Joe is a trail blazer. He was the first minority in California to ever manage a construction company. He attributes his good fortune to one important day, declaring “When I married my wife in 1959, everything turned to gold.”

Joe had a great career in construction management.

He has tried to retire three times. It’s not working.

Back when he was 75, Joe was hired by HEB on the spot. Obviously, Texas’s favorite grocer knew he was special. The feeling was mutual. Joe noticed that the way HEB conducts business meets The Four-Way Test, a philosophy he learned as a Rotarian and one that guides his life. Namely,

Is it the truth? Is it fair? Is it beneficial to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and friendships?

You must answer Yes to all or keep working at it until you do.

It was this test that led to one of Joe’s favorite HEB memories. Joe gave his usual “How Ya doing?” greeting. His customer replied, “I’ve had a terrible day.” Joe knew exactly what to do. “As I counted out her change, I gave her a couple of HEB Buddy Bucks and said, I guarantee this will make you feel better.” Joe then pointed to a little girl in a nearby lane. Following Joe’s advice, the customer approached the little girl’s mom, telling her she wanted to reward her daughter with Buddy Bucks for behaving so nicely. From Joe’s cashier station he could see the little girl’s eyes light up with excitement. Everyone–the mom, the child, and the tired customer–was smiling ear to ear. Joe shares “The lady turned back towards me. She put her thumb up to the sky and her smiling lips formed the words Thank You”.

So, if you ever see it raining Buddy Bucks at the Leander HEB Plus, just know 84-year-old Joe is merely spreading a little happiness.