. Kyle demonstrated exceptional crisis leadership before and after the storm to take care of his team, keep product flowing, and continue to serve our customers. When asked to share what advice has guided him in his career, Kyle had this to say: “My parents instilled in me at a young age that gaining someone’s trust doesn’t happen immediately; you must work at it. Your actions speak louder than words and if you make a promise, you must follow through.”
Erik Petrovskis
Congratulations to Director of Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Erik Petrovskis for being named a Meijer President’s Award winner! During his eight years with Meijer, Erik has built and developed our corporate environmental commitment and sustainability plan with a sound corporate strategy, as well as a practical focus on enriching lives in the communities we serve. Erik is a key collaborator with the business, helping Meijer achieve its goals around renewable solar and wind projects, food waste recycling, and Great Lakes stewardship, to name a few. Erik leads with integrity and his colleagues are inspired by his example to make changes in their own sustainability practices. When asked what career advice he’d give to others, Erik had this to say: “Forget ‘follow your passion.’ Evaluate your strengths and opportunities for growth through education or experience. When your skills and interests align, you’re off to a rewarding career.”