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New BX store manager excited about Tinker, big changes

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  For the past 18 years, Michael Patmon has traveled the world for Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Gaining an extensive wealth of knowledge, he arrived at Tinker to begin his newest challenge as the main store manager and interim general manager.

As he settles into the positions, Mr. Patmon said his goal is to exceed customers' expectations and ensure his associates are better developed for success. One way to achieve that is through the Base Exchange's makeover, which is underway.

"What we do here is so incredibly important to the military's mission that I hope we bring an extra level of enthusiasm and we execute AAFES new direction as well as we possibly we can," Mr. Patmon said. "We're basically changing the face of AAFES. We're combining several different logos into one message that emphasizes that we are an important benefit and customers are saving money and at the same time, getting money back. It's an exciting project."

Scheduled to finish Sept. 17, the facility will debut an overhauled interior and a solar-powered light-emitting diode, or LED, sign displaying its rebranded name and logo, "X" for "Exchange."

The redesigned interior will feature a "V" layout leading customers to one of three sections -- home, life or style. Additionally, there will be new floors, walls and fixtures. The refurbished store will feature the brands offered prior to the renovation, some of which will have been rebranded. It will additionally offer furniture by a well-known name brand, which it doesn't have now.

Mr. Patmon said he also stays connected with his associates by meeting with them multiple times a day, ensuring all shifts know the updates. He informs them of corporate programs, training, and tips for interacting with customers. But, most importantly, the goal is to maintain a strong focus on service.

"We want to create an enthusiasm that brings customers in multiple times," Mr. Patmon said. "We want them to experience something that's better than what they would experience on the outside."

Rosalina "Lina" Johnson, AAFES general manager office assistant for the Tinker, Vance, Tulsa, Camp Gruber and McAlester Exchanges, said Mr. Patmon is the right man for the job and looks forward to learning from his leadership.

"Mr. Patmon is very intelligent and in tune with technology and AAFES is really going high-tech," she said. "His leadership will enhance us to be more involved in merchandising data analysis, which tells us through computerized reports how the store is doing, to help us help customers and get them what they need most."

Mr. Patmon came from Dyess Air Force Base Exchange, Texas. Prior to his Texas assignment, he's been stationed in Hawaii, Japan, Iraq, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
"I'm excited about being here. Already it seems like the best assignment," Mr. Patmon said. "The associates here are amongst the most positive that I've worked with and it's especially important when we're going through such a big change."