CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- Many convenience store chains are faceless to the public, or are known primarily by a mascot or logo. But John MacDougall, the prominent CEO of upstate New York's Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes chain, became a visible, well-known local celebrity and company frontman who excited customers.
MacDougall was the guy in the TV commercials dodging a cattle stampede or a jet-propelled cartoon pig or literally turning blue in the face. As the jolly, unflappable shopkeeper in a half-dozen regional spots for Nice N Easy, MacDougall has forged a business image and model based not so much on turning convenience merchandise, but by gaining the public's trust.
He even put his face on the comment cards so customers could write him directly. It's a personal appeal that won fans devoted enough to pull out their smartphones when they saw him driving down the street and post the video on YouTube.
In part because of this celebrity status, but also because of his role as a well-respected industry champion and mentor to countless employees and for being an eternal optimist, the passing of MacDougall on June 21 was met with an unprecedented outpouring of sympathy and affection on social media.
Many retweeted Nice N Easy's initial announcement: "This post is made in deep sorrow. Nice N Easy President & CEO John MacDougall passed away. Goodbye, dear friend."
Fran Duskiewicz, Nice N Easy's senior executive vice president, tweeted, "This world is better because John MacDougall was a part of it. We need to keep it that way by remembering him. Always."
Here is a small sampling of the social media response:
- Proud to be an employee of this great company he built. His legacy will live on in every one of us. He taught us all to Be Nice, Sell Stuff, Have Fun and Be the BEST. We love and miss you, John.
- John was the same man that u saw in the commercials. A gentle giant of a man that truly cared about his customers and his employees.
- A great friend and Boss. That smile is so contagious!!!!
- What a loss to our community! He had a heart of gold.
- *He was a very great man. He will be missed deeply not only by his wonderful family but by many in the community. My deepest sympathy to the family.
- I've known John for over 30 years. A remarkable man. He helped me in my career in the franchise community many times. I feel very blessed to have known John and how he's influenced my life.
- Proud to have been an employee of this company. John taught us all how to be our best!!! *A great man, and his legacy will continue to live on with each past and present employee. … Carry on and make him even prouder!!!
- John, you built a great idea into this and it will continue to thrive even though you are gone. ... I hope you rest in 'nice n easy' peace.
- Very sad news. The rest of the convenience store industry mourns with our friends at Nice N Easy. He was a pioneer in the industry and will be sorrowfully missed.
- Can't believe this news. John was such a great man that accomplished so much in his life, but remained incredibly humble. I loved working in that office.
- For the 13 years I worked for the company, I had the privilege of being one of John's "kids." To say he is a kind, loving, special man is an understatement. He'll be truly missed by so many whose lives he touched.
- Greatest businessman CNY had ever seen. I was always proud to work for a guy that genuinely cared so much.
- If the news at first hadn't brought me to tears, all these kind thoughts and words of love would have. Sorry I never met him in person but will never forget his TV ads.
- A tremendous man. This industry is a better place because of the friendship and knowledge you so freely shared.
Gary Dake, president of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based convenience store chain Stewart's Shops, tweeted, "R.I.P. John MacDougall. He was a nice guy and a class act."
He also told CSP Daily News, "[John] was a contemporary of [my] father's. … He had a tremendous passion for the industry. He was eager to share what he knew and share ideas. He loved his people. He loved the company. He loved the industry. That's nice to see, especially when you run into operators who are just about how make money and then cash out. … John was a much deeper thinker and in that light, he loved to tinker with the [c-store format]. He wasn't afraid to try things. And talk about innovation. He wasn't afraid to take a chance. He was the epitome of a super-nice guy and true to his word."
Dake added, "Anytime he was in our part of the state, the capital district, he'd make a point to stop into our offices and exchange thoughts on what's happening, trends, how the industry compares [to other channels]. Some people end up being so secretive. John didn't believe in a zero-sum game. He felt that what was good for the industry was good for all of us. He wasn't selfish with his thoughts. He was amiable and friendly. And that's important when you have dollar stores, drug stores and reservations--we had common enemies, and he wasn't afraid to share thoughts and try to help all of us. He had a giving attitude."
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