Tracy Hagen

When Tracy Hagen talks about Blue Rock, she is as enthusiastic today as she was in 1981 when she joined the company. She truly loves her job, and the people she works with.

Hagen started in the office, just when Blue Rock was beginning to computerize and do their own data entry in house. “It was wonderful,” she said. “It was my introduction to the computer world and I loved it. We would do data entry for hours every day. It was a good education on the computer and the company itself.” The Sidney native had returned home as a new bride after spending the previous few years in the oilfield in Williston.

“It’s a great job,” Hagen said, smiling. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but there is beauty in working for a family owned business. There’s family ownership and family pride and I have had the opportunity to be a part of that. First John and now Karen and Randy are a continuation that. I have a lot of respect for them.”

Along the way, there were promotions and opportunities. Hagen is now the general manager, operations. Along with managing the wine aspect of Blue Rock, Hagen also oversees information systems, personnel, and many other duties as needed. “I enjoy what I do and the people I work with. It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

There have been lots of changes within the company since Hagen started 32 years ago. “Our first computer was an Apple Lisa with a DOT Matrix printer,” she said. The company is now fully computerized with the latest technology. “We’ve had to keep up with technology,” Hagen added.

“We’re in the business of selling refreshing beverages and we try to be as diverse as possible.” The company is always adding new items according to customers’ tastes. Teas, soft drinks, wines from all over the world, and beers including micros and imports are all part of Blue Rock’s portfolio.

Hagen appreciates the opportunities that Blue Rock provides and the people she has had the privilege to work with over the years. “I’ve worked with some great people like retirees Tim Feeley, Bob Averett and Lois Frank. I have enjoyed them all,” she said. “When people retire, you can fill the position, but you still miss the individual personality and what they brought to the company.”

“Blue Rock is a company you can retire from,” Hagen said. “It provides long term employment and there are benefits to that. It also provides for personal growth and advancement.” Hagen also had the support of the Olsons when it came to family. “Family comes first. It’s important to the Olsons. It was never an issue if I needed to do something for my family. It’s been a real benefit, to have the flexibility to do what we need to do.”

Because of Blue Rock, Hagen has been involved in the Sidney community for many years. She was one of five Sidney Chamber of Commerce presidents that Blue Rock has produced, the others being John Olson, Tim Feeley, Karen Olson Beenken and Eric Beenken. She has also been involved in Dollars for Scholars, and heavily involved in both the Sidney School system, particularly athletics and the Foundation for Community Care Wine and Food Festival. “The company encourages you to make those commitments and lets you have the time to carry them out,” Hagen said.

At the end of the day, Hagen is happy with her career. “I enjoy the people I work with and for. I would do it again,” she said with a big smile.