Meijer has announced recipients of its 2025 Legacy Awards, the highest recognitions given to its employees.
The Fred Meijer Award is given to one team member annually who demonstrates values of humility, generosity and passion for serving others, the company says. The Earl Holton President’s Award, named in honor of former longtime company president Earl Holton, honors employees for delivering exceptional results through strategic initiatives critical to the company’s success.
“It is an honor to spotlight team members who exemplify our values and serve our communities,” says Hank Meijer, executive chairman for Meijer. “Our team members are the best in the Midwest, and we appreciate their dedication to driving innovation and ensuring our customers feel the Meijer difference when they shop with us.”
Toledo Market Director Randy Lewis is the 2025 Fred Meijer Award recipient. The company says Lewis has been with Meijer for 38 years and brings a wealth of experience to his role, making him an outstanding leader and mentor to many employees across the Meijer footprint.
Over the past two years, he has mentored 13 market directors, influencing the growth and performance of more than half of the retail employees currently at Meijer, the company says. Whether he’s hosting immersive store visits or coaching team members one-on-one, Lewis makes a point to connect with everyone, adding that his ability to inspire and develop talent leaves a lasting impact on those he works with each day, Meijer says.
The retailer awarded the Earl Holton President’s Award to five employoees for their leadership, excellence and innovation:
- Kristin Brouwers, visual merchandising manager
- Don Cress, business finance systems manager
- Charles Lambus, assistant store director
- Mark Petrie, IT business engagement director
- Carolyn Vallette, store director
“The Legacy Awards rely on nominations from coworkers, which makes them incredibly special because the recipient knows they made an impact on those closest to them,” Meijer President and CEO Rick Keyes says. “I am especially proud of all of the team members we are recognizing today and appreciate their dedication to Meijer and the many Midwest communities we serve.”
