At Mahlander’s Lighting and Appliance Showroom in Sioux Falls, the heart and soul of the business is embodied by its remarkable staff, who bring not only expertise but also a deep commitment to customer service and community. There’s no better example of all of those ideals than Jo Ann Kutilek.
On September 11, 1967, Jo Ann walked through the doors of what would become a cornerstone of the DTSF community, and fifty-seven years later, she’s still going strong — though these days, she’s cut back to a 35-hour work week instead of the 45 hours she used to put in.
Recently, Jo Ann was featured in the Sioux Falls Business Journal in a wonderful article, so we’ll let them tell the rest of her story. You can read the piece in it’s entirety here or by clicking the image below:
Jo Ann’s journey reflects not just the longevity of her career but also the rich history of Mahlander’s itself — a testament to the importance of fostering a culture of loyalty. We’re proud to share Jo Ann’s inspiring story, which demonstrates the profound impact that long-term employees have on a business, shaping its identity and fostering a sense of trust that resonates with customers and colleagues alike. We’re proud to have several very long-term employees among our staff, though none have reached quite the tenure of our beloved “Kootch.”
Thanks for being a bright spot every day at Mahlander’s, Kootch. For those of you who don’t get the privilege of working with her, stop into our showroom and say hello. We’d all love to see you.
