Robert Blais
A Sobeys employee for over 23 years and a long-time volunteer for the food bank Moisson Laval, Robert Blais has witnessed first-hand the difference it makes in people’s lives. Recalling a man seeking help after losing his job, “he had tears in his eyes, and it made me more determined to help,” said Robert. “Not everyone has been lucky enough in life to study or get a good job. I am privileged to have the job I have at Sobeys.” With that in mind, Robert works hard to help others, driving a fork-lift for Moisson Laval when he isn’t driving one for Sobeys and pitching in with the many charitable causes Sobeys supports. “Robert Blais makes the difference on a daily basis with his positive spirit and readiness to help his neighbor,” wrote his nomination letter. “Sobeys is a family nurturing families day after day for the common good, from one end of Canada to the other, and I am proud to be part of that family,” said Robert.
Jocelyn Boulerice
For Jocelyn Boulerice, nothing is impossible. Beginning as a service manager at IGA Atwater just a few years ago, his career has truly blossomed at Sobeys. This inspiring young man’s enthusiasm and positivity are infectious, which is what makes him so effective as a manager. “He is a team guy, he listens to customers and employees,” said one employee. “He motivates us to work with him and for him,” said another. The feeling is mutual — he draws just as much inspiration from his Sobeys team members as they do from him. Jocelyn thrives on teamwork and the challenges he and his team are able to overcome every day. Known for his unique, hands-on approach, Jocelyn is passionate about his work, always striving to go the extra mile. For him, nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself and your team. “What I love most at Sobeys,” he says, “is overcoming challenges, always giving the best of yourself, and always having new projects and new challenges to overcome.”
Charlene Bourque
As a team lead, Charlene has an innate ability to juggle a lot of responsibilities at once, and make it look easy too. “I’m always honest and willing to find the perfect solution to issues that arise, and provide a quick response for our customers,” said Charlene. “Every day is a new adventure, grace it with a positive attitude.” She and her team at the Edmonton RSC serve almost 100 stores, which means she co-ordinates drivers, shippers, receivers and store managers to make sure the right products arrive in the stores at the right time. “Charlene understands the importance of having product on the shelves and she shows great empathy dealing with the stores,” wrote her manager. “She takes the time to address the issue for the store while making sure her drivers are safe, and in doing so, has earned their respect.” Always keen to give back, Charlene was proud when Sobeys didn’t hesitate to provide food and water to Fort McMurray during their devastating wildfires.
Arin Bretecher
As a pharmacist, Arin Bretecher knows she is the first point of entry into the health-care system for some patients, and so when a patient described symptoms that seemed more serious than a run-of-the-mill stomach ache, she recommended that he seek urgent care by calling 911. Unable to reach him for a follow up, she was relieved when he called from the hospital a few days later; the emergency room doctor said he had only hours to live and that Arin’s advice saved his life. “He has become a loyal patient and he has a new perspective on his health now,” she said. “This is just one of many examples of Arin demonstrating what it takes to be an exemplary pharmacist,” wrote her manager. “She is an inspiration to me and all who work with her.” After 15 years with Sobeys, Arin is excited about a new program called Fusion, which allows pharmacists to participate more in patients’ care and improve outcomes and quality of life.
Sonya Brow
As a customer, Sonya Brow has received excellent customer service, and understands what a great feeling that is. “I can identify with my customers and it is personally rewarding to pass on good service to others,” said Sonya. A happy customer recently thanked Sonya for helping her grandmother get the exact cut of meat she wanted. But more importantly she appreciated that Sonya saw a need and gracefully helped the two women navigate the store and gave them a heartwarming experience. “We were treated like family even though we were strangers,” wrote Amanda. “I like interacting with seniors because a lot of time they get forgotten, and it’s interesting to listen to their stories,” said Sonya. “I learn so much from them; some of our customers are authors and I’ve learned about my own community from them.” “My Sobeys is a place of learning and sharing, caring and giving,” she said. With those values in place, everything comes together.
