COLUMBUS - Steven Theiss is saying his goodbyes after 33 years walking the aisles of H-E-B in Columbus. Theiss is well-known as a man who is spiritually driven and dedicated to helping people both inside and outside H-E-B.
Theiss began his retail career as a sacker in Houston in 1983. He moved to Kroger in 1987 as a seafood clerk and then worked in the meat department as an apprentice meat cutter. After graduating from college, he joined Kroger's management training program. He eventually made his way to H-E-B as a store manager in July 1992. Following a short stint at the H-E-B Bear Creek store, he has been in Columbus ever since. Now, after 33 years, he will exit the doors for the last time on July 31.
What makes this retirement so special is that Theiss never met a person without a smile and a "How do you do?" His infectious smile made everyone feel welcome in his store. Theiss preferred to be out on the floor rather than in the office, rolling up his sleeves to work the aisles, greeting customers, and showing them where each item was that they were looking for.
After over three decades, Theiss notes that technology has been the most significant change in the food industry. Fortunately, his dad encouraged him to take every computer course offered in college, whether it involved a floppy disk or a hard drive.
Looking ahead, Theiss says, "People want convenience, so prepared meals, which H-E-B has already embraced, will see much more growth because of busy lifestyles. But at the end of the day, we still sell green beans, so some things haven't changed." As Theiss walks through the H-E-B doors in the morning, what motivates him most are people. "I'm a lover of people. The things that are important to me are my faith, family and people in general," says Theiss. "The nuts and bolts of the business don't really excite me, but it's the people that motivate me." As news spread of Theiss's retirement, customers from around the area came by to talk to him and share how much they will miss his smile and genuine sincerity. After all these years in Columbus, he realizes he has made an impact by caring more about people than profits, showing both can work together.
Many customers are aware of Theiss's spiritual nature. He asked the Lord what's next. He says, with a smile and a chuckle, "The Lord said, 'Let's get to your retirement date and I will get back with you.'" Currently, he is focused on not missing anything his grandchildren are doing, as his office hours keep him away from much of their social lives.
His wise advice for H-E-B partners is, "Never forget it's all about the people. Don't ever walk past someone without saying hello, and we do things with and for the people, never at their expense." That type of forgotten attitude is what sets him apart from many other store managers lost in the digital age.
Columbus H-E-B Store Manager Steven Theiss checks the produce aisle during his last days as an H-E-B store employee as his retirement looms large after 33 years. He is rarely in the office and prefers to be out among the people where he feels a kindred spirit with those around him. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
