Joseph Horning. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it should. Joseph exudes the MLCV way through and through — always striving to help those around him succeed, braving through the challenges with a smile, and putting others’ needs before his own. His work ethic rendered him a position as Assistant Manager of Mille Lacs Super Stop, and his venturous side named him supervisor of the jukebox. MLCV granted Joseph a SERVE award, honoring his leadership ability to support, engage, re-invent, value, and empower.

Joseph unexpectedly passed away in 2020. I discuss his impact in the present tense because his legacy lives on — through MLCV and through his daughters, Alycia and Cassondra Horning.

Alycia Horning is a Plum’s Associate of 9 years, and Cassondra Horning is a 1991 Kitchen Associate of 5 years. Each echoes their father’s presence of heartening leadership. Humbly, they agree that it was Joseph who taught them resilience in the workplace. “We grew up watching our father work hard, but he never showed he was stressed, he always walked around with a smile on his face, and we believe we do the same,” they say. The endurance needed to conquer the food industry isn’t easy to sustain, but the Horning sisters handle it by keeping the positive energy alive. Even if it means vulnerability, Alycia and Cassondra are up for it. They share, “We are always dancing in our departments to keep our Associates happy, and neither of us can really dance, but that’s okay, right?!”

This level of optimism and selflessness led to Alycia receiving her very own SERVE award this past year. At the presentation, MLCV leaders awarded Alycia with not just one but two keepsakes — an extra-special addition for Joseph, whose own SERVE award got lost in the shuffle at the time of his passing. The misplacement was a concern that Alycia had shared with leaders prior. Cassondra speaks highly of the occasion, “I can tell you Joseph would be so proud of her,” she says. Through it all, Cassondra notes that their work crew and colleagues are to thank, “They are our family, and we love them all.” I think it’s safe to say it won’t be long before she receives a SERVE award of her own, following the Horning family legacy.

This surprise gesture was the least MLCV could do to recognize a presence that left an everlasting mark on what it means to be a leader. If you didn’t know who Joseph Horning was, now you will.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.