Stacy Hander is the new manager of the city’s liquor store, Blue Earth Wine and Spirits. The St. James native’s first official day of work was July 29.

The city’s liquor store, Blue Earth Wine and Spirits, has a new manager who started just two weeks ago.

“My first official day was Monday, July 29th,” says new manager Stacy Hander. “I came here a few days before my actual first day of work to start my training.”

Although Hander has no experience running a liquor store, she has plenty of experience running food service operations.

“I worked at McDonald’s headquarters in Albert Lea for 14 years,” says Hander. “I was in senior management the whole time and was responsible for two McDonald’s stores, but at times I could be responsible for up to 19 stores at the same time.”

It was time for a change, says Hander, explaining that she has three children and they are now at an age where they are more active.

“When you climb the career ladder and work for a large company, it involves a lot of hours,” she says. “Your time is under great pressure.”

She says managing the liquor store in Blue Earth is still a job in a business environment, albeit on a smaller scale.

Hander grew up in St. James and attended college in Winona. She and her husband, Josh, live on property south of Wells.

The couple has three children – Lincoln, 9, Eleanor, 6, and Oliver, 3. All three will attend school at United South Central this fall.

“On our property the children have enough space to run and play,” says Hander. “We have a big garden and also some animals.”

This also includes chickens. The children are responsible for the chickens and the garden and are allowed to sell the eggs and products.

“All the money goes into their vacation fund.” Hander explains. “You are saving for a family trip.”

One trip the family will soon take will take place later this month when Hander’s sister gets married in Washington state.

Hander’s husband, Josh, works at Country Corner Service in Wells, owned by Andy Yokiel.

“My husband and I have tried to find time to travel to a new place around our anniversary,” says Hander. “But we have nothing planned.”

One reason for this is her new job as manager of a liquor store in Blue Earth.

“There are some challenges,” says Hander. “The fact that I have no experience in the spirits trade is one reason, but with my experience in business management I can overcome many obstacles.”

She adds that she has experience in orders, customer service, employee affairs and more.

“It’s just a different and new clientele,” she adds. “But I love talking to people and getting to know them.”

She has met many people in Albert Lea and is very excited to meet new people in the Blue Earth area.

“I live in Faribault County, but worked in Freeborn County for many years,” says Hander. “Now I’m excited to be able to work in my home county of Faribault.”

She says her main goal is to see the Blue Earth Wine and Spirits Store grow. And to do that, she wants to learn about trends in liquor sales. She also wants to attract the community to the liquor store.

“I have some ideas for promotions, but first I need to learn the business as quickly as possible,” it closes.