Jon Hardesty, manager of the Food Lion store in Leonardtown, Maryland, was named the retailer’s 2024 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner.
Hardesty was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.
Named for Ketner, one of Food Lion’s founders, the awards recognize exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of Food Lion’s customers, associates and communities.
In addition to Hardesty, four other managers were named 2024 Divisional Store Manager Excellence Award recipients.
The managers and their stores are:
- Mid-Atlantic Division – Josh Carver, 1005 N. Madison Blvd. in Roxboro, North Carolina;
- Southern Division – Alex Clever, 2401 Reidville Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina;
- Central Division – Toby Pentecost, 1224 Gallatin Road in Scottsville, Kentucky; and
- Richmond/Norfolk Division – Christian Dendy, 1313 N. Road St. in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
In recognition of Hardesty’s commitment to his community, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals in his name to Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene Outreach Ministry in Leonardtown, Maryland.
“This honor truly reflects the incredible team I have the privilege of working with each day,” Hardesty said. “I am honored to receive this award and grateful to be part of an organization that values community, integrity and professional growth.”
Hardesty, who joined Food Lion in 2005, leads a team of 160 employees. In managing a store, he tries to create an environment where employees are treated with respect and have opportunities to grow professionally.
He encourages employees to deliver exceptional customer service each day while building relationships with customers. Hardesty also is passionate about supporting various organizations in the community.
[RELATED: Food Lion Opens New Store Jan. 29 In Troutman, NC]
“Store managers are the heartbeat of Food Lion,” said Meg Ham, president. “They are accountable for delivering executional excellence in operating great grocery stores.
“Jon has done just that and made a positive impact on the lives of associates and customers by creating an environment where everyone is welcomed and appreciated. By showing care for his community and helping his associates thrive, Jon’s leadership is felt inside and outside his store.
“I deeply appreciate all five of these exceptional store leaders for bringing our brand, strategy and culture to life in our stores every day.”
Kristen Riley, VP of Food Lion’s Northern division, said Hardesty’s recognition is a testament to his passion for associates, customers and the company.
“Jon is passionate about nourishing his neighbors in Leonardtown, and his associates are equally dedicated to this mission,” she said. “That commitment is demonstrated in how they serve customers, help decrease food insecurity and take care of their community every day.”
Add Comment