For displaying diligence, professionalism, and a mindset of continued growth & development, Kip Johnson has earned recognition as the Merchandising Employee of the Quarter for Q2 2023.
Houston’s Merchandising Department enthusiastically welcomed Kip back to the team in January 2021. Fun fact: he had worked a previous stint with the company. Currently, Kip works as a parttime merchandiser in Warrenton, OR, which is on the Oregon coast near the city of Astoria.
According to Merchandising Manager Bob Baldwin, the Warrenton CHEF’STORE location can be particularly challenging due to the amount of customer requests for products, as well as seasonal sales volume within that store. Bob noted that successfully merchandising this location takes a great deal of projecting the correct amount of product needed for the next order, especially with only one delivery per week.
Kip has risen to meet those challenges, and has performed his duties well – all while maintaining a positive, professional, and friendly demeanor in connecting with store associates and customers alike.
“He has stepped up this quarter in many ways,” said Bob. “He has adjusted his schedule multiple times during the quarter to work around delivery day changes and delays. The dedication and willingness to step up and do what it takes to get the job done means a lot to me and to the store management.”
Another example of Kip’s dedication can be seen in working alongside the store manager to strategically increase inventory levels on coffee syrups proactively to fulfill the potential demand.
“The CHEF’STORE manager trusted Kip to order the right amount of top selling items without overloading the store,” Bob said. “Kip did an excellent job on his projections.”
Kip grew up in the Warrenton area, and perhaps this level of familiarity gives him an advantage when projecting and building orders. It has been noted that Kip personally knows many of the customers who shop in the Warrenton store.
“He always makes a point to converse with customers whether it’s to help them find a product in the section he’s working in or even just to help them get an item down from the top shelf,” Bob said.
Thank you for your continued hard work and diligence, Kip – and congratulations. This recognition is well deserved!
Runners up for the quarter include Jo Irwin (First Runner Up) and Ken Branson (Second Runner Up).
Read about our other recently recognized team members on the Houston’s Blog.
