‘Each individual has something to offer which others cannot.’
A Veteran at the Kadena Air Base Exchange was honored as the Exchange’s 2021 Department of Defense Outstanding Associate with a Disability during the DoD virtual annual award ceremony on Oct. 7.
Mark Stopani, stockroom manager at the Kadena Air Base Exchange, served in the Marine Corps for six years—and has spent the past 18 years continuing his service to the military with the Exchange.
“Because I am prior military, and my dad and brother served as well, I truly enjoy giving back to the military community,” said Stopani, who oversees daily stockroom operations and supervises 65 associates. “I strive daily to provide the best customer service I can.”
From the very beginning of his career with the Exchange, Stopani stood out for his hard work and dedication. Just two months after being hired as a warehouse worker leader in 2003, he was promoted to warehouse worker foreman.
While associates with disabilities may face more challenges in learning new tasks, Stopani advises they focus on what sets them apart.
“Look for your strengths,” said Stopani, who was honored during the DoD awards ceremony. “Each individual has something to offer which others cannot.”
That may be as simple as a hobby. Stopani is an avid fisherman and has worked to bulk up the fishing equipment selection at the Kadena Exchange. His efforts and knowledge of the products have moved the Kadena Exchange from 68th in fishing gear sales to second among Exchange stores worldwide.
“Mark is such an asset to our team and can always be depended upon to take the initiative to improve customer service in whatever way he can,” said Kadena Exchange Main Store Manager Flordeliza Payton. “Whether that’s teaching himself Japanese so he can better communicate with associates and shoppers or tackling the transition to a new inventory management software, Mark is a leader among his peers.”
About 14% of the Exchange workforce includes people with disabilities, which exceeds goals established in 2018 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. About 4% of the Exchange’s employees have targeted disabilities—double the DoD goal of 2% for its agencies.
“The Exchange is dedicated to a diverse, inclusive workforce,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “Associates like Mark make the Exchange stronger and are valuable contributors to our mission of serving the best customers in the world.”
Read Stopani’s narrative here.
Great, true story. Congrats for this gentleman’s hard-work and great customer service. We owe vets. We need to give back to them.
I WISH we would open a slot for phone operator or greeter for wounded warrior vets. They deserve a slot like that. it would be an easier physical task for some badly wounded warriors with a leg or arm missing. We would bring back great customer service for store phone calls. Hard to answer phone at BXTRA while ringing up tons of customers with a full basket of liquor. Loads of long lines at register. Rude to answer phone when customers are physically waiting to check out.