Value Champions are employees from across all banners, locations, provinces and job descriptions. What they have in common is an exceptional dedication to embracing the principles that make us strong. Value Champions represent the very best of Sobeys.
2019 National Winner
Guillaume Durocher
- Montréal, QC
2019 Regional Winners
All Regions
Atlantic
Ross Wood - Grand Bay-Westfield, NB
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415942633
Atlantic
Ross Wood
Grand Bay-Westfield, NB
Atlantic
Angela Harris - St. John's, NL
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415935937
Atlantic
Angela Harris
St. John's, NL
Atlantic
Leigh Forbes - Sussex, Amherst, Moncton & P.E.I.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415935140
Atlantic
Leigh Forbes
Sussex, Amherst, Moncton & P.E.I.
Atlantic
Sonya Brow - Antigonish, NS
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415932375
Atlantic
Sonya Brow
Antigonish, NS
Ontario
Pamela Tanton - Chatham, ON
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415941798
Ontario
Pamela Tanton
Chatham, ON
Ontario
Shilpa Sibal - Vaughan, ON
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415940278
Ontario
Shilpa Sibal
Vaughan, ON
Ontario
Jaclyn Mills - Oakville, ON
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415939184
Ontario
Jaclyn Mills
Oakville, ON
Ontario
Jayne Harrower - London, ON
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415936296
Ontario
Jayne Harrower
London, ON
Quebec
Jean-François Michaud - Terrebonne, QC
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415938484
Quebec
Jean-François Michaud
Terrebonne, QC
Quebec
Sylvie Lévesque - Mascouche, QC
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415937772
Quebec
Sylvie Lévesque
Mascouche, QC
Quebec
Robert Blais - Terrebonne, QC
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415931610
Quebec
Robert Blais
Terrebonne, QC
Quebec
Stéphanie Binette - Terrebonne, QC
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415931122
Quebec
Stéphanie Binette
Terrebonne, QC
West
Joe Sirianni - Calgary Office, AB
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415940997
West
Joe Sirianni
Calgary Office, AB
West
Kathy Shirley - Calgary, AB
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415939935
West
Kathy Shirley
Calgary, AB
West
Carlie Jones - Vancouver, BC
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415936987
West
Carlie Jones
Vancouver, BC
West
Jeffrey Downes - Calgary, AB
https://player.vimeo.com/video/415932981
West
Jeffrey Downes
Calgary, AB
All 2019 Winners
Get to know the 2019 Value Champions!
Click on a name below to bring up that profile. You can also search by name or location.
You may also click the link below to view the Gala book and read all of our Value Champions’ stories.
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Either way, you’re sure to be inspired by the amazing work of our teammates.
Irfan Afzal
Irfan Afzal
Irfan Afzal
Proudly Serving: #40 Rocky View RSC, AB
Position: Vendor Compliance
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
After struggling to find meaningful work in Canada, Irfan feels lucky to have found a home away from home at Sobeys. Along with navigating a new country with his family, this move also meant a new industry; he’s now using project management skills honed in the engineering field in the Middle East. Quickly earning full-time status and promotions in three years, Irfan sees a lot of promise and opportunity at Sobeys, and is happy to work for a Canadian company that cares. “Sobeys considers us family, that’s why I’m still here. I am going back to my field within my company,” he said. Earning high praise from his managers for his professionalism, they appreciate his attention to detail, good organizational and communication skills, and drive for excellence. But Irfan doesn’t take all the credit. “It’s all about working as a team, and everybody works the same way,” he said. “The culture of family nurturing families isn’t just a saying at Sobeys. I am a part of it.”
Naomi Babineau
Naomi Babineau
Naomi Babineau
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8889, Edmonton, AB
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Placing customers first is always a priority at Sobeys, but Naomi Babineau truly took that value to heart, saving the lives of two customers in the span of three weeks. The pharmacist, who was six months pregnant at the time, reacted quickly when a man collapsed in the meat department, cracking his head open and losing consciousness. She performed CPR and had him breathing again by the time the paramedics arrived. “He later came back and he was very thankful,” said Naomi. The next incident saw her administer an EpiPen to a girl who was having an anaphylactic reaction in the store, earning the gratitude of her mother. “We always place the customer first; in the pharmacy our patients’ care and safety are my highest priority,” said Naomi, who has worked for Sobeys for 10 years. “I always treat people the way I would want my family treated.”
Janet Barr
Janet Barr
Janet Barr
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #660, Elmsdale, NS
Position: Assistant Seafood Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
It’s the sense of community that Janet Barr loves most about Sobeys, where she has worked for 19 years. “My co-workers have helped me through a lot, they’re great friends,” she said. “We’re like family.” But the Sobeys community also extends to customers and the many organizations that the store supports. As the Community room coordinator, Janet has turned in-store cooking classes into sold-out events, and plans many charitable activities including parades, visiting retirement homes to play bingo and distribute flowers, and donations to local schools and the food bank. She also gives back on an individual basis, having witnessed the greater potential of an employee with a learning disability and recruiting her to help with seniors’ luncheons. Janet is happy to have Hannah working with her at these events. “She knows everybody’s birthdays and sings to them and has really opened up. She’s there for them and they love her,” said Janet. “She’s so proud to work here and we’re proud to have her; she has become a friend.”
Brenda Bastarache
Brenda Bastarache
Brenda Bastarache
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #738, Shediac, NB
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
If there’s an event happening at Sobeys in Shediac, Brenda Bastarache is usually the leader, planning and rallying her staff to help. But it’s not just fun and games for this team, even though they often find a way to enjoy their work and take any opportunity to give back to their community. Last year was a terrible one for Brenda. She lost the three people closest to her within a few months. Still reeling from these losses, she went back to work soon after, knowing she’d find comfort at work surrounded by her friends. “They supported me in the good times and bad,” said Brenda, who recently retired after 39 years. “My Sobeys is like my second family. I adore working here; I’ve been at this store for 10 years and I always love coming in. “Brenda is truly loved and respected. Many of us look up to her as a source of strength and inspiration,” said her nomination letter.
