Jill's Journal: The self-proclaimed ‘Employee of the Year’

Many large-scale businesses have an “Employee of the Month” program. Every month, a selected employee is awarded gifts, praise from the higher-ups, perhaps a reserved parking space, a free lunch or even a plaque on the wall.

That’s not always true for the small business sector, and that’s what led Love That Look stylist – and prankster – Jess Kriech – to establish the salon’s very own “Employee of the Month” program.

I learned about the honor via a Facebook post that Mayor Harry Buck turned my attention to. A few weeks back, he asked if I’d tag along to the salon as he congratulated Jess on her self-proclaimed designation. (I mean, somebody has to be the first Employee of the Month, right? And if you’re the one to come up with the program, well then, it only seems most appropriate that it’s yours to accept.)

Jess made the most of her self-proclaimed recognition as the “October Employee of the Month” at Love That Look. She created her own plaque – repurposed from one she received years ago – ordered and installed an “Employee of the Month” parking sign, and even received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her family celebrating the milestone.

When Mayor Buck and the “Camera Lady” stopped by the salon last month to offer our congrats, Jess lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. It was fun seeing her smile from ear to ear as she stood next to Mayor Buck.

Congratulations, Jess, on your “Employee of the Month” honor. Enjoy the parking spot. Winter’s coming.