Golf tournament, banquet are celebration of caring

Store managers, vendors share in success

by Eric Pereira / content creator

Roger Lowe Sr. demonstrates an admiration for every Lowe’s teammate he meets, to which countless people can attest.

“He would honestly take the time to greet everybody,” said David Figueroa, area manager. “From the front to the back of the store. He has such a personal relationship with a lot of our workers. And just like myself, a lot of the teammates have been around a long time. So, they know him at that level.”

The fondness for teammates can also be seen at the company’s annual golf tournament and appreciation banquet, which recognizes the Lowe’s “Top Gun” store manager of the year. The company understands the position of store manager is one of the most demanding.

Each year, the area managers submit the top three store managers in their area and members of the executive team select three finalists for the contest.

The finalists are chosen based on customer service, store conditions, community involvement, profitability and follow through on company policies, programs and directives.

The winner, or “Top Gun” Store Manager, is crowned at the end of the evening and receives a new pickup truck. The golf tournament has grown so much that it is held in San Antonio.

At the tournament and banquet, Lowe’s Market also recognizes the vendor or “pardner” of the year. Lowe’s honors a vendor whose service has gone above and beyond.

“We invite every vendor that wants to come play in the tournament,” said Duane Brown, director of management awareness, loss prevention, training and special events. “We cannot be successful without them. So we don't want to just call them vendors because we want them to be part of our family.”

They will be incorporating a H.E.R.O. Award this year.

The H.E.R.O. Award is given to a deserving vendor or teammate who has performed some type of heroic actions that deserve special recognition. H.E.R.O stands for Helping Everyone Restore Optimism.

“If you talk to any of our vendors, they'll tell you there's not a golf tournament in the United States that rivals ours,” said Roger Lowe Jr., CEO and VP. “It's about us being able to spend time with them. It’s a great Thursday through Sunday weekend with them.

“In today's world, we don't get to see them a lot anymore, and they bring their families. We have entertainment and just have a great weekend.”