Charles Beaulieu
Charles Beaulieu
Charles Beaulieu
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #868, Summerside, PEI
Position: Courtesy Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Charles Beaulieu is a lucky guy; he found his second home at Sobeys while he was still in high school. He still remembers getting off the bus for his first shift with his trainer and has been dedicated to his job ever since. His nomination letter sings his praises, commenting on how his co- workers and customers appreciate his dedication to the job. “He is a very hard working and devoted employee who is kind, always pleasant, and takes a great amount of pride in every task he encounters,” the letter states. Always keen to help, Charles takes the extra steps to ensure customers are cared for such as taking groceries to their cars even in snow storms. Charles also finds time to train for the Special Olympics and has participated in many sports including floor hockey and bowling. Charles says his personal motto is “do my best every day.” It has served him well.
David Beaupré
David Beaupré
David Beaupré
Proudly Serving: RSC #55, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Operations Coordinator
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
For David Beaupré, “a job worth doing is a job worth doing well.” This motto was passed down from his father, who he says is his biggest inspiration. Over the past 25 years with Sobeys, David’s commitment to excellence has taken him from working the floor at the Montreal-North Sobeys to an operations coordinator role with the team at the Terrebonne distribution centre. Whether he’s finding distribution efficiencies, supporting committees, or helping his team solve any number of challenges, David is known as a determined man who does his work cheerfully and with enthusiasm. “Not being afraid to ask for help to improve yourself is a great quality of leader,” wrote a colleague about David’s results-driven, collaborative management style. For David, Sobeys is a family that has allowed him to thrive and grow as a man over the years, one he hopes to be part of for many years to come. “My Sobeys really is a family for me,” he says proudly.
Patrick Belleau
Patrick Belleau
Patrick Belleau
Proudly Serving: Montreal North Office, QC
Position: Produce Specialist
Core Value: Get It Done With Passion And Integrity
Described as a “force of nature” by colleagues, Patrick Belleau is the very definition of what it means to get it done with passion and integrity. As a Produce specialist, he continues to pursue a passion he first developed as a teenager. “What I love the most about my work are the interactions with managers, employees, and clients, as well as the variety and the colors of the fruits and vegetables displays,” he said. “We work in partnership with our stores. The merchants are the heart of the business and we count on them,” he said. “After pursuing other studies, life eventually brought me back to food,” said Patrick, who now mentors other employees. “I love training, and what makes me most proud is when I succeed in helping someone who doesn’t know much about the business to eventually become an excellent store manager.” Above all, Patrick values his Sobeys family. “My colleagues are like a second family,” he says with pride. “Our team is very close.”
Maude Bellerose-Battaglini
Maude Bellerose-Battaglini
Maude Bellerose-Battaglini
Proudly Serving: Rachelle Béry #8628, Montreal, QC
Position: Service Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
With its focus on local, natural and organic products, Rachelle Béry is a perfect fit for Maude Battaglini. “I compost and ride my bike constantly to reduce my ecological footprint,” said Maude. “I try to live naturally at home and that is reflected in my work.” She also loves that her co-workers share her passion for healthy, eco-friendly food, and finds that being happy at work is contagious. “I’m trying to be as cheerful as possible to encourage others to be in a good mood too,” she said. “We’re like a big family, we help each other and we have fun.” Proud to have participated in the grand openings of two Rachelle Béry stores, Maude is excited by the possibilities the store has to offer, and lives her personal motto, “focus on the positive,” every day. Maude takes inspiration from Harry Potter, having grown up alongside the literary character. She admires his ability to overcome obstacles to achieve great things, and has every intention of following in his footsteps.
Kyle Bennett
Kyle Bennett
Kyle Bennett
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #340, St. John's, NL
Position: Front End Supervisor
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Kyle Bennett says he loves his job because his co-workers are friendly and happy, and he has a similarly great attitude towards his store’s customers. “It’s important to treat everybody like family, with care, trust and respect,” said Kyle. Taking that ideal to heart, he goes above and beyond for one customer who asks for him by name. With a visual impairment it’s difficult to shop, so Kyle escorts this gentleman around the store picking up his order, helping him through the cash and then into a waiting car. But Kyle doesn’t see this as going above and beyond. “Always place the customer first means doing my job, because I feel like my job is to help the customer,” he said. “Kyle is very patient when dealing with his customers, he takes advantage of every opportunity to coach his fellow employees and he treats everyone with the utmost respect,” said his nomination letter. “If you look up Value Champion in the dictionary, you just may see Kyle’s picture.”
Stéphanie Binette
Stéphanie Binette
Stéphanie Binette
Proudly Serving: RSC #55, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Transport Supervisor
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Stéphanie Binette is a woman of action. She is always learning, always growing, always looking for ways to do things better. After 12 years with Sobeys, she says she still loves coming to work every day because of the amazing culture and camaraderie, and because she enjoys the challenges that each new day brings. “Just because we have done something the same way for 10 years doesn’t mean it’s the best way,” she says. “What can we do better today?” is her motto. Sobeys welcomes this kind of initiative, she says, which is why she likens the company to a school of professional development that always encourages and allows its employees to excel. She certainly has. Over the past year, Stéphanie has been an integral member of the team implementing a new system for planning distribution routes. Her incredible and contagious energy devoted to understanding this new system and helping her colleagues make the most of it have made her a true Value Champion who gets her work done with passion and integrity.
Robert Blais
Robert Blais
Robert Blais
Proudly Serving: RSC #55, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Inbound Coordinator
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
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
Jocelyn Boulerice
Jocelyn Boulerice
Proudly Serving: Rachelle-Béry #8625, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done With Passion And Integrity
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
Charlene Bourque
Charlene Bourque
Proudly Serving: Edmonton RSC, AB
Position: Team Lead, Transportation
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
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
Arin Bretecher
Arin Bretecher
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #1129, Calgary, AB
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
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
Sonya Brow
Sonya Brow
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #596, Antigonish, NS
Position: Assistant Meat Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
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
Donna Brown
Proudly Serving: Lawtons #2577, New Glasgow, NS
Position: Pharmacy Assistant II
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
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
Arturo Angel Bustos
Arturo Angel Bustos
Proudly Serving: RSC #55, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Credits and returns Coordinator
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
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
Allison Byrne
Allison Byrne
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5191, Calgary, AB
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
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
Ronojit Chatterji
Ronojit Chatterji
Proudly Serving: Winnipeg Office, MB
Position: District Operator
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
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
Samuel Christie
Samuel Christie
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #660, Elmsdale, NS
Position: Front End Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
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.
