ALTOONA, Pa. -- Sheetz vice president of sales and marketing, David Woodley, moved into the executive vice presidency spot vacated by Louie Sheetz this week. Woodley has led the Sheetz sales and marketing department since 2005. The transition became effective Jan. 1 as another part of the company's planned leadership changes. Louie Sheetz announced his retirement shortly after it was made public that Joe S. Sheetz would become president and CEO as Stan Sheetz took the title of chairman of the board.
Woodley started his career with Sheetz in 1983 as a part-time third-shift salesperson, working his way into management, becoming a store manager, training manager, district manager and director of regional operations. Woodley has played a significant role in the creation of key foodservice programs that include MTO, Sheetz Bros. Coffeez, MTGo! and Shweetz brands.
"Dave embodies every quality of a strong leader," said Louie Sheetz. "He has an incredible work ethic and a keen sense of how this business operates. People across the company have his trust and respect. It's been a privilege to watch him develop."
"I look forward to coming to work every day. I always have," said Woodley. "Our culture of respect for one another combined with the drive to win gives me passion to work hard and contribute as much as I can. Louie has been a great mentor and friend to me. I am grateful for the same opportunity to follow."
Louie Sheetz started working for his family's business in 1977. The youngest brother of founder Bob Sheetz has held many positions that include store manager, district manager, director of store development and director of operations. He pioneered the concept and trademark of MTO and is responsible for all corporate marketing strategy, consumer intelligence and research. Louie also played a major role in the evolution of the Sheetz mission of Total Customer Focus and creation of the retailer's unique following of fans.
Over the years, his voice has widely influenced the national and world retail industry. Louie has served in various leadership positions for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and has made impactful contributions through his advisory board work with major consumer packaged goods companies.
"Louie came up after all of us with a passion for marketing our products and marketing the brand," said Steve Sheetz, chairman, Sheetz Family Council. "He really challenged conventional thinking on advertising and creative messaging for our food and beverage menu. Our brand identity is a big part of his legacy. I'm extremely proud of what he's accomplished."
Louie will stay involved in the company as a member of the Sheetz Board of Directors.
"For me, working with my brothers, nieces and nephews and now my own kids is incredibly rewarding," said Louie. "I was given an opportunity to succeed. and now I'm fortunate to share what I've learned with a new generation of family members and other bright, young minds that will lead Sheetz successfully into the future."
Established in 1952 in Altoona, Pa., Sheetz Inc. is one of America's fastest growing family-owned and operated convenience chains, with more than $6.6 billion in revenue for 2013 and more than 15,500 employees. The company operates more than 460 locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.
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