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| Schwan's Consumer Brands Area Distribution Manager Mark Burt was awarded the company's top honor. He is pictured with his wife, Shirlene, along with CEO Dimitrios Smyrnios, right, and Consumer Brands President Kevin McAdams, left. |
Some, in fact, refer to him as “the man, the myth and the legend,” particularly after he stepped up and provided leadership for six months to all three Schwan's Arizona sales and distribution areas, helped train in new leaders and led the team through several important initiatives.
“To steal a phrase from a rather famous commercial, Mark’s leadership has been priceless,” said Zone General Manager Doug Barnes. “Mark in his very supportive, yet humble manner was always there for me and his new teammates. He is one of the most humble, ethical, values-based, hardworking enthusiastic leaders, and he always makes and takes time for others.”
Mark, who first joined Schwan’s Consumer Brands in 1991, was one of four Schwan’s employees to receive this year’s Marvin Schwan Excellence Award — the company’s most prestigious recognition.
During the ceremony, he was presented the award by CEO Dimitrios Smyrnios and Schwan’s Consumer Brands President Kevin McAdams. Dimitrios said that Mark’s coworkers nominated him because he always helps others develop and grow, always remains committed to customer service and inspires others to improve every day.
“Through the eyes of the people who work with him every day, Mark embodies our values and our culture,” Dimitrios said. “He led 2017 with integrity and a high level of enthusiasm.”
‘You have to look out for the customers’
Schwan’s Consumer Brands is a Schwan’s Company subsidiary that delivers branded foods to grocery and other retail stores throughout the United States.
Mark has spent his entire career at Schwan’s with the Consumer Brands team in Arizona, but he has held multiple positions throughout his 27 years with the company. He started on pizza routes before holding several management positions.
Today, he serves as the area distribution manager for the Phoenix area. Mark said he was very much humbled by receiving the Marvin Schwan Excellence Award.
“It was surprising,” he said. “I am very honored. I am lucky to work with great people. Without good people, it wouldn’t be possible. You’re only as good as your team and everyone jumped in to get the job done.”
Mark said the main key to his success through the years has been that he always tries to live by the company’s values of growth, hard work, helping one another, enthusiasm and integrity.
“You have to live the values every day,” Mark said. “And you have to look out for the customers. The customer and the consumer, that’s what keeps us in business. So we have to do everything in our power to make sure they’re taken care of and give them the best service possible.”