Alexandru Costea
Alexandru Costea
Alexandru Costea
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5191, Calgary, AB
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
When he started working as a grocery clerk in high school, Chris didn’t plan to stay at Sobeys for his career, but “slowly I became part of a very good team,” he said. A team player himself, Chris readily took on more responsibility during a colleague’s family emergency, and even had his aunt bake a Hungarian/ Romanian apple cake for the man when they realized they had a similar family background. Known for being trustworthy, approachable and genuine, Chris is very knowledgeable about store operations and is always happy to share his wealth of knowledge. “I always try to understand colleagues and to deliver a message as clearly as possible, so people can take that message and be successful with it,” he said. “I treat others how we would want to be treated.” “Not every manager is a leader and not every leader is a manager, Chris is both,” wrote his manager in his nomination letter. “He realizes that the store can’t be successful without the people on the team.”
Alexandru Costea
Alexandru Costea
Alexandru Costea
Servant fièrement : Sobeys nº 5191, Calgary, AB
Poste : Assistant-directeur de magasin
Valeur fondamentale : Je sais demeurer authentique
Lorsqu’il a commencé à travailler comme commis à l’épicerie, Chris était encore à l’école secondaire et n’avait pas l’intention de rester chez Sobeys pour le reste de sa carrière, mais au fil du temps, il est devenu « un des membres d’une équipe formidable ». Bon joueur d’équipe, Chris a accepté sans hésiter d’assumer davantage de responsabilités lorsqu’un collègue a vécu une situation familiale d’urgence. Il a même demandé à sa tante de préparer un gâteau aux pommes selon une recette hongroise et roumaine pour son collègue lorsqu’il a su qu’ils avaient des origines semblables. Reconnu comme une personne fiable, facile d’approche et authentique, Chris est toujours heureux de partager ses vastes connaissances en matière d’exploitation de magasins. « J’essaie toujours de bien comprendre mes collègues et de transmettre un message aussi clair que possible afin que les gens puissent l’intégrer et réussir, affirme Chris. Je traite les autres comme je voudrais être traité moi-même. »
Gabrielle Crôteau
Gabrielle Crôteau
Gabrielle Crôteau
Proudly Serving: Rachelle Béry #8625, Montreal, QC
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
Gabrielle appreciates the culture of innovation at Sobeys and makes it a point to bring that focus to every role she undertakes. “I love interacting with different departments to find new ways of doing things,” she said. “I love interacting with different departments to find new ways of doing things,” she said, adding that she appreciates this culture of innovation at Sobeys. “Gabrielle helps her managers to excel by always taking the time to communicate effectively and share knowledge, always focusing on the positive attributes of each employee,” wrote her supervisor. A manager who leads with humility and respect, she laughed while explaining how surprised she was when she opened a box addressed to her and discovered a letter that read “Congratulations, one of your employees has been nominated as a Value Champion.” Realizing that she was the nominee, she called her supervisor. “I think there has been a mistake,” she said to him with a smile. “I have always done my work because I love working. Knowing that there are people who nominated me for this touches me enormously.”
Andrea D’Andrea
Andrea D’Andrea
Andrea D'Andrea
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4719, Milton, ON
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
Still learning the ropes after a year as bakery manager, Andrea D’Andrea feels it’s part of her job to know her staff, and this caring attitude may have saved an employee’s life. Concerned when a reliable, long-time baker didn’t show up for work, Andrea tried repeatedly to contact her, knowing that the woman lived alone. Andrea then escalated the issue, arranging for a call to the woman’s cousin, her emergency contact. The cousin visited her home and discovered her almost unconscious due to a carbon monoxide leak. “There was something nagging at me that there was something wrong, and I’m so grateful I listened,” said Andrea. “It’s a little overwhelming and I still think about it,” she said, adding that the woman’s cousin later called in tears to thank them on behalf of the entire family. After a few weeks, the baker was fully recovered and back at work. Andrea is inspired by her mother, who was always brave, kind, and compassionate. “The person I always strive to be.”
Erwin Del Rosario
Erwin Del Rosario
Erwin Del Rosario
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #707, Brampton, ON
Position: Meat Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
As the meat manager at his Brampton store, Erwin Del Rosario has worked hard to make his department something to be proud of. “The meat department is always in great shape, and I train my guys to do it the same way I do,” said Erwin. “If I’m off, I know my department will still be in great shape.” He thinks of his department as a family that works together, once organizing a fun basketball game because a team member enjoyed the sport. Erwin, whose hobby is restoring Corvettes, doesn’t just make sure the meat department is perfect, he’s known for doing repairs all over the store. “I see something broken and it bugs me, I’ve got to fix it,” he said. “If something needs to be fixed, everyone knows to go to Erwin first to see if he can solve the problem and nine times out of 10 he can. He does it to save money, and often does this on his own time,” said his manager.
Sarvjit Dhami
Sarvjit Dhami
Sarvjit Dhami
Proudly Serving: Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, Vancouver, BC
Position: Health Care Consultant
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
For Sarvjit Dhami, her 17 years with Sobeys have been about helping others. Through her work with the pharmacy group, she organizes clinic days, health awareness days, and for the last three years, she has taken ownership of injection refresher events, a significant company initiative. These educational events are held annually to refresh pharmacists about the principles of safe vaccine administration. Sarvjit works with a pharmacist to develop the content for this session. She ensures that there is a large local audience at the venue, and she ensures this session is videotaped for posting to the internal portal for all pharmacists to view. “I love finding ways for pharmacy teams to develop professionally and provide better overall health outcomes for patients, not just prescriptions,” said Sarvjit. Working with passion and integrity means continually finding ways to make processes better, and using all available resources to help our pharmacists help our customers, she said. “Whatever I do, I do it with pride.”
