That is because the photos of two long-serving employees — Renee Kapustka and Kurt Kuiper — have been placed on a pair of the supermarket chain’s trucks.

Placing big photos on semi trailers is an honor the company bestows on its employees that serve for 40, 45 or 50 years or who have received the Legendary Customer Service Award.

Kapustka and Kuiper got to see one of the trucks with their photos on it Thursday morning.

They waited inside the store at 115 S. 29th St. until the truck rolled up to the front door.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Kurt Kuiper and Renee Kapustka receive toy versions of the truck that bears their photos from Fort Dodge Hy-Vee Store Director Lindsey Flanigan. Kuiper has been with the company since 1979, while Kapustka has worked for the company since 1983.

When they walked outside and saw it, they each had the same reaction: “pretty cool.”

Kapustka began working for Hy-Vee in 1983. Part of that time was spent in what Hy-Vee calls the scanning room, working with computers. She retired from fulltime work in October 2024, but still works two mornings a week.

“I work wherever they need me,” she said.

What was her response upon being told her photo would be on a truck?

“I was surprised,” she said.

Kuiper started working for Hy-Vee in 1979 and has had multiple roles in the store over the decades. He currently works in the deli.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “It’s been one of my goals for my career to get on a semi. It’s a pretty cool thing.”

He’s looking forward to the day when he spots the rig with his picture on it rolling down a highway.

“It will definitely put a smile on my face,” he said.

Kapustka and Kuiper posed for multiple photos with their truck.

Hy-Vee Store Director Lindsey Flanigan gave each of them a toy version of the truck.

The units bearing the photos of the two are in use. In fact, the one on display Thursday morning delivered a load of groceries before pulling around to the front door for the celebration honoring Kapustka and Kuiper.

The trucks will be deployed anywhere they are needed in the Hy-Vee system. That means the photos of Kuiper and Kapustka might be spotted in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.