A group of Jim Navin’s supporters were on hand at Hy-Vee in Tarkio Saturday, September 14, 2024, to congratulate him for receiving the 2024 Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award.
Several Hy-Vee employees came to witness the award presentation.
Jim Navin’s family had a big task to complete, keeping the event secret from him so he could be surprised. They succeeded! Pictured are, from left to right, Jayce, Michelle, Jim, James, and Jesse Navin.
The Atchison County Hy-Vee in Tarkio, Missouri, was the scene of a surprise announcement Saturday, September 14, when it was revealed that one of the store’s employees, Jim Navin of Tarkio, has been named a 2024 Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award recipient.
This award is the highest honor presented to a Hy-Vee employee and the first time a Tarkio employee has ever received it. The honor recognizes those who go above and beyond every day to help customers and provide them with exemplary service. Jim is the meat manager at Hy-Vee, but also dedicates his time to being the grill master at local events that Hy-Vee caters, as well as co-running the concession stand at the Tarkio Rodeo and manning the grill at youth baseball games. For not actually having a kitchen or catering department at this location, Jim still manages to provide quality meats, even providing holiday meals by prepping, seasoning, and cooking prime rib. He’s well-known for his tasty pulled pork, smoked pork loin, and cheesy potatoes. But besides his meat master qualifications, he is also well-known for always having a big smile for everyone he encounters and taking the time to visit with customers, even offering seasoning and grilling tips. He takes pride in his work and is a loyal, dependable, and wonderful employee.
This year, only 13 recipients were selected from among more than 75,000 Hy-Vee employees. Award recipients enter the Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award Hall of Fame and receive additional gifts and honors. Hy-Vee has been a company known for exemplary customer service since its founding in 1930.
Lucas Glasgow, Hy-Vee Regional Vice-President, helped lead the ceremony for Jim at Hy-Vee in Tarkio. He was assisted by representatives from Hy-Vee’s corporate office, including District Store Directors Mike Miller and Eric Lahart, Produce Supervisor Keith Thalken, Meat Supervisor Jim Dunn, and Bakery Supervisor Cole Simmons. Others attending the ceremony included several members of the community, Tarkio Hy-Vee Manager Jennifer Heard, as well as store employees, and Jim’s wife Michelle and sons James, Jayce, and Jesse.
