Natalie Albers

By Natalie Albers Company News

31 Jan: New benefit for Best Buy: introducing Joshin

Best Buy continually assesses and evolves ways to support our employees’ overall well-being — including those who find themselves in the most important role of all: caregiver. We have a suite of benefits to offer and are excited to announce the newest one available to all full-time and part-time employees. Meet Joshin.

Joshin is a support system for disability and neurodivergence in the workplace and life. It supports Best Buy employees, their families, and their teams through specialized care and navigation, 1:1 video coaching, and neurodivergent- and disability-focused self-service training.

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

19 Dec: Wisconsin school home to ‘North Pole’ Best Buy store

It all started innocently enough.

As Walden III Middle School in Racine, Wisconsin, was kicking off its annual holiday classroom door decorating contest, a colleague walked by Jeff Ruggaber’s display, caught a glimpse of gingerbread, and tried to find out what his students were creating this year.

“Uh, it’s a Best Buy!” answered Jeff, an art teacher.

With the competition relying on the elements of mystery and secrecy, and people constantly trying to scope out what others are doing, Jeff’s response just popped out.

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

21 Nov: Chicago employee thankful for newborn baby, Best Buy’s adoption support

November is National Adoption Month. By sharing stories and offering an array of benefits and resources, Best Buy is committed to supporting employees who are growing their families in this way. Content warning: This article discusses cancer and fertility struggles.

As Wesley and Julie Brazen snuggle their daughter, their faces radiate the joy of being new parents. Dakota Christine — named after Wesley’s late father, Chris — just turned three months old, and after being on a long path to parenthood, the parents are celebrating every milestone.

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

21 Jun: ‘Seasoned’ Best Buy employee making mark behind the grill

Matt Lokay wasn’t always comfortable around fire. But when his dad traveled for work, as he often did, Matt took on the task of running the grill at home.

Back then, he just hoped he wouldn’t blow up anything.

“The ignitor didn’t work, so my mom and I would cross our fingers as we threw the match into the grill to light the propane,” he said.

The aspiring cook — who said he’s always been a “foodie” and shadowed his mother and grandmother in the kitchen — got his first taste of barbecuing at just age 9.

By Natalie Albers Geek Squad Lifestyle

17 Jun: Like father, like son: Badges run in Oklahoma family

For some, a great way to start the day could be watching the sun rise or sipping a perfect cup of coffee. But for Shelby Norton, it’s all about family.

“Morning started out great with my dad presenting my badge to me,” he posted on social media with a photo of himself and his dad, Jim.

As is customary for many badge ceremonies, there was an element of surprise for Shelby, a Home Theater Agent in USO 1804 in Oklahoma. His supervisor, John Holbrook, set up the event for him and a few other Cadets and Agents in March.

By Natalie Albers Company News

02 Jun: Best Buy listed as a 2022 Best Employer for New Grads

Cap and gown? Check.

Diploma? Check.

New job? Check … Best Buy out.

Forbes magazine has recognized Best Buy as one of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates for 2022. It’s the fourth year in a row we’ve made the list, which identifies companies young professionals would most highly recommend to family and friends. Employers are ranked based on criteria such as their workplace experience, career opportunities and the values and purpose of the company.

Starting a new job after completing college is a big deal, and Kyle Tekautz is one of many recent grads kicking off their professional lives at Best Buy.

By Natalie Albers Geek Squad Lifestyle

22 Nov: Longest-tenured Geek Squad Agent hits milestone anniversary

John Dahlquist didn’t plan to ask Geek Squad’s founder for a job back in 1996, but that spontaneous pitch turned into what’s become a quarter-century career — and counting.

“The rest, as they say, is history,” he said.

Earlier this month, Agent Dahlquist became the first recipient of a Geek Squad 25-year badge. The one-of-a-kind, gold-plated icon was presented to him in a special ceremony, complete with a custom cake and the presence of more than 100 fellow Agents, teammates, leaders and friends (not to mention delivered via Geekmobile).

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

14 Dec: Store welcomes 6-year-old as both shopper and ‘employee’

As soon as little Parker Buchholz could toddle around on his own, he’d scope out the back of his parents’ TV or fiddle with their DVDs. Fast-forward a few years and the boy’s fascination with electronics has grown right along with him.

Now Parker is 6 years old and one of his favorite places is, you guessed it, Best Buy. And when he and his family walk into the store in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his inner expert comes out.

“He names every TV and talks about how big they are, along with the USB and auxiliary ports — things a typical 6-year-old wouldn’t know,” said his mom, Erika.

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By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

09 Jun: Screen Time: When Is It Too Much?

As a kid, I remember thumbing through the printed TV listings that came with the Sunday paper to see what I didn’t want to miss that week. Back then, everything was appointment viewing — there was no DVR or on-demand.

We also had a Nintendo console, and I’m proud to say the hours I spent defeating castles in Super Mario Bros. have paid off. Even today, I can dodge Koopa Troopas and punch coin blocks with ease. My boys watch in awe.

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

06 May: Moving Game Night With Friends To The Small Screen

If your family is anything like mine, having so little interaction with friends and loved ones has been a bit of a challenge. It’s just us, every single day.

We have three boys who are used to running from activity to activity and soaking up lots of time with friends. Coming up with ways to stay entertained, laugh and play has led us to completing a 998-piece puzzle (we lost two of the original 1,000 pieces), reading books aloud and streaming lots of movies and TV shows.

By Natalie Albers Lifestyle

22 Apr: Best Buy Employee Saves Day With Tech Rescue — From A Distance

You’re trying to work from home. Your kids are trying to learn from home. To add to the stress of living through a global pandemic, your home network goes on the fritz.

Then, you get pinged by a remote support technician from Best Buy. He’s already aware of your network issue and he’s on the case.

“In these times of social distancing, when customers really want to get their stuff working, I can do the same things remotely than I can do in their homes,” said Damion Santos, a custom services technician who’s a pro at ensuring devices around a home work together harmoniously.

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