Mark Pirtle has lived the saying: “If you enjoy what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.” After 37 years as an employee in Luxco’s production facility, Mark is calling it a career. For nearly four decades, Mark has served in various capacities at Luxco® – “everything but warehouse and maintenance,” according to Mark.

In June, MGP COO and president of Luxco Branded Spirits David Bratcher presented Mark with a card signed by all his Luxco co-workers and a check for $5,500 – $150 for every year of service. With in-person events restricted due to COVID, Mark received a gift card for $500 to treat his family to dinner in place of the traditional Luxco retirement celebration event. David then surprised Mark by announcing his next week of work – which would be his last before retiring – was already fully paid for. Mark’s “job” his last week – should he choose to do so – was simply to come in and say proper good-byes to his coworkers before officially retiring.

“Mark is one of the first people I met when I joined Luxco 23 years ago. He showed me around the floor in the early days, and I have always respected and admired his work ethic,” remembered David. “While we’re sorry to see him go, we’re certainly very happy for him. He certainly planned well for his future to now take some time for himself and his family.”

Mark’s retirement plans include, “A lot of fishing, spending time with my grandbabies, and working on a long honey-do list.”

Mark went on to say, “I’ve always been extra appreciative of this job and everything the Lux family and my fellow employees have done for me. It’s hard to find a job like this nowadays – where you can stay this long and be happy this long. It has been a fantastic 37 years. There’s nowhere else I’d rather work.”