Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY — Making someone’s day is the best part of being a bagger for Andrew Hadlock, though winning the national bagging competition may be a new reason to enjoy his work.
Hadlock, 22, has worked in nearly every department at the Sandy Macey’s since he was hired at age 16. Though he took a two-year break for an LDS mission, he returned ready to serve the grocery store’s customers the best he could.
“In a day if I can help someone, it’s a good day,” he said.
The competition was won by Hadlock based on his attitude, along with speed, technique, distribution of weight and style in bag-building, at the National Grocer’s Association Best Bagger Competition on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
He has competed several times in the competition on store and state levels. In 2009 and 2010, he won the Utah title of best bagger, qualifying him for the national competition. This year, he took what he had learned at the previous NGA competition and used it to win.
“I would even practice in my sleep. I had dreams about bagging the right way,” he said.
I would even practice in my sleep. I had dreams about bagging the right way.
–Andrew Hadlock
Hadlock said he loves attending the competitions.
“Everything about these competitions is my favorite thing. The competitions are really fun, and even though everyone is nervous, there’s friendship between competitors,” Hadlock said.
For anyone working in customer service, he recommends looking outside of yourself.
“Remember to help someone everyday and smile and be enthusiastic," Hadlock said.
In addition to the title, he took home a $10,000 prize, a golden grocery bag trophy and a golden checkout stand that will be installed at Macey’s in Sandy.
Hadlock is one of several Macey’s employees who have taken the national title.
A celebration of Hadlock’s win will take place at the Sandy Macey’s, 7850 S. 1300 East, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