Donna Brown
Donna Brown is passionate about her work and who still thrives on always doing her best and jumping at the chance to learn more, even after 35 years with a company. She is dedicated to her job and the nursing home clients her location supports. “No matter what Donna is asked to do, you never have to worry if the task was finished or not. She is constantly true to her word,” wrote her colleague in her glowing nomination letter. Recently, Donna was asked to help launch a new electronic records system for a store a few hours away from her home, and she went because her company needed her support. She was there for six weeks and became an integral part of the team during that time. “My husband is a 35-year employee, and my two daughters both worked here too, and I know a lot of neighbours who have worked for Sobeys. It’s Sobeys country here in Pictou County,” said Donna. “I love my job.”
Arturo Angel Bustos
For Arturo Angel Bustos, the last 10 years with Sobeys has been a place to challenge himself and make a difference in the lives of the people he meets. Whether meeting with employees for coffee to listen, learn, and discuss their concerns; meeting with suppliers; or explaining the intricacies of the Sobeys distribution system, Arturo goes above and beyond not only for his clients, but for his whole Sobeys family. Always attuned to the needs of his clients, Arturo is known for his professionalism, patience, leadership, and understanding. “I am very optimistic,” he said. “In life in general and at work, I keep the same attitude.” Arturo is also a humble man with a refreshingly philosophical outlook for whom literature is a great refuge and inspiration. “I have learned that everyone has challenges, and everyone, in their own way, is simply trying their best,” he said. “No one is perfect, but if each person understands that they have a role to play, things should go well.”
Allison Byrne
In less than a year as the manager of the bakery at her Sobeys store in Calgary, Allison Byrne has turned the bakery employees into a team, and she is an enthusiastic presence in managers’ meetings too, always quick to provide helpful suggestions. She is driven to make the bakery a top- performing department at the store, and she knows that to do that, she needs to make sure everybody works co-operatively. “We work together, help each other, and together make it ours so we can achieve success,” she said. “I lean on my employees to streamline our service and improve; I love trying new things.” The smiling staff in Allison’s department enjoy engaging with customers, whether it’s helping someone plan a special meal or giving cookies to kids. “I take a lot of pride in my work,” said Allison, whose manager noted that she and her team excel at creating theme displays for holidays and events throughout the year, and even for big television premieres or sporting events.
Ronojit Chatterji
For most Sobeys employees, the first day on the job is friendly and welcoming, a chance to meet new co-workers and learn the ropes. Ronnie Chatterji’s first day started off dramatically with a phone call at 8:00 a.m. alerting him to a big problem for a store in his district. Always a professional, he was able to solve that issue and handle everything else that has come his way over the last three years with enthusiasm. Passionate about working for a multicultural company that brings its employees and customers together as a family, Ronnie feels his team of store managers are “role models and brand ambassadors every day.” “To see employees treating customers like family, and hosting BBQs and sharing food from different ethnic backgrounds, it brings our company’s family nurturing families purpose to life,” he said with pride. “Ronnie uses a vibrant spirit and sense of humour to engage his peers and those on his team,” said his colleagues. “There is never a dull conversation with Ronnie.”
Samuel Christie
Like many Sobeys employees, Sam Christie says interacting with customers is the most enjoyable part of the job. On a good day for Sam, those interactions include four-legged visitors to his store. When a customer needed to run into the store quickly but couldn’t leave her dogs outside on a hot day, she was lucky to see Sam, who quickly offered to watch the dogs in the shade. “Moving can be super stressful and this heat isn’t making it any easier,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Many thanks to this young man for keeping my boys safe while I ran into the store. I really appreciate your kindness.” Always keen to make customers’ experience in the store the best it can be, Sam volunteers to help when he sees someone looking lost. “It comes naturally to me to be helpful, to make sure we offer great customer service. It makes them feel good, makes me feel good, and it’s good for the store too,” said Sam.
