Andrew Keller is employee of the month!

Although we don't actually have an "employee of the month" program I do think the following email would be grounds for Andrew Keller from Mid Rivers store) to be this months recipient. I think this email speaks volumes as to what we are trying to accomplish as a company.

Hey Casey

I am kicking myself because I wanted to get in touch with you about one of your employees at the Mid-Rivers location and I forgot the guy’s name. I even went back into the store to ask for your contact info. and did not write down the name I needed for this e.mail although he provided his name. Even without a name, I feel it necessary to send this to you!! And feel free to pass on to whomever you like.

I was at your store around 8: PMish on Friday, Jan. 9th, . This is approx. my 4th time in that location since moving to St. Louis months ago (lots of kids in my family who would buy stock in PLAN-NINE if they could, haha), after leaving your store tonight and encountering the service “this guy” displays each time we have been in there, I thought you needed to read/hear this from me. (I’m a guy with 20+ years in customer service management and training). “This guy” in your Mid-Rivers store is one of the best sales people I have ever encountered, and that comes from my experience with hundreds of sales people nationwide given my profession in customer service/sales training.

I aim to steer clear of most malls/retail stores because I am so disgusted with “lack” of customer service these days, but this guy at your Mid-Rivers location shines when it comes to customer service. About a month ago I was in your store with my son (9 years old), we left with new shoes but much more important my son left with a little more confidence about skating after the way he was treated/spoken to by your employee. I just sat back and watched this particular employee because he “gets it” when it comes to taking care of your customers. I laughed out loud as we left your store tonight as I said, “Someone needs to clone that guy!” We met up with my other family members in the food court later in the evening and my sister-in-law said, “We just went into Plan-Nine . . . you should have seen how great this kid is that works there!” Hence this e.mail…..

Please recognize this employee however you see fit but given the current economy and state of affairs with customer care I found it necessary to take time to bring this to your attention.

I wish you the best of luck with your stores and we will do all we can to continue to make purchases there. Our loyalty to Plan-Nine is based on the service we get from the staff there.

Kudos to Plan-Nine!! Keep up the incredible service you provide to customers and even more-so “thanks” for making my kids feel cool when we visit your store.

Brad B.

P.S. For some reason I think this guy’s name may have been Corey?? But when I clicked on the Corey featured on your site (under TEAM section) it did not look like the guy in your store, and I want to make certain you recognize the right guy. I do recall a lip ring, if that helps?? Otherwise, you’ll know who it was just by asking your staff who gave me your contact information tonight when I went back in and asked for it at closing time. I did tell him we all are impressed with his customer service/sales, but we hope the time I took to sent this will be a surprise to him----Similar to how surprised we are each time we get the customer service at Plan-Nine we often think is a “thing of the past”.

I do not see a reason to speak to you, I hope this e.mail explains it all, but if you would like, feel free to call me at 636-###-####