Store Level Star Women in Grocery Dawn Haig
Kirsten McLeod
Store Manager, Save-On-Foods Cottonwood, Chilliwack, B.C.
General Manager
PEMBERTON VALLEY SUPERMARKET
SAVE-ON-FOODS
How did you get into the grocery business? My mother worked for Overwaitea Food Group (Save-OnFoods) for over 20 years, so it only seemed natural to follow in her footsteps and start my first job out of high school in a grocery store.
Courtney Burokas
Store Manager, Lindenridge Safeway, Winnipeg SOBEYS
What are you proudest of in of your work? Being a young female in the industry, I am most proud of the personal growth and selfconfidence that I have gained over the years. I have been managing and leading people since my early 20s, which forced me to grow up quickly. If I hadn’t chosen this career I’m not sure I would have developed into the confident woman that I am today. Biggest challenge faced in your career? Being a retail manager throughout a pandemic has been a challenge, to say the least. With all of the hurdles we’ve had to cross over the last year, the Lindenridge team has come out stronger than ever thanks to their camaraderie, strength and resilience. Best career advice you’ve ever received? The best career advice I’ve received is that no matter how big, make your goals and aspirations known. Say yes to opportunities that get you out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to put your hand up. Favourite part of your job? I enjoy motivating people and encouraging them to see their full potential. A big part of my job is to be a mentor to those looking to advance their career within the company. I have had so many great mentors who have helped me along the way and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goals without their support. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward.
What’s your proudest career moment? It would have to be the ability to lead the team in our Mission, B.C. location through a four-year journey that created a big financial turnaround, improved morale and finally had the store removed from quarterly review. I led the team through an extensive remodel, and brought the team together to improve the store’s offerings and operations to be competitive in the marketplace [as it was] up against the opening of a new competitor in the community. Best advice you’ve received? Listen more and talk less. Always have respect for others and have integrity in whatever is being asked of you. Career highlights? The day Darrell Jones called to promote me to store manager in 2015 was definitely a major highlight. I also take a lot of pride in participating in community support events. My team and I have helped many local schools, organizations and groups throughout the Fraser Valley. Favourite part of your job? To put it simply, helping people—whether it’s customers, team members or vendors. I love having the ability to create a solution to a problem, and having a platform to always improve.
Vicki Kinsella
Store Manager, Sobeys Howley Estates, St John’s SOBEYS
What are you proudest of in your work? I take great pride in being selected as a store manager trainer. It warms my heart to see the people that I have had a hand in training over the years learn, grow and succeed in their career. Best career advice you’ve ever received? When you’re leading a team it’s important to remember that your decisions are not understood by all. You will be judged, so don’t take things personally, it’s business. Career highlights/greatest achievements? When I was promoted to store manager and took ownership of my store. Another highlight is that I manage 150-plus employees and that I am looked at as a leader, mentor, delegator, communicator, developer and so much more. I love going to work every day as there are never two days that look alike, and there are always challenges. Favourite part of your job? When I get to spend my time on the sales floor interacting with both customers and employees. I enjoy getting to know my people and focus on their strengths to help them learn and grow and to better serve our customers. I love it when I hear the sound of laughter and positivity in people’s voices. Having fun in the workday is good for the mind and soul. It keeps you grounded, alert and focused, especially in these challenging times where so much attention is required from the team to keep our store clean and safe for everyone.
What are you proudest of in your work? I am proudest of the team we have built at the store. This industry is busy, and a good working team is imperative to the success of moving forward with projects, and to the overall advancement of the store. The owners of the store truly believe in building trust with employees and blending the complementary strengths of team members. Biggest career challenge? Managing a grocery store through a pandemic. At the beginning, we were faced with panic buying, manufacturing shortages, staff shortages, and implementing safety protocols on our own. This is where teamwork really paid off, as without everyone working together we would not have been able to accomplish all that we did. Our team came together with creative ideas and made decisions effectively and efficiently. Career highlights/greatest achievements? The positive and respectful relationship our store has built with our surrounding communities. The Pemberton Valley Supermarket is known and respected as a business that contributes financially to support community events, fundraisers and not-for-profit groups. Over the years there have been many community initiatives from volunteer groups that have needed support, and I’m proud that the grocery store can do this for them. I’m also proud of our new online ordering system for curbside pickup and delivery, which provides a service our community has not had and which has been very helpful during COVID.
June/July 2021 || CANADIAN GROCER 59