MEET HANS
Why did you choose to join the board?
I feel a personal connection to the Merc’s vision of increasing access to healthy, local and affordable food in both the Lawrence and Kansas City markets and that inspired me to run for the board.
My five siblings and I all grew up in Lawrence and are products of Lawrence Community Nursery School, Lawrence Public Schools, and most of us went to KU. We grew up in a household where, although money was often scarce, our mother always ensured that we had healthy food on the table. She had a background in science and education and understood the critical importance that healthy food has on the long-term health of every member of the family. These life experiences, coupled with the example set by my mother, shaped my life as an adult, both at home and at work. As a result, I dedicated much of my career to ensuring people had access to high-quality food at reasonable prices. After retiring in 2022, I had more time to give back to my community. The Merc board was the perfect fit.
What part of the co-op’s mission do you connect with the most, and why?
I believe strongly in all five of the Merc’s “Ends”, but the two that I feel most connected to, given my personal and professional background are “providing access to healthy, local, organic food and products” and “creating a robust, sustainable local food economy” in both the Lawrence and KCK markets.
The Lawrence and Kansas City markets are richly unique and different from each other. Since joining the board in 2023, I have strived to apply my lifelong values and work experiences in the food business along with a growing understanding of cooperative principles and policy governance to help us achieve our mission and objectives effectively in both markets. The Merc’s goals of focusing “on what our neighborhoods want—nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style” and helping to ensure a “robust and sustainable food economy” align so strongly with my own core values, that I can’t help but feel connected with and inspired by them.
What's something you've gained from participating on this board?
I have gained a much deeper understanding of history of The Merc and of the broader cooperative food network since joining the board. Growing up in Lawrence, I knew The Merc, but did not realize that the Lawrence and KCK stores were part a nation-wide network of 230 stores that share common goals of providing a democratically controlled alternative to food growing, packaging, distribution and retail. It has been enlightening and very inspiring.
What's one thing you hope the co-op achieves/works towards during your term as a director?
This year, the Lawrence store is celebrating its 50th year of delivering on its mission. Over time, the Lawrence store has established a deeply-rooted connection with many of its member-owners. And while the number of members has continued to grow over the last half century and the needs of that growing member-owner base has evolved, the Lawrence store has successfully grown and worked to adapt with it.
The KCK store is much younger by comparison. It is a beautiful store and is filling a critical need in a low-income, low-access neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. During the remainder of my time on the board, I look forward to seeing the continued growth in the depth and abundance of community relationships in KCK.
Why should owners consider becoming a director?
Being a member of the board is a truly rewarding experience. The opportunity to run and serve on the board provides every interested and engaged member owner an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the business, the principles and the challenges faced and to take a more active role in The Merc’s long-term success.