Adam Papin/MDN John Dyste with the North Dakota Grocers Association, right, presents the Grocer of the Year Award to Craig Heupel with Marketplace Foods Wednesday.

The meeting room at the 20th Avenue Marketplace was overflowing with Marketplace Foods staff, past and present, for the surprise presentation of the North Dakota Grocers Association’s (NDGA) Grocer of the Year award to Store Director Craig Heupel Wednesday.

The attendants were brimming with anticipation as they awaited Heupel’s arrival, which was slightly delayed as he scrambled to position wet floor signs in the store after Wednesday’s downpour. The room erupted into applause when Heupel finally entered, nearly bowling him over as he took it all in.

“Craig’s well traveled. He’s touched a lot of people. His enthusiasm and passion for grocery, I think everyone in here can talk to it and has seen it. Everything that you do, you really are deserving of the award, so congratulations,” Zac Miller, senior store director, said.

Heupel began his career in 1990 in the produce department at the Dakota Square Miracle Mart, advancing through a number of positions and Marketplace locations in Minot in the following years.

“I don’t feel like Grocer of the Year. It’s just what we do, day in and day out,” Heupel said. “I was not expecting this at all.”

The award was presented by John Dyste with the NDGA, who commended Heupel for the excitement and positivity that he brings to his job every day.

“You don’t always see that. I don’t hear any complaints from you. I don’t hear any gripes. That’s the one thing that’s always stuck with me is you’re always excited about your job, you’re excited about Minot and the business you have. I appreciate that very much,” Dyste said.

Heupel said the excitement he brings to the job is drawn from his daily interactions with customers and the relationships that have grown with them.

“In the grocery business, there’s always something to look forward to as the next thing comes up. You roll into the holidays. You roll into the Super Bowl. You roll into Valentines Day and then summer comes. Everyone loves to eat. Who isn’t happy to find food. Usually when people come to the grocery store, they’re in a good mood. It’s always fun to find new things for people to try, because there’s always the latest and greatest,” Heupel said.

Heupel took a moment to thank everyone in the room and said he appreciated the history and experiences he has shared with them over the years.

“I can’t do anything alone. There’s so many people that helped train me, and that drove me. I just think back to the days of them teaching me little things along the way. Each one of them touches your life and makes you who you are. Everyone in the room is a part of me,” Heupel said.