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Walgreens assistant manager has sweet tooth for wellness
Dan Graf, Walgreens exec. assistant manager, in the Valentine's Day aisle at the Northbrook Walgreens store at 1050 Waukegan Rd. | Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 15, 2013 11:36AM
NORTHBROOK — Dan Graf, who spent a year getting to know neighbors at the Northbrook Walgreens store at 1050 Waukegan Road is sweet on the North Shore. Graf, of Mundelein, raised in Wheeling and a Buffalo Grove H.S (2000) graduate, is often overhead, asking, “Find everything alright?” Even if it’s 10:30 p.m. Graf often says, “Good morning!” Getting a smile out of customers and staff makes his day. Meet Dan Graf.
Q. Why is Northbrook special?
A. Northbrook is a great place to be of service because it offers so much for its families. The community really supports each other and the sense of being a neighbor here is very strong. It’s been a pleasure for me to get to know my neighbors, it really has, and when I move over to the Highland Park store on Elm (February), I expect to continue to serve my North Shore neighbors much in the same way I had the pleasure of doing so here in Northbrook.
Q. Dan, you’ll be volunteering at the Northbrook Mustard Seed Nursery School (2245 Walters Ave.) art fair in early March. Why is volunteerism vital?
A. Walgreens has a community event program, which gets the staff and the employees in the store volunteering their time and giving of themselves in the spirit of health and wellness. I have had the honor of serving as a volunteer at many events in Wilmette, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, obviously, and it always feels good to support the cause and take away a sense of accomplishment.
Q. What’s superfun now on store shelves?
A. Walgreens is a really convenient destination to shop. Its seasonal department is outstanding and we just put away Christmas and seeing the red of Valentine’s Day is always a fun way to usher in a New Year. I like seeing the kids come in and pick out their Valentines, what they’re going to give away at school. And it’s always fun to see the trends in Valentines, because not every year has the same cartoon character. This year Hello Kitty for girls and Angry Birds for boys are the hot trends, although favorites like superheroes and Star Wars are still on the shelf and are big sellers. The next seasonal shipment is Easter and after that, summer items, like patriotic holidays and gardening, so customers can start looking forward to that.
Q. What’s your favorite candy?
A. My favorite candy? I like the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, although for Valentine’s candy, they might not be welcome at schools because of peanut allergies. However, the Valentine’s lollipops and other candies sold here at Walgreens usually make the school list so our youngest customers have lots of choices for their sweet tooth on Valentine’s Day.
Q. Dan, your hobbies?
A. I bowl. I bowl at the Vernon Hills Brunswick. I have a blue bowling ball (Dan bought it himself). I bowl every Monday with my buddies. I get a fair amount of strikes and I really enjoy it. It’s fun.
Q. Your favorite season?
A. Winter. I don’t like the heat. I like snow and because the Chicago Bears play in the winter.
Q. Is that your favorite team?
A. Oh yah. It’s my home team. (Bears) I’m a Cubs fan too. Born and raised.
Q. Why is Walgreens a great career choice?
A. They take care of their employees. I get to meet new people every day. I have a great staff. I get to make a difference as a volunteer. I like having the ability to connect one on one with my customers and do my best to help them with all of their needs.
