ANYONE who shops at Ritchies Ararat would know Jean Thomas.
Jean is friendly towards everyone and is usually found on one of the registers.
She’s the shops “go to” person. If anyone knows what is going on or where to find something it will be Jean. Her job as a service supervisor is basically to help make the supermarket run smoothly.
Last Friday night, Ritchies held their Victorian Awards Night where Jean got the recognition she deserves.
She was announced as the Ritchies 2022 Service Supervisor of the Year at a function in Melbourne.
Buy the The Ararat Advocate print edition, which has full coverage of all the region’s news and sport.
Ritchies Ararat Store Manager Lana Stebbing said Jean has always gone above and beyond the call of duty.
“Anything you need done she just does it.
“She has the respect of the kids down the front and she will do pretty much anything asked of her. She’s a very valued employee,” Ms Stebbing said.
“Jean was a champion when we rolled out the Ritchies card stepping up every day of the week,” she said.
Jean has been nominated for Service Supervisor of the year on four occasions.
She told the Advocate the win came as a complete surprise.
“We went down to Melbourne, had a meal and then the presentations and then stayed the night and came home.
“I’m pretty shocked actually. I think it is the fourth year I have been nominated which is an honour itself,” she said.
“I’m just doing my job,” Jean said.