Ellie Doggett
Ellie Doggett
Ellie Doggett
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #349, Fredericton, NB
Position: Dietitian
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
For Ellie, being a dietitian means helping people nurture themselves and their families. She runs classes for customers on health and wellness topics and also works one-on-one with customers to educate them on ways to manage their diet to become healthier. Coming from a military family, Ellie loves to give back to the military community; in her four-week Eat Better program for the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, participants were introduced to new products and a recipe demonstration each week. “She is wonderful! She is full of great, realistic advice,” wrote one participant. Ellie has also collaborated with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services to offer a hands-on healthy cooking workshop. Customers raved about the opportunity to learn to cook healthy meals and shop on a budget and the program was repeated thanks to high demand. “Having this resource for Sobeys’ customers is wonderful, and helping them find food that works with their health needs is very rewarding,” said Ellie. “My Sobeys is a place to help healthy communities flourish.”
Jeffrey Downes
Jeffrey Downes
Jeffrey Downes
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8824, Calgary, AB
Position: Produce Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
After more than 36 years in the grocery business, Jeff Downes still says that interacting with customers makes coming to work enjoyable and fun. “Recognizing their needs and making sure they get what they came in for, that’s what we do,” Jeff said. Occasionally, Jeff helps customers with more than finding the best fruit and vegetables. Over the years he has boosted cars for stranded shoppers, and recently he drove a woman home when her backpack was stolen and she had no way to carry her groceries. Another day Jeff witnessed a minor car accident, and the subsequent theft of the same car. He identified the thief a few days later at a nearby train station and called police, who found the vehicle and returned it to its elderly owner. “Jeff is never shy to jump in and help when other departments need him. He has a can do attitude and each and every day makes a difference in the lives of those around him,” wrote his manager.
Geneviève Dugré
Geneviève Dugré
Geneviève Dugré
Proudly Serving: Montreal North Office, QC
Position: Director Operations Rachelle Béry and Corporate Stores
Core Value: Stay Real
A born leader who pulls no punches, Geneviève Dugré has made a name for herself as a driven, results-oriented woman who truly delivers. After seven years as a successful business consultant, she joined the operations team at Sobeys in 2015. She has a natural ability to listen, question, and think about projects strategically, pushing them forward successfully while working collaboratively with her peers. “It is rewarding and enjoyable to work with such people,” wrote her colleague. “Staying real means not hesitating to express your opinions, even if they’re different from the majority,” said Geneviève. “But it’s equally important to be warm and open with others, because it creates an atmosphere of confidence. When we have confidence, we want to do better.” Always happy to give credit to others, her management style allows others to have autonomy to do their best work. “What I love the most about my work is giving latitude to my store managers so that they can succeed in making a difference in each of their stores,” said Geneviève.
Susan Dunkel
Susan Dunkel
Susan Dunkel
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #878, Waterloo, ON
Position: Post Office Clerk
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
When Susan Dunkel started working in 1973, she could purchase a hotdog, fries and a drink for $1, which was just less than her hourly wage. She still loves working at Sobeys, and also spends many hours volunteering in her community. “It’s really my hobby; it’s how I choose to spend my time,” she said. She loves to help at events such as food bank fundraisers and Basketeers, where she and other volunteers collect items to help women’s shelters. Susan now brings her grandchildren along to share her family’s values. Explaining where she gets her drive to help these organizations plus Easter Seals, Kitchener Rangers, Family and Children’s services, KidsPark, Empty Bowls and others, Susan says, “I get it from my Dad; he was a very giving person, and I think I inherited that from him.” For Susan, Proudly Serving Our Communities means giving back to people who aren’t as fortunate, and helping wherever you can. “Every little bit helps,” she said. “I just love doing it.”
Guillaume Durocher
Guillaume Durocher
Guillaume Durocher
Proudly Serving: Montreal North Office, QC
Position: Chief Specialist, Strategy and Innovation, Produce
Core Value: Get It Done With Passion And Integrity
When Guillaume Durocher was just 15 years old, his love affair with fruits and vegetables began. A veteran grocer and co-worker named Norman recognized his talent, delaying his retirement by a year to mentor him. “My passion for running a department, from sourcing the freshest produce, to meeting with suppliers, and interacting with long-term clients, developed over the years thanks to him,” said Guillaume. Combining his passion for fruits and vegetables with his passion for innovation in his work at Sobeys, Guillaume has spearheaded several successful initiatives in Quebec. A new vegan section in Sobeys stores has been a resounding success, in keeping with the new Canada food guide’s recommendation that consumers should eat more vegetable-based proteins. A line of reusable produce bags made of recycled plastic has been so successful it will be introduced nationally. “I am extremely proud of this project,” he said. “We want to attract families to our stores,” said Guillaume. “For me, family is most important, and my Sobeys colleagues are my second family.”
Charmaine Dyke
Charmaine Dyke
Charmaine Dyke
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #604, St. John's, NL
Position: Seafood Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
Charmaine gives credit to her mother for raising her to be the person she is today. Considering the way Charmaine volunteers for various organizations and treats her customers as family, her mother did an excellent job. With 26-years as a Sobeys employee, including 19 as a cashier, Charmaine loves interacting with her customers. “You hope you make a difference,” she said, and on one day last fall she certainly did. Recognizing that a normally happy customer was having a difficult time, she arranged for community support for him, ensuring he had supplies and medication for the upcoming holidays. He returned to the store later to thank her, saying that without Charmaine’s chat with him and arranging help for him, he didn’t know if he would have gotten through that day. “When you do your best for your customer it’s a win-win: you give them great service and you feel great,” said Charmaine. “You make your customers feel that they’re special, like your family is special to you.”
