On Wednesday, June 11, the Hy-Vee semi rolled up and unveiled a special surprise for Hy-Vee employees, Scott Vogler and Chris Combs.
Vogler and Combs are celebrating over 40 years with Hy-Vee, specifically Macomb Hy-Vee.
Although each have worked in other Hy-Vee stores, both were hired in Macomb by Hy-Vee’s first General Manager, Dennis Iverson; Vogler in 1979, as Meat Manager and Combs in1988, as Deli Manager.
Since that time Vogler has continued to work in the meat department, his current title being Meat Service Manager.
His responsibility is to make sure that customers have a good experience with the meat department. Chris now works as a Product Specialist.
The Community News Brief asked both Combs and Vogler a few questions on their years at Hy-Vee What are your fondest memories over the years?
Vogler: Bringing your Daughter to Work Day. It was really fun to do that with her (Tiffany), we even cut up an apron to fit her. AND also the people and customers I have met, they are all so great!
Combs: Being part of opening the new store in Macomb. My parents came, Dad was a Hy-Vee employee for 47 years, so it was really fun to share that with them.
ALSO all the people I have met through the years, employees and customers.
What changes stand out to you over the years?
Vogler: I remember sawdust on the floors, beef coming in on a carcass that we cut up completely. Now it comes in fresh primals, but it is much more sanitary and more consistent. I also remember stamping cans, now it is so much easier with barcodes.
Combs: When I started we worked with the old registers and pushed keys. We priced products with price guns and had to use hairspray to take off the prices to change them.
Now that is all electronic price tags, scanning barcodes and selfscan.
What do you think your biggest challenges have been?
Vogler: Trying to teach the next generation and employee retention.
Combs: Changes - Even when we know it’s better and more efficient, it’s hard to change. But the new stuff is so much more advanced and efficient, you just have to learn to change.
How many more years are you planning to continue to work for Hy-Vee?
Combs: At least 7 more years, who knows, maybe more!
Vogler: I plan to continue a few more years, we will see. I started 46 years ago, I helped open the University Dr. Store in 1979, stocking shelves.
I was there on opening day at 6am. I’ve been here a long time and have enjoyed the work and the people.
Store Manager Will Woods also commented on Vogler and Combs, “Scott has years of experience in the fundamentals of Hy-Vee’s focus on customer relationships. He knows everyone that comes in the door and works at it.
He is involved in the community and cares deeply about the store and its effect on the community.” Then Woods turned his comment to Combs, “Chris cares about his team. He knows that work life affects home life. He develops relationships with his staff.
I sincerely appreciate the many years of service both of these men have given to Hy-Vee and the community.”
The truck will be wrapped with the pictures of Vogler and Combs along with the others for approximately a year.
This being a new initiative from the Hy-Vee CEO to show appreciation to those employees who have committed so many years to the success of Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee currently has 240 locations in 8 midwestern states; Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hy-Vee also has a subsidiary company in Indiana, Strack & Van Til Food Market, which owns 26 stores.
