Every year, The Home Depot recognizes the work of more than 60,000 associates during Cashier Appreciation Month. These last-stop ambassadors have a crucial role within the company, interacting with every customer and leaving a final impression. Not surprisingly, many skills learned at checkout can prepare associates for other leadership roles.
We spoke with two team members who started Home Depot careers at the checkout. Joining the company in 1985, Ann-Marie Campbell is now executive vice president of U.S. stores and Scott Jacobson, regional vice president, began his career behind the register in 1988.
How did your work as a cashier prepare you for future opportunities with the company?
Ann-Marie Campbell: The level of engagement with customers is very high, and the depth of product knowledge you gain is incredibly helpful. I think that helped propel my understanding and establish credibility with our customers and even other associates.
Scott Jacobson: Cashiers have the ability to positively impact overall morale in the store. I’ve worked with many great associates who taught me the importance of boosting that drive and optimism.
In your opinion, why is the role of cashier so important?
Ann-Marie Campbell: When customers arrive at Home Depot, they often have a specific purpose and a limited amount of time. A shopper may not speak with an associate until checkout, making the interaction with the cashier that much more important.
When you started, did you have aspirations beyond being a cashier?
Scott Jacobson: Home Depot was initially a summer job to help save money for school. I had great managers who taught me the business and got me excited about my potential future. Once I graduated from college, I worked to become an assistant manager and advanced from there.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far at Home Depot?
Ann-Marie Campbell: It’s all about people. You can really change the dynamics of performance based on how you connect and understand people—internally with associates, but also with how you interact with customers. Great people make a difference, and as a leader, you have to understand that people can be the most important part of driving your business.
Why is Cashier Appreciate Month important to Home Depot?
Ann-Marie Campbell: Sometimes, we just don’t spend enough time celebrating the excellent work cashiers do every day. We expect them to be accurate and engaging, but when you really think about it, they do a lot more. Cashiers can really change the dynamic of our brand.
