by Susan Dahlby and Callie Sleper
Sensational is a great word to describe David’s 25 years working at Lunds & Byerlys, an organization whose mission is to “create sensational shopping experiences for a lifetime.” Hired in 1993 to provide custodial services, David has experienced the merging of the Lunds and Byerlys organizations in 1997, store remodeling projects, and opportunities to work with many supervisors, co-workers, and customers. Not only has David kept the floors clean and dry, the garbage emptied, and bathrooms spotless, he has done it at lightning fast speed and with a smile.
Lunds and Byerlys recently honored David at an anniversary luncheon held at the Edina Country Club, where they acknowledged and awarded him for his 25 years of service. Seated next to company president and CEO, Russell T. Lund III (Tres), David shared with Tres some of his store experiences, as well as his future goals within the company.
Employment is a partnership—a collaboration of both employee and employer working together for a common good. David has shared that he thinks highly of management, especially Tres Lund. “He visits the stores and talks to the employees and makes sure things are in tip-top condition. He shows he cares and doesn’t just sit in his corporate office.”
David has brought to the job and company his skills of dedication, reliability, consistency, efficiency, strong work ethic, humor, and good relationships with co-workers and management. When asked if he would have thought he’d be in this position for 25 years, David replied, “I’m surprised by this. I wouldn’t have thought when I started in ’93 that I’d still be doing it, but I know my job, and I’m good at it. I like the people I work with and like that I can joke around with people. This makes work more fun.”
One Lunds and Byerlys manager said that working with David means there is never a dull moment. “He is our resident comedian and trivia buff. He has a joke for everything and a nickname for everybody. He really enjoys linking something that somebody says into a joke, and then continuing to carry it as far as he possibly can. It is definitely a lot livelier and funnier when he is here!”
Why does David continue to work and what advice would he give to others regarding work? “I like to be busy, keep things clean and organized, and make money.” He advises others, “Give yourself a chance. Try things. It may be hard at first, but you’ll get used to working and better at it.”
Like David, our customers prove all the time that a seized opportunity can make a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
