The Hy-Vee Distribution Center in Cherokee recently named its Employees of the Year for 2013.

Brett Graybill received his honor from the Hy-Vee Management Team. Brett's employment began in April of 1991 in the Transportation Dept. as the Truck Shop Manager when Hy-Vee purchased Graybill Repair.

Brett was promoted to a Department Manager of Truck Shop/Maintenance in January of 2000. Brett was recognized from employees and peers because he is very friendly and willing to listen to others. He is able to effectively manage a seemingly unmanageable amount of tasks with no loss of quality. Brett places a high priority on cost-benefit analysis with his thinking and decision making.

He has an excellent base of knowledge and shares it effectively in the mentoring process. When asked about Hy-Vee, he said "It's a great company to work for. The opportunities are there you just need to work towards them. I enjoy the people I work with and the variation from day to day."

Brett and his wife Jayla have two children Alayne and Aliyah. In Brett's spare time you see him with his family and following his girls in their activities. He enjoys taking his family south on vacation every year.

Heriberto Ramos received his honor from the Hy-Vee WG1 category. Heriberto began his Hy-Vee career at regular-time as a Warehouse Generalist 1 in Grocery in November of 2010.

In May of 2011, Heriberto was promoted to full-time status. Heriberto was recognized from employees and peers because he can be counted on for a solid performance. He energizes others with his exceptional positive attitude.

He's a kind-hearted man that naturally enjoys helping others. Heriberto is a model of excellent attendance. When he was asked about Hy-Vee he said "I like that work is equal opportunity for everyone. The job is physical and mentally healthy. There's variety in the work place with opportunity to learn."

Heriberto is family oriented as he travels to visit family as much as possible. He also enjoys reading and exercising.

Lyle Paulsen received his honor from the Hy-Vee Transportation Department. Lyle started his Hy-Vee Career in December of 2008 as a part-time driver. He worked for Hy-Vee previously for a short time and also hauled loads of produce off the west coast to the Chariton Distribution Center.

He was promoted to full-time in 2009. Since then he has blazed a trail behind the wheel. Lyle is recognized because he has been a valuable asset to his department. He is willing to volunteer at a moment's notice without any hesitation.

He strives to do an outstanding job; it's just his nature. He is not afraid to try something new for the betterment of the Department. This speaks volumes about Lyle's can-do attitude.

He is always providing positive constructive feedback. Lyle also was the overall winner of the Hy-Vee Driver Challenge. That was a wellness & fitness competition between both Distribution Centers verses PDI. Lyle showed to be a true leader in improving his health and encourage others to try new things.

When asked Lyle about Hy-Vee he said "The management and co-workers are cooperative, friendly and a pleasure to work with. Every day is different and usually brings new challenges." Lyle and his wife Deb, have two children Tara (Wade) Volkert, and Andy; along with four grandchildren.

Lyle enjoys following Iowa State sports & has been a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Margaret Stanberg received her honor from the Hy-Vee Part-time employees. Margaret began her Hy-Vee career in February 2010 in our Pharmacy Accounting department and has worked almost four years in our office. Ask any employee about Margaret and they'll tell you how friendly she is, how kind she is to everyone, and simply an all-around good person.

Margaret has been asked to make changes to her schedule many times, sometimes from one day to the next. She's always complied with a smile. When asked Margaret about Hy-Vee, she said "I enjoy the variety of things I do along with working part-time."

Margaret has three children Barb (Perry) Slota, Michelle (Rich) Degen and Doug Stanberg; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret enjoys reading, walking, spending her free time with family, following her grandchildren's activities and spoiling her great-grandchildren.

Missy Foley received her honor from the Hy-Vee Warehouse Generalist 2 category.

Missy began her Hy-Vee career part-time as a Warehouse Generalist 2 in General Merchandise department in March of 2012. She was later promoted to regular-time in April. Missy was recognized by other employees because she has this strong presence of integrity about her. She has a great attitude, is always willing to help out others and willing to do anything asked of her. She is clearly superior in every measurable performance. She devotes full attention when speaking with others and is very loyal to her values. She can be described as a true Hy-Vee Smile! When asked about Hy-Vee, she said "I enjoy the variety that is available and friendliness with peers and coworkers." Missy and her fiancé John Briggs have two children, Dominic and Mya. Missy enjoys spending time with her loving family.

Wanda Smith received her honor from the Hy-Vee Pharmacy Accounting Department.

Wanda started her Hy-Vee career as a part-time employee in the Accounting Department in October 1984. In September 1985, she was promoted to full-time in that same department. In 2001, Hy-Vee downsized the Cherokee office and switched our focus from a full-fledged accounting department providing full accounting services to just the Cherokee Division stores -- and began providing specialized pharmacy accounting to what is now 245 retail Hy-Vee pharmacies.

Wanda is an integral part of this department.

She is one of those people that is consistently positive, alarmingly accurate, always helpful, terribly hard-working, and fun! She is always willing to go the extra mile to complete whatever projects need completed. Wanda is an incredible asset and a vital employee for this company.

When asked about Hy-Vee, she said "It's home to me. I couldn't think of anywhere else better to work. Friendships are built and treasured."

Wanda and her husband Kenny have one child, Stephanie (John) Foxhoven, and a grandson, Jesse. Wanda enjoys crocheting, organizing the office lottery pool, watching her shows and driving to the area hot spots for good cuisine with her husband. She also enjoys spending time with her family and loves following her grandson in all his activities.