Our internal Top Hand program is special as it based on peer nominations from our AgriBusiness team, recognizing teammates who show a spirit of selflessness, are willing to help with tasks outside their normal responsibility, believe "good enough is never good enough," embody the co-operative spirit and/or rise above adversity.
Winning nominations, as determined by our in-store employees, are then sent to Area Managers to pick the ultimate winners by area. Our quarterly Top Hands are rewarded with a special pin and gift cards that increase with additional wins.
We pride ourselves on exemplary customer service at all of our UFA sites and strive to continuously improve. We do have a Rate Us survey set up for customer feedback and value all of the comments we receive. The URL for this survey can be found at the bottom of our UFA till receipts. Hearing from external stakeholders is always satisfying, but when a teammate gives you a shout-out, that is extra special.
We are pleased to announce our Q4 winners here. Please offer a hearty "Congratulations" if you happen to see them while shopping at their UFA location!
Chelsea Gray, Receiver, Mayerthorpe Farm & Ranch Supply store
Top Hand Winner – North
Chelsea fielded a call from a customer about the electric fence package she had purchased the previous weekend. The customer was very confused by the directions she was given and needed help. Chelsea asked the customer to bring in what she could to help her figure it out. The fence was for a therapy horse for her daughter, and she needed it ready to go ASAP. After spending an hour with the customer, who was so upset and frustrated to the point of tears, Chelsea offered to come set it up for her on her day off. Chelsea took her phone number and headed over the next day with her dad to set up the pen for their therapy horse. It was an hour and a half drive one way, but it was all worth it to have helped someone in need. The customer was so happy she was finally able to bring the horse home.
Michelle Tennant, Yard Co-ordinator, Red Deer Farm & Ranch Supply store
Top Hand Winner - Central
Michelle stepped up when there was a call for help from the Oyen farm store. She braved small-town motels and prairie winter weather, covering the Oyen yard for the week ensuring their customer service never faltered while the Oyen team had people away for various reasons. Because Michelle runs a tight ship in her home store of Red Deer, she was able to take time to help another farm store. The true meaning of "One UFA."
Donna Shaffer, CSSR1, Lethbridge Farm & Ranch Supply store
Top Hand Winner – South
Donna is always kind and thrilled to help any customer with whatever questions they may throw at her. She never backs down from a challenge and is an exceptional individual who I adore working with. She is not only instrumental in the way she helps customers but an absolute rockstar when it comes to helping new employees during their on-boarding process. Donna takes the time to make sure everyone is on the same page and that they leave with a smile on their face. She truly makes our UFA a safer and more joyful place.