Mouna El Gaied Taboubi
Mouna El Gaied Taboubi
Mouna El Gaied Taboubi
Proudly Serving: Rachelle-Bery #8611, Sainte-Foy, QC
Position: Natural Products Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
“I remember my first interview in 2002” at Sobeys, says Mouna Elgaied Taboubi. “They asked me, what is unacceptable for you? I said, disrespect.” A tenacious, principled, dedicated woman, Mouna had been a nutritionist in Tunisia before immigrating to Canada. While completing additional studies in nutrition at university in Canada, she took a part-time job at Sobeys and never left. “For me, it was another challenge,” she says, one that she says complements her main interest in nutrition. Mouna loves sharing what Rachelle Béry has to offer throughout her community and has become friends with many of her clients. She also loves challenging herself and learning. “Rachelle Béry has been a school for me since 2002,” she says proudly. “I love working with a team that consistently gives me their all,” Mouna says. “At Sobeys, we are a family feeding familes,” she says with a smile, “and I’m living it.”
Scott Emmerton
Scott Emmerton
Scott Emmerton
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #922, Mississauga, ON
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
After a long career in retail, Scott Emmerton says it has been just in the past seven years at Sobeys where he truly found his passion for the industry. “Sobeys respects its employees, and is not afraid to show appreciation for a job well done,” says Scott. As assistant store manager, he’s driven to lead by example, rolling up his sleeves to get the work done. He also understands the importance of recognizing his team’s hard work. This attitude comes from his father, who he admires greAtlanticy. “He is patient, respectful, inspiring and encouraging,” said Scott. “He enjoys life and laughter and encourages others to do the same.” “Scott has the biggest heart and it shows every day,” wrote his manager. “On Scott’s day off, he still calls the store to see if anything needs to be done, and Scott is our Mr. Fix It. If anything is broken anywhere in the store, you will see him walking in with drill in hand.”
Nancy Farina
Nancy Farina
Nancy Farina
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4903, Delta, BC
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
As a cashier for 41 years, Nancy Farina knows her customers very well. “I love the social interaction. I know people by names, I know their families, some are neighbours,” she said. “She has a special knack for making every customer feel like they are one of her “regular’ customers,” wrote a colleague. “Nancy’s interactions with customers are nothing short of remarkable.” Whether she’s reminding a regular customer to buy flowers for his wife on Valentine’s Day or calling a taxi for an elderly customer — and then making sure there’s a chair for them while they wait — she treats everyone with care. “We’re the last person they deal with on their way out, so we make sure they’re smiling when they leave,” she said. Never one to stand idle, Nancy is always organizing, filing, signing, arranging, cleaning, fixing, marketing, thinking and doing. Nancy is integral to the family feeling in the store, planning a holiday lunch for staff and decorating the store with decorations she purchased herself.
Leigh Forbes
Leigh Forbes
Leigh Forbes
Proudly Serving: Sussex, Amherst, Moncton & P.E.I.
Position: HR Business Partner
Core Value: Stay Real
Working as a Sobeys cashier while still in high school, Leigh Forbes likely had no idea how great a role Sobeys would play in her life. Now more than 30 years later, she has moved through the ranks, and now loves her HR role, where she is able to support the managers who have more than 100 employees, and their teams. Her Value Champion nomination was made thanks to her hard work and dedication, exemplified by a situation where she quickly helped manage a situation remotely. Understanding that open, honest and timely communication are vital to a successful outcome, she made sure that both the manager and the employee were happy with their resolution. Impressively, Leigh has been working while undergoing treatment for cancer, and she credits Sobeys for helping her cope. “The support my team has shown me has been stellar. They’re there for me, and I’m there for them,” she said. Her colleagues have been amazed at her tenacity and dedication. “She’s an exceeds expectations’ employee,” wrote her manager.
Donald Graham
Donald Graham
Donald Graham
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4808, Kenora, ON
Position: Meat Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
On his first day on the job, Donald Graham started more than just a life- long career. Along with learning the ropes as a grocery clerk, he became good friends with another new employee and the man who trained them both; he was later a member of each of their wedding parties. Because of his outgoing, friendly nature, it’s not surprising that he is so popular at his Kenora, Ont., store, which sees an influx of seasonal visitors every summer. Even with a busy store full of customers he’s often heard greeting customers by name and asking “what’s for dinner tonight?” Donald is always happy to rise to the challenge when the answer is “my wife said to ask you!” “I want to connect with customers in a personal way,” said Donald. “If I can put a smile on someone’s face, I’ve done my job.” For Donald, Sobeys has been a huge part of his family’s life. “Most of my friends today I met through work over the years,” he said.
Danijela Gveric
Danijela Gveric
Danijela Gveric
Proudly Serving: Mississauga Office, ON
Position: Communications Specialist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Communications professionals are key players in relaying a company’s messages to colleagues, and Danijela has taken that mission to heart since her first day at Sobeys almost four years ago, where she says she felt at home immediately. Danijela earned the praise of management and her clients, who appreciate her positive attitude and strong work ethic, but there’s one event that truly showcases her value to the team. Tasked with organizing a live stream Q&A for one office with a senior executive, Danijela worked with IT to go far beyond the scope of the original plan. With three days notice, she arranged a company-wide streaming event, giving everyone a chance to ask questions and receive immediate feedback face-to-face. “Always doing my best builds up credibility and integrity, and that in turn drives my passion to keep going and keep giving great service,” said Danijela. “It’s how I do things, I jump in with all my effort, all my energy and with my full heart.”
Daniel Harker
Daniel Harker
Daniel Harker
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #849, Fredericton, NB
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Dan Harker comes by his openness to all people honestly: his parents were very community-oriented, and so the idea of placing the customer first was instilled in him from a young age. “The most important part of my job is customers, so it was a very proud moment to be recognized for this award,” said Dan. “My Sobeys is family to me.” “A lot of customers are repeat customers, so we get to know them,” he said. “It’s a downtown store so customers arrive on pedal bikes, skateboards and with walkers. We’ll have dogs tied up outside, we get to know them too.” Dan takes customer requests and comments seriously and tries to improve in all areas of his responsibility at the store. He was recently spotted buying a cookie for a special customer, and he drove home a customer with a walker who fell, to save the customer cab fare. “When he’s transferred, customers follow Dan to any store in the city,” wrote his nominator.
