SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Each year, Winsight’s Outlook Leadership Conference brings together the best and brightest retailers in the convenience-store industry to share ideas and philosophies. This year, with the launch of its #ThankAMentor program, long-time industry leaders were particularly encouraged to meet with those newer to the industry to discuss leadership and industry goals.
Here, CSP Daily News has collected just a few of the leadership ideas shared during the three-day event in Scottsdale, Ariz.
- Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter's Farm Stores, on honest feedback: "Form a network. Find a group of people who will tell you things you don't want to hear. That will make you better.”
- Sonja Hubbard, CEO of E-Z Mart Stores Inc., on making industry connections: "That's what is great about this industry. ... I'm sitting with a bunch of young people, but I've taken as many notes as they have, probably more. I'm learning just as much from them. We need to keep a focus on learning and building connections."
- Chet Cadieux, chairman, president and CEO of QuikTrip Corp., on smart investing: "Investing is fine; there are a lot of programs and systems you can buy to improve your business. But consider something that costs nothing. Something as simple as a feedback loop can be invaluable. We're so busy trying not to hurt each other's feelings that straight, honest feedback is hard to find. Establish a feedback loop so it's expected."
- Steve Sheetz, chairman of the Sheetz Family Council, on innovation: “Maintain an attitude of getting better. Don’t look for one big idea sitting there waiting for you. Think about small improvements, day by day. They add up to that big idea.”
- Tony Miller, vice president of Delek U.S. Holdings overseeing Mapco convenience stores, on why he removed the desk from his office: “I didn’t want to have those conversations across a big desk. I wanted to have them sitting down, in a comfortable seat, talking to our team. It’s been a whole transformation. It’s breaking down barriers, putting everyone on the same level in the organization.”
- Shawn Bhagat, chairman and CEO of American Energy Transport, on being present: “In some ways showing up every day matters more than what you say. It does not matter is I got a call about one of our fuel trucks in the middle of the night; I will get up [the next day], put on my suit and be there first thing in the morning.”
- Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven Inc. and Blockbuster, and current leader of Wild Oats and Fresh & Easy, on retailing realities: “Retailing is the most interesting profession you can ever have. … Convenience isn’t about selling ice or cigarettes. It’s about keeping up with whatever customers want today. You’ve got to stay current.”
- Chet Cadieux recounting a letter his father, Chester, once sent to all QuikTrip employees: “Basically, he said, ‘You’ve got to treat people right. You’ll get fired a lot faster for treating people badly than you will for bad sales.’ He ended the letter—this was a letter that went to every employee in the company—with, ‘No one wants to work for an asshole, and I won’t allow it.’ ”
- Jack Helmick, president of SuperAmerica/Northern Tier Retail, on connecting with employees: “I never forgot what [my father, a former c-store retailer] told me: ‘Never be disrespectful to the people who work behind the counter.’ And I’ve always remembered that and have always been a big advocate of our hourly employees.”
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