By Mary Ann Hutcheson
Russell Barrett is the most recent recipient of Food Lion’s Count on Me award. The annual award celebrates and recognizes outstanding employees who make an impact on those around them.
Russell is recognized as as a dedicated, dependable and devoted employee at the West Columbia store. During his workday, shoppers see him stacking long lines of shopping buggies and pushing them towards the store. Neither weather nor volume slows him down, and he stays on hand for any task needed at the store.
Russell is in his early 50s. His dark hair and engaging smile frame warm eyes that crinkle at the corners from years of laughter. He loves everything about his work at Food Lion, especiall his coworkers, boss, and the customers — and making them all smile.
The youngest of four children, Russell grew up in Lexington. He has always been full of energy, but says he is slowing down some now. One wouldn’t know it to see him at work.
Russell worked for 12 years at a South Congaree store with store manager Brandon Miles. Three years ago, Miles became manager at the West Columbia Food Lion and Russell moved with him. The two have become fast friends; the level of respect and friendship between the two is visible.
“I’ve been around the man for 16 years. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, he’s here. I’ve never known him to be late or call out, and I’ve never seen him down. None of it is artificial. On a busy summer holiday, it could be 100 degrees outside, and we could get over 1200 customers a day. That’s a lot of buggies. Russell will be laughing up a storm, not missing a beat. He’s a special person,” said Miles.
Miles shares this example of Russell’s whimsical behavior:
“When we gave him his Count on Me award, I was getting all serious, telling him how much we appreciate and value him. He gave me a hug, and we turned around for a picture. It was supposed to be a serious moment. But once they took the picture, he started giggling. I looked at the picture and there was a pair of rabbit ears behind me. That kind of sums Russell up. We were having a moment, and he got me!”
“I stir him up,” Russell said with a wide grin. “Laughter makes your soul feel good and keeps you young, too.” An embarrassed Russell wiped at wet eyes when describing how deeply he appreciates Miles.
When he’s not at work, Russell takes care of his home property. He mows, weed whacks, and trims hedges. He likes to fish with friends, and when asked to name his favorite meal, he smiles and says, “Shrimp, lobster, deer meat and…oh, I like it all!”
A warm handshake, a final joke and a classic large grin follows Russell off to his next task. Russell Barrett has found his niche. His friends, co-workers and family are fortunate to know the man behind the smile.