Angela Harris
Angela Harris
Angela Harris
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #320, St. John's, NL
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
Angela Harris is her store’s champion for community engagement, often spearheading donations to charitable organizations such as the food bank. But it was a conversation with her teenage daughter that brought her charitable nature home — literally. When Angela discovered that her daughter’s friend had recently moved across the province for her mom’s cancer treatment, she took the girl under her wing, cutting her lengthy bus commute to school and the hospital and feeding her healthy meals. What the teen wanted most for Christmas was a haircut, so Angela arranged a fun spa day for the girls. “We made their Christmas,” said Angela. Thankfully the mother has been given a clean bill of health and they have moved back home. Angela says her employees are like family. “I grew up at Sobeys; I was 18 when I started. I went there to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “I got married, had my children — every important milestone in my life, I’ve been with Sobeys.”
Jayne Harrower
Jayne Harrower
Jayne Harrower
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #863, London, ON
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
For 21 years, Jayne Harrower’s co- workers have been her extended family. “Co-workers feel like family, there’s always someone to make you laugh,” she said, adding that they see their Sobeys’ customers as part of their community. Some customers who visited as children now take their own children for a cookie club cookie, and she loves when someone comes back to show her a photo of her cake at a family gathering. “You’re making someone’s day, whether it’s a graduation or a welcome to Canada cake, with writing in their home language and English and both flags. It almost makes me cry,” she said. “Customers are at the heart of everything we do, because it’s the people coming in the doors who are taking our products home to feed their families.” Jayne’s Sobeys family supported her during a personal tragedy. “It’s humbling to know that so many people could do that much for one person. It was overwhelming support,” she said. “My Sobeys is my home away from home.”
Lucas Hearn
Lucas Hearn
Lucas Hearn
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #551, Paradise, NL
Position: Courtesy Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
With only a few years under his belt at Sobeys, Lucas Hearn has learned the most important lesson that the customer always comes first. For example, when the weather isn’t good, he makes sure to help customers outside. “It surprises customers, they don’t expect it,” he said. One customer was so appreciative of Lucas voluntarily packing his groceries in his car during a wind storm that he was compelled to write a letter of thanks. “I was trying to figure out how I was going to hold onto the cart so my 19-month-old son didn’t blow away,” he wrote. “It may have been a small gesture to him but it was a great help for me.” What this thankful customer didn’t know is that Lucas was working a 14- hour shift, filling in for a sick co-worker. “I want to be the reason someone smiles or feels good; I approach life with that mindframe,” said Lucas. “It is absolutely important to treat all your customers like family.”
Krystal Horudko
Krystal Horudko
Krystal Horudko
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #870, Charlottetown, PEI
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
As a staff pharmacist, Krystal Horudko’s goal is to have the same close relationship with her patients that her grandmother had with her beloved pharmacist. She wants them to feel valued and confident that she has the best intentions for their care. “I like to give them service they’re not expecting. I like to be the reason people smile,” she said. One patient, who had been struggling with an ailment, was so impressed by the care she received from Krystal that she was compelled to write a letter singing her praises. “I was blown away that for one, she actually remembered me and two, she took the time out of her busy day to call and see how I was feeling and if the medication was working,” wrote Marla. “You need someone in your corner who you can rely on. I try to do that for all my customers,” said Krystal.
Christopher Howald
Christopher Howald
Christopher Howald
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #639, Acton, ON
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
After almost 40 years in the grocery business, Chris Howald still loves interacting with customers, and he loves to exceed their expectations. “There’s nothing better than when they see something they weren’t expecting to find, and they’re very happy about that,” he said. He takes pride in coaching new hires, and loves to see them blossom into good employees who are engaged in their work. He advises everyone to “work hard, have fun, and come to work prepared to enjoy your job.” As a proud supporter of local businesses, Chris can often be found taking day trips with his wife to visit operations at local bakeries and farms with the hopes of finding new suppliers for his store. Community involvement is important at Chris’s Sobeys in Acton, with employees rallying together to support pajama drives, treats for toys, food drives, and a silent auction that raised $2,805 for the local high school. “My Sobeys is the centre of our community and the heart of my family,” said Chris.
Ian Hunter
Ian Hunter
Ian Hunter
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Liquor #5007, Stony Plain, AB
Position: Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
While still a fairly new member of the Sobeys family, Ian Hunter already has loyal customers who appreciate his recommendations and advice. “He has a passion for craft beer, Scotch and a good bottle of wine,” wrote his manager, adding that Ian often brings in personal tasting notes from visits to breweries and distilleries for his colleagues. One customer will always choose a Scotch from his suggestions in the book if Ian isn’t there to guide his purchase. “I enjoy learning about the why’ beer, wine and spirits are created,” said Ian. “They tell a story and being able to pass on that information helps the customer learn as well.” Even though Ian is happy to learn more about his industry to increase sales, his proudest moment at Sobeys concerns a bottle of alcohol he didn’t sell. Seeing a customer struggling with an unwise purchase, he convinced her to put it back and instead gave her the address of a support group. “She is still going,” he said.
Patrick Imbeault
Patrick Imbeault
Patrick Imbeault
Proudly Serving: Québec City RSC, QC
Position: Foreman, Inventory Management
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
For Patrick Imbeault, working as part of a team is the best part of the job at Sobeys, and he takes pride in going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure customers are happy. With his co-workers he loves working to overcome all the little challenges that come up every day. For him, it’s what makes his work exciting and fun. “The members of my team are part of my family,” Patrick said proudly. Whether he’s managing inventory for Sobeys, shooting hoops on the basketball court, scoring the winning goal in an amateur hockey game, or hitting a home run at the baseball diamond, Patrick is full of energy and drive and loves being part of a strong team. Patrick began working for Sobeys 18 years ago as a night inventory coordinator. “It was a very good experience and I learned a lot,” he said. For him, Sobeys is like a big family where he is always learning, always growing, all in the interest of serving other families.
Cheryl Isnor
Cheryl Isnor
Cheryl Isnor
Proudly Serving: Calgary Office, AB
Position: Disability Administrator
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
When Sobeys employees are going through a difficult time, Cheryl Isnor is the person they want in their corner. As the primary contact for anybody taking a disability or medical leave, she contacts each employee to walk them through the process to make a successful claim, and she also ensures everything is in order with their paperwork from their store. “Reaching out to our employees who aren’t well is important,” she said. “They are often scared and may not have been on a claim before, and I want to make sure they have the best experience. When you’re not well and not getting paid, that doesn’t help.” She takes pride in her work, and makes sure that employees are well looked after as part of a team from day one. “The first day is scary, and there’s so much to learn,” said Cheryl. “I tell them that they have come to a company that values their people; it’s part of a community that’s bigger than this office.”
