Zach has worked as a part-time Courtesy Clerk, bagging groceries and carrying them out to customers’ cars, for the past 2½ years. Not only was this his first job in high school, but he also earned the title of Minnesota’s Best Bagger in 2014!

“Baggers are usually the last people our customers see as they leave our stores, which makes our role even more important,” Zach explains. “I try to make as many relationships as I can to make sure the customer always has a positive experience.”

What was Zach’s favorite part about working at Lunds & Byerlys? “My coworkers!” he says. “We were like one big family. I noticed it every day when I came to work – I always had a friend there.”

Zach is currently at school at the University of Minnesota–Duluth, but hopes to someday pursue a career at Lunds & Byerlys.

Morteza worked as the area manager for a restaurant before he retired and moved overseas for three years. When he returned to the U.S. last year, he joined the deli department, working as a part-time Deli Clerk. His favorite thing about working at Lunds & Byerlys? “People. Customers. Service,” says Morteza. “I love my coworkers and they love me. Once I walk in, no matter who I see, I will say hello to them. I even stop and talk to supervisors from different departments. When you become part of the Lunds & Byerlys family, you all work together. I really, really like my bosses.” As for customers, “it is like old times,” he explains, “customers want to know that they are important to you. I enjoy talking with them and having a good relationship with them.”

Shannon has been with Lunds & Byerlys for almost 23 years. She started as a Cashier when she was 17 years old, became a part-time Manager at the age of 19, and also worked in the bookkeeping office for 17 years. “I feel like I’m a role model since I’ve been around for so long,” she laughs.

Today, Shannon is back to being a Cashier. “I had a new baby and was a stay-at-home mom. They gave me lots of good flexibility – I work 15 hours a week. They treat me really well and work around my husband’s schedule so I never have to get daycare.”

What else does she like about working at Lunds & Byerlys? “It’s a good all-around company. They donate money to United Way and Second Harvest and allow employees to help. It’s a happy place. People like to come to work!”

Jessie, a Store Manager, started working for Lunds & Byerlys as a Courtesy Clerk when she was 15 years old. During that time, she won Minnesota’s Best Bagger competition in 2009 and competed in Las Vegas for the national title.

Jessie utilized the company’s training resources and career advancement programs to work her way up. “I absolutely love working for Lunds & Byerlys, which is why it’s literally the only job I have ever had,” she says. 

Jessie took advantage of our tuition reimbursement program and obtained her bachelor’s degree in human resources and organizational leadership. “I am so grateful for the amazing mentors and leaders throughout the company that have helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “L&B invests so much time and resources into its future leaders and I feel very fortunate to work for such a wonderful company.”

Sarah, a Category Manager, has been with Lunds & Byerlys for 15 years.

Sarah started as a Cashier and took advantage of the company’s career advancement and training resources to move ahead. “Lunds & Byerlys does a really great job of letting you know that there are always resources for you – different programs to help you advance your career. They don’t cost you anything except time.”

What is her favorite part about working here? “The people!” she says. “The people I work with are really amazing individuals – they’re so genuine and I really love them. I felt this right away when I started. All of a sudden I was meeting these people and I wanted to hang out with them afterwards! Also, being a family-owned company, you feel like you’re invested in it. You get to be part of it. You develop relationships with the people you work with and they become part of your family.”

Brent was hired in 2020 as an Operations Manager-in-Training, and was promoted to Store Manager four months later.

“I went through a big career change when I joined Lunds & Byerlys,” Brent said. “I was very nervous about the change, but very quickly I knew that this company had a great opportunity for career development. This was a big part of my decision to join the team here at Lunds & Byerlys and I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to many more years with this company.”

Brent feels lucky to be part of a leadership team that collectively puts its employees first. “Lunds & Byerlys does an amazing job creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusion environment. The opportunity for advancement is a real opportunity for any employee who is willing to work hard and go for it. The support system to further your career is unmatched. The commitment from the executives, Employee Experience team and store leadership to offer support to their employees is incredible. With Lunds & Byerlys, you’re not just a number.”

Tim, our Senior Executive Chef for Research and Product Development, has been working at Lunds & Byerlys for 19 years. He has an associate degree in culinary arts from Hennepin Technical College.

“Lunds & Byerlys is a great, family-oriented organization,” Tim says. “The company is focused on the growth of its employees – they like to promote from within. Plus, working isn’t just about the job; it’s about being part of a family. I feel like my coworkers are my second family. It’s not unheard of to have been working with the same people for the past 15 years. We go by first names, not official titles.”

His favorite things about working at Lunds & Byerlys? “The flexible work schedule, training opportunities and the discount for shopping in stores – it helps when you’ve got three teenagers!”

Ross, a General Manager, started working for Lunds & Byerlys 35 years ago as a Grocery Carryout in high school.

“It’s been a great career,” Ross says. “A great place to work. I’ve learned how to treat people, both customers and employees. I’ve been able to work in all areas of the store. I’m able to come to work every day and make a difference, either with an employee or a customer, or something in the community.”

Many employees compare working at Lunds & Byerlys to being part of a family. Ross agrees: “There have been times when people have needed things here – my employees going through a hard time, etc. – and everyone jumps in to help that person out as if they were your own family. The customers are like family, too. We share stories with them about their families and watch their kids grow up.”

Ross started college while working at Lunds & Byerlys, but quit school mid-way through. Thanks to the Lunds & Byerlys tuition reimbursement program, he was able to go back to college 30 years later and complete his degree.

Kaitlyn joined Lunds & Byerlys in 2004 as an Assistant Store Manager.

“There were, and still are, many opportunities for growth at L&B,” Kaitlyn said. “While in my various roles developing my career with L&B, I earned my bachelor’s and MBA from Concordia University.  I am very thankful to work for a company who not only supported my career goals but also invested in my educational goals.”

After being promoted to Store Manager and then General Manager, Kaitlyn now works at our Corporate Support Office as Director of Retail Operations. “I love working with such an amazing group of people at Lunds & Byerlys. It has been my pleasure to work at various stores throughout the company: gaining leadership experience, practical industry knowledge, building business insights and growing my career.”