Jon Hardesty, the store manager at Food Lion in Leonardtown, Maryland, has earned the prestigious Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award for 2024. This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership among over 1,100 store managers across Food Lion’s service area.
The Ralph W. Ketner Award is not just a title; it celebrates store managers who truly enhance the community life where they work. Jon’s commitment to customer service, his team, and the local community made him a standout choice for this honor.
In addition to Jon, four other store managers were recognized for their outstanding leadership. They are:
- Josh Carver – Roxboro, NC
- Alex Clever – Spartanburg, SC
- Toby Pentecost – Scottsville, KY
- Christian Dendy – Elizabeth City, NC
This annual award not only recognizes effective management but also celebrates impactful community service. In Jon’s honor, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals to the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene Outreach Ministry through their Food Lion Feeds initiative.
“This recognition reflects the amazing team I work with every day,” said Jon. He joined Food Lion in 2005 and leads a team of 160 associates. He believes that respect and growth opportunities are key to running a successful store. By fostering a supportive environment, he encourages his team to provide top-notch customer service and engage with the community.
Meg Ham, President of Food Lion, emphasized the vital role store managers play in the company’s success. “Jon exemplifies our commitment to excellence and community care,” she stated.
Kristen Riley, Vice President of the Northern Division, also praised Jon’s dedication to reducing food insecurity and his passion for helping others. The recognition of Jon and the other honorees shines a light on their success in leadership, team support, and community inspiration.
About Food Lion: Founded in 1957, Food Lion operates over 1,100 stores across the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions. With a focus on delivering fresh and affordable groceries, Food Lion is committed to fighting hunger. Their Food Lion Feeds program has donated over 1.2 billion meals to those in need and aims to reach 1.5 billion meals by 2025.
For more details about Food Lion and its initiatives, you can visit foodlion.com.
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