Darcey Johnson
Darcey Johnson
Darcey Johnson
Proudly Serving: Thrifty Foods #9454, Victoria, BC
Position: Assistant Front End Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
A team player who sees her co-workers as family, Darcey Johnson loves teaching, and is happiest when she is able to help colleagues reach their full potential. “I love training someone to do something they’re terrified to learn, and then you see that spark in their eyes when they get it — that’s my proudest moment,” she said, adding that these proud moments keep her positive and putting her best foot forward. Supporting the growth and success of others is why Darcey is successful herself, and why she has the respect of her team. Darcey’s colleagues credit her work ethic and exceptional diplomacy skills when creating a fair and thoughtful schedule for more than 50 people. “Treat everyone fairly,” she said. “We can’t do our job unless everybody is doing theirs.” To foster engagement with customers at the store, Darcey is influential in organizing events such as a children’s Easter egg hunt, and loves to share recipes in Food Shares to inspire interest in trying new grocery items and meals.
Carlie Jones
Carlie Jones
Carlie Jones
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4966, Vancouver, BC
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
Her personal motto is “a small gesture can make a big difference,” and Carlie Jones takes that ideal seriously, volunteering with community organizations such as Aboriginal Day and Pride Parades in Vancouver. With her infectious smile and enthusiasm, Carlie’s passion for giving back shines through when she speaks about her work with Girl Guides. She says that her parents instilled in her the drive to help others as much as possible. “Mentoring Girl Guides is a super cool experience,” she said. “Being a girl at that age is tough, and giving them an outlet where we focus on helping our community together is really rewarding to me.” With many international employees, Carlie sees her Safeway work family as a surrogate for those new Canadians. “For some it’s not just a new job, it’s introducing them to a new country, customs, and how things work.” “My Sobeys is a Safeway and it has been a great place to work, to grow, to develop, and to meet new people,” she said.
André Lalonde
André Lalonde
André Lalonde
Proudly Serving: Montreal North Office, QC
Position: Grocery Specialist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
“Bad days exist so we can better appreciate the good days,” said André Lalonde, who was nominated for a Value Champion award thanks to his positive attitude and willingness to rise to any challenge. Inspired by the perseverance and success of those who have built something from nothing, André goes the extra mile to see that a job is done right. Working on a large, national project for Sobeys, André’s hard work was noticed by his colleagues. “The quick follow- ups, quick fixes, flexibility, support, and dedication Andre has shown are inspiring.” For André, promoting local products is important, because it creates jobs in the community where he lives. “We are a family feeding families, and we are a team that wants to work as a team,” he said. “At Sobeys, we are like a family,” said André. “We’re all together, we work together, so we’re all working toward the same goal. Helping the company succeed motivates us day after day.”
Donna Leaman
Donna Leaman
Donna Leaman
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #855, Mount Pearl, NL
Position: Interim Front End Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
As a self-described “people person,” Sobeys manager Donna Leaman couldn’t have found a better career. “My favourite part of the job is interacting with customers and employees. I guess that’s why I’ve been here for 30 years,” she said. “I thrive on that.” Always proud to serve her community, Donna has been nominated for a Value Champion award three times and she says being involved is a great feeling. She helps her store’s fundraising for charities such as Run for the Cure, Bowling for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and they use their Jeans Day donations for many organizations. Affected by a little girl who had done a lot of fundraising for families of cancer patients before passing away from her own battle with the disease, Donna decided to take up the cause, running the girl’s lemonade stand at the store with her daughter one Friday night after her shift. “There were a lot of tears but it was a really nice experience,” said Donna.
Sylvie Lévesque
Sylvie Lévesque
Sylvie Lévesque
Proudly Serving: IGA Extra #8123, Mascouche, QC
Position: Assistant Seafood Manager
Core Value: Always Place The Customer First
Seafood lovers know that finding a good fishmonger is important, which is why Sylvie Lévesque’s loyal fans have followed her to her IGA outside of Montreal. “Not a week goes by that we don’t have five or six customers tell us about Sylvie’s excellent service,” said her manager. “Sylvie exemplifies of our ideal employee in terms of customer service and sales culture.” For Sylvie, she is not just serving customers, she is serving her neighbours. “My passion for customer service comes from knowing the people of Mascouche really well,” she said. “I’ve been here for 30 years and so I eat local, buy local, everything local.” From helping her customers find the perfect fish to proposing unique and delicious recipe ideas, Sylvie clearly loves what she does. “Customers in Mascouche are like my family,” she said. “They ask me questions, some even call me to prepare things in advance for them. Trusting your fishmonger is the same as trusting your hairdresser.”
Joseph MacDonald
Joseph MacDonald
Joseph MacDonald
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #680, Miramichi, NB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
When Joey MacDonald moved to Miramichi more than 20 years ago, he felt immediately that it was a tight-knit community where people help each other. “In a town of fewer than 18,000 people, you know everybody when you work at Sobeys,” he said. As a store manager, he says his job is to keep a clean, well-stocked store, and talk to customers to find out what Sobeys can do for them. “I love it, that’s why I do it,” he said. Joey knows first hand that Sobeys touches the whole community. Over the years he has watched toddlers in carts grow up to become students, then employees looking for first jobs. When confronted with a terrible tragedy involving four teens on Easter weekend, Joey quickly loaded his truck with water and snacks to bring to local schools, knowing that counsellors would be there to help students cope with their loss. “Thanks Joey for having a huge heart and for just being the caring guy you are,” read his nomination letter.
