March 29, 2024

Morr smiles in every aisle

Hy-Vee names new Newton store director

Growing up in Chariton, Rick Morr swore he’d never work for Hy-Vee. Chariton is the birthplace of the Iowa-based grocery chain, and most of Morr’s family members worked for the retail giant.

“I grew up in a Hy-Vee family. I actually told myself I was never going to work for Hy-Vee. You’re always kind of a rebel when you’re a kid,” Morr said during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon.

Despite Morr’s promises to himself, by the time he was in school, he was drawn to the call of becoming another one of Hy-Vee’s helpful smiles in every aisle. While going to school at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., Morr realized he wanted to make his part-time job at Hy-Vee into a career. After transferring back to central Iowa, Morr worked at stores in the Des Moines metro area, including helping Hy-Vee open their second Ankeny location. When Hy-Vee offered Morr a chance to take over the Newton store, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I just figured I can’t sit in an office all day. I love working with customers,” Morr said. “I couldn’t think of working for a better company.”

Even though he’s only been in Newton for two weeks, Morr said he’s impressed by Newton; he’s already seen plenty of “Cardinal Pride” on display while working at the store on. That sense of pride is something that makes Newton unique, Morr said.

“Honestly, the pride in Newton is something I’ve noticed,” Morr said. “To me, that’s what it’s all about. I’m excited to get involved with the community here.”

In his short time in Newton, Morr is already making an impact. Brent Zacharias, who works with Morr as the assistant director of store operations, said he’s noticed Morr goes out of his way to make customers feel at home while they’re wandering down the aisle of the Newton Hy-Vee.

“Well, he’s definitely a hard worker. He’s a go-getter, and he’s amazing with customers,” Zacharias said. “I don’t think anybody can walk by him that he doesn’t say hi to.”

To Morr, building relationships with members of the community is one of his favorite aspects of the job. He prides himself on making sure he’s available to greet customers and makes an effort to get to know them on a personal level. Customers from Morr’s previous Hy-Vee store in Ankeny have been dropping in to the Newton store over the last few weeks to wish Morr well and visit with him.

“I’m big on relationships. I always have been. I think that’s one of the things that makes Hy-Vee great,” Morr said. “I really developed a relationship with those people and we really connected. They came down to wish me good luck.”

While Zacharias said working in a retail store environment — which often involves long hours — can be stressful, he’s impressed at the energy and enthusiasm his new boss has brought to the table.

“My first impression of him was just his attitude. He has an amazing attitude and I think that’s something that’s really going to benefit our store and our community,” Zacharias said. “Just the positive environment he brings to the store. You know in retail it can be stressful and you can work long hours, but he always has a smile on his face.”

As Morr sees it, that’s just part of the job.

“I tell all the guys and girls in the meeting, we’re going to work hard but at the end of the day, we’re going to have fun,” Morr said.

Saturday, the Newton Hy-Vee is hosting a breakfast buffet to give customers a chance to meet Morr. He’ll be passing out slices out cake from 9 to 11 a.m. while trying to meet as many people as he can. Morr said he’s excited to get involved in the community and he’s planning to relocate to Newton as soon as possible.

“It’s an opportunity for me to get to know the people here. I’m excited to get involved in the community,” Morr said.

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com