The company, founded by John MacDougall, president and CEO and his two partners has made its headquarters in Canastota since 1980 when it purchased the former Clark's Petroleum service station at the corner of Route 5 and 46 and its nearby offices. By franchising its name to petroleum distributors, 50 stores grew to 100 within 10 [image-nocss] years. Today there are 82 stores scattered all over Upstate New York.
Part of its success can be attributed to Nice N Easy's relationship with its customers and employees. That philosophy starts at the top, according to Ann Ammann, Nice N Easy's project manager and customer relations officer. She said first and foremost MacDougall is a business man, but one who knows how to treat his people.
"He treats you like no other boss," Ammann told the newspaper. "He praises you and rewards you. He puts people first."
MacDougall hails from Cleveland. After college, he joined the Bruthers Co. as an account representative. Five years later he accepted the director of operations position with a chain of convenience stores in Upstate New York. He later became a partner and led the company for nine years before opening Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes.
Many Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes are situated in small communities like Canastota, so it supports local community events. In Canastota, Nice N Easy has sponsored the International Boxing Hall of Fame parade and has been a corporate sponsor for the chamber's Business Expo since its inception.
Ammann said each year Nice N Easy selects four charities to support. For the past couple of years, it has contributed to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and St. Jude's Hospital.
MacDougall helped form the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) and was a member of its board for six years. He has been inducted into three industry Hall of Fame honors. Locally, he received the Citizenship Award from the Canastota American Legion.
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