GATES, N.Y. — If you were one of the seemingly countless people who had to head out Friday for some last-minute shopping, you know it can be a grind.

A Rochester-area supermarket employee did his best to make sure every customer had the best experience — or at very least — to leave with a heart full of Christmas cheer.

“[It's] hectic,” said Jovan Howard, a maintenance employee for Wegmans.

At the Wegmans on Lyell Avenue, Howard is working hard on the last shopping day before Christmas.  

“It’s a blessing, it really is,” said Howard. “Knowing that every day I try to make a difference in people’s lives.”

In his five years working at the store, he’s done just that.

“Jovan is the most genuine, caring soul you’ll ever meet,” said Krissy Kreber, store manager.  “His goal is to just make sure everybody has a beautiful day.”

Which was exactly his goal on Friday. Standing on a platform with a microphone and speaker at the store entrance, Howard sang a variety of Christmas songs, as customers stopped, watched, took videos of him and applauded.

Howard has been performing since the third grade. He started singing for customers on special occasions like Christmas Eve, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day after coworkers realized he was a natural.

“The first few times it was a little nerve-racking,” he said. “But over time I’ve gotten so used to it, I just enjoy doing what I do.”

“Jovan’s passion is music and his purpose is to inspire others,” said Kreber. “And through music he does just that.”

Howard's gift is incredible when you consider what he’s been through. Born with serious medical issues, Howard spent his first four months in the hospital.

“So as you notice, when I talk I have a speech impediment,” he said. “But when I sing it goes away, and people are blown away.“

It's a voice that stops some people stop in their tracks, while others find it moving.

“Putting smiles on people’s faces, it makes me happy, makes everyone else happy, and I love it,” said Howard.

Every performer has to start somewhere. Howard is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan. He hopes to someday sing the national anthem in front of his favorite football team.

“So if anyone on the Buffalo Bills organization sees this, hi!” He laughed.  “Hi! I’m ready!”

There is little doubt about that. On a crazy day at the store, Howard's is the voice of peace — and joy.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “An all-around good feeling."