A Thankful Bemidji Grocer Shares His Success With His Employees

[DeSwiss]

Article by: LARRY OAKES , Star Tribune
Updated: November 23, 2012 - 8:22 AM

BEMIDJI, MINN. - Joe Lueken spent 46 years becoming a successful grocer and community benefactor here. Finally, at 70, he's ready to sell the business, travel the world with his wife, Janice, and reap some of what they've sown.

So when he strides into his south Bemidji supermarket and 2 1/2-year employee Maria Svare smiles broadly and asks him, "How do you like my store today?" it might sound like a joke. But it's not. And that's part of why hundreds of Bemidji residents are thankful this holiday season for Joe Lueken.

On Jan. 1, Lueken's Village Foods, with two supermarkets in Bemidji and another in Wahpeton, N.D., will begin transferring ownership to its approximately 400 employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).

Lueken said he had multiple offers to sell to large independent chains and might have gotten more money that way. But he and his family believe that selling to workers will be better for them, the business and this north-central Minnesota city of 13,000 people.

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- After all the employer selfishness we've seen lately, what a great way to start the week!!!

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

1. He seems to be saying he didn't build that...... all by himself. nt

[DeSwiss]

3. Exactly. And I'm hoping it's becoming a trend.....

Founder of Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods transfers business to employees

[LarryNM]

2. Great Ideal! Employee is Labor, Management and Owner

Wish I had heard about it sooner, and that it would have gone to the greatest.

[DeSwiss]

4. It's a great idea....

...one worth repeating I guess.

- And don't worry about it not making the greatest. Just being among the greats is plenty.....

[Odin2005]

5. Minnesota Nice!

[demmiblue]

6. Now THAT is how it should be done!

Thank you, Mr. Lueken.