Technology/Services

Family Express Targets Acquisitions, Store Development

Indiana chain adopts online human resources processes with PeopleMatter

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Gus Olympidis says 2011 will be Family Express' most ambitious growth year ever as the company rolls out a new human resources program that will ease hiring and training practices.

"We expect this year to be our most robust yet in terms of small acquisitions and new store development," said the president and CEO of Family Express Corp., "and we feel that the PeopleMatter platform will bring about further efficiencies at a most welcome time."

The Family Express convenience-store chain will transition its team from paper to online human-resources [image-nocss] processes, including hiring, training and engagement, through a new strategic partnership with PeopleMatter, a comprehensive talent-management solution provider for the service industry.

The move echoes several innovations taken by Family Express in recent years, include a mobile app and a state-of-the art training facility.

The company recently rolled out a mobile app for customers to see the location of local gas stations and their pump prices, as well as easily apply their Gas Buddy discount. For state-of-the art training, the corporate headquarters houses a fully functioning store, completely stocked with products, fuel pumps and an operational bathroom. The mock Family Express facility was recently used to shoot training videos that will be rolled out through PeopleMatter LEARN.

"Since we began in 1975, we have embraced automated systems and processes to meet the needs of our customers," said Kris Condon, Family Express director of human resources. "PeopleMatter technology extends this automation to our employees. It simply made sense to partner with the talent management leader in the service industry."

Easily customizable, PeopleMatter LEARN provides Family Express a social, online training portal that will consistently deploy its in-house produced videos for development, training and testing. Employees can view the training components anytime, anywhere over the web, while HR administrators can use the dashboard to monitor individual progress and comprehension.
In addition to the LEARN module, Family Express hiring and employee engagement will elevate to the next level of service with PeopleMatter HIRE and PeopleMatter ENGAGE. HIRE allows HR and management to quickly and easily hire the best applicants with an online applicant tracking system, hiring assessments, background checks, tax credit processing and onboarding components. ENGAGE helps develop a knowledgeable, passionate team that feels appreciated and can share a job well done with tools that streamline communication, performance and rewards.

"We specifically designed the PeopleMatter Platform to empower today's service-focused workforce with automated best practices to make their jobs easier," said Nate DaPore, PeopleMatter president and CEO. "Trend-setters, like Family Express, can leverage our suite of hire-to-retire tools to take their team members to the next level as they focus on providing the best service to their customers."

Based in Valparaiso, Ind., Family Express operates stores throughout Northwest and North Central Indiana. The company's unique logistics model consolidates 25 traditional DSD weekly deliveries into a single daily delivery thereby achieving transportation efficiencies and unsurpassed freshness for perishables.

Read more about Family Express' innovations in the May issue of CSP Magazine.

PeopleMatter, Charleston, S.C., provides a comprehensive talent management solution for the service industry. It helps employers identify, develop and engage dependable talent to provide exemplary customer service.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Foodservice

Opportunities Abound With Limited-Time Offers

For success, complement existing menu offerings, consider product availability and trends, and more, experts say

Snacks & Candy

How Convenience Stores Can Improve Meat Snack, Jerky Sales

Innovation, creative retailers help spark growth in the snack segment

Technology/Services

C-Stores Headed in the Right Direction With Rewards Programs

Convenience operators are working to catch up to the success of loyalty programs in other industries

Trending

More from our partners