Lester’s ability to differentiate her store with effective merchandising programs, a broad produce selection, indispensable employees and expanded community outreach has drove traffic to her Lunds & Byerlys store.

A testament to Lester’s efforts, customers who responded to surveys offered on the back of receipts gave her store an Overall Satisfaction Score of 75%, one of the highest in the company. An overwhelming majority – 81% -- of her shoppers say they are likely to return the store, more than the previous year.

Lester led her store’s participation in a “Food Fight’ between anchors from a local news station that raised food and cash for a local food bank.

“She has helped me grow as a leader by encouraging me to push boundaries I wouldn’t normally push. Our predominately male-led industry can be intimidating, but I am learning through her how to get what I need to perform my job successfully. Kaitlyn might assist you the first time in a task, but she will never do it for you.” Jennie O’Konek, operations manager, Lunds & Byerlys