Véronique Maillet
Véronique Maillet
Véronique Maillet
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #738, Shediac, NB
Position: Supervisor, Dietitian Services
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
For Véronique Maillet, the greatest reward as a health professional is making a difference in peoples’ health and helping them achieve a better version of themselves. To do this, you must first understand the customer’s goals and the goals they want to achieve, she explains. Recently she was able to assist a diabetic customer who was in desperate need of a lifestyle change. Along with a Live Well coach, Véronique taught the woman to read nutrition labels, conducted one-on-one sessions to track her progress, and supplied nutrition resources to kick start her journey back to health. They were so successful that the customer’s doctor postponed previously needed surgery. Véronique says her proudest moment was launching the nutrition program at Sobeys when she was fresh out of school. “I could not wait to start building what is now a successful program across Canada.” Eighteen years later, Véronique is now part of a team of Sobeys dietitians across Canada. “After all these years, it’s still my dream job.”
Cathleen Malley
Cathleen Malley
Cathleen Malley
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #548, Saint John, NB
Position: Administrative Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
When Cathleen and her husband moved to Saint John, they left their extended families and friends behind in Miramichi, N.B. But Cathleen quickly fit in at her new store. In fact, when Cathleen was in the hospital having her second baby, it was her coworkers who looked after her daughter. “More than coworkers, they are my friends, they are my family,” she said. “When we come to work and we’re happy to see each other, that shows in our faces and in our attitude, and customers know we’re happy and it shows in everything we do.” Cathleen also plays a large part in creating that warm family atmosphere in the store. She spearheads many staff engagement activities, often on her own time, as well as events and parties outside of work. She also organizes many charitable and outreach events, from BBQ fundraisers to elementary class visits to visits to a seniors home. “Cathleen truly embodies the value Get it Done with Passion and Integrity,” said her colleagues.
Joel McDonald
Joel McDonald
Joel McDonald
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #292, Newcastle, NB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
When Joel McDonald moved from Moncton to be the manager of the Sobeys in Newcastle, N.B., he quickly got involved in the town’s community. This year the Special Olympics N.B. Winter Games were held in the Miramichi region. On opening day Joel attended the flag raising and then invited coaches and athletes back to the store for welcoming cake and coffee. Joel was available during the event, helping with anything that the committee needed to make the event memorable for all of the athletes. “The new manager at the Newcastle location was amazing and went over the top to help us,” wrote the executive director of the organization. “The employees here are like a family, and we help customers take care of their families. “We’re there when they most need us,” said Joel. “Leading by example means that I always put myself in the other person’s shoes — whether it’s customers or employees — and treat them how I would want to be treated.”
Pauline McNally
Pauline McNally
Pauline McNally
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #709, Brantford, ON
Position: HMR and ALC Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Many Sobeys employees go the extra mile for their customers, and Pauline McNally is no exception. She makes a point of always acknowledging customers, having a quick word or helping someone who needs help filling their order, “because as a customer that’s what I would want,” she said. But one day, Pauline literally went the extra mile to help a customer. After finishing her shift, she realized a man in the parking lot was in trouble. It was a hot day, and his two-year-old daughter had locked the door as he loaded the groceries in the trunk. Panicked and unwilling to leave the car with his child trapped inside, he asked Pauline to drive to his house to pick up the spare key from his wife. They quickly rescued the girl, much to the family’s relief. Pauline says she would always help anybody at any time. “My Sobeys is a family, pure and simple. They’re always there to listen and help. I can truly say I do love my job.”
Jean-François Michaud
Jean-François Michaud
Jean-François Michaud
Proudly Serving: RSC #55, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Coordinator, Inbound
Core Value: Stay Real
Now a part of the Sobeys family for almost 25 years, Jean-François Michaud started in a Sobeys distribution centre before he was quickly promoted to reception coordinator at the Sobeys distribution centre in Rivière-du-loup. He eventually made his way to the automated distribution centre in Terrebonne. He is always cheerful and respectful to his colleagues and the stakeholders he serves every day. “Whether for everyday tasks or so-called extra-special tasks, we can always count on him,” wrote his manager. With a reputation as a genuine, motivating and sincere person who knows how to be diplomatic, his employees appreciate that he will listen to them, give and take constructive feedback, and help them succeed together. Jean-François is proud to have helped Sobeys grow over the years. “I don’t know if I can say this,” he admits, but “it’s as if it were my baby and I have watched it grow.” He loves his Sobeys family and can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Jaclyn Mills
Jaclyn Mills
Jaclyn Mills
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #777, Oakville, ON
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
When Jackee Mills is most successful at her job, she’s creating more work for herself. As Assistant Store Manager, she trains new employees and teaches current employees their new tasks as they are promoted, and it’s what she loves most about her job. “I had no experience when I became a department manager at 18 years old; someone took a chance on me, so when I see others with potential and characteristics of a good leader I like to give them a chance and invest my time in seeing them grow,” said Jackee. “It’s challenging yet rewarding.” Two of Jackee’s trainees have moved on to become assistant managers, and she currently has a young staff with little retail background, and she’s open to the challenge. “Jaclyn is very good at building on people’s strengths and developing areas where she sees room for improvement,” said her manager. “She is dedicated to making sure people who want to succeed in the company have the skills and knowledge to do so.”
Antonio Misale
Antonio Misale
Antonio Misale
Proudly Serving: Mississauga Office, ON
Position: Grocery Replenishment Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
For 15 years, Tony Misale has been working for Sobeys in the replenishment team, and he feels that working honestly and ethically to help others is a big part of his job. As an example, he takes pleasure in going above and beyond to help charities. When a food bank had a fire and lost most of their community donations for the holidays, Tony was instrumental in helping the Stratford, ON, Sobeys store source overstock items for a donation, and managed to rush the shipment so they made it to the families in time. He has also found innovative ways to help charitable partners by using overstock supplies in the warehouses, a win-win situation for the communities and the company. “I think everybody in the replenishment team has the desire to help
it’s our job to help.” Tony appreciates working at Sobeys, saying that he’s trusted to get the job done. “It’s a family, we all look out for each other. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere.”
Donald Mogus
Donald Mogus
Donald Mogus
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4883, Saskatoon, SK
Position: Food Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
After 45 years with Sobeys and Safeway, Don Mogus loves to be part of the community and his face is familiar to many shoppers in Saskatoon. One gentleman recently purchased a bottle of wine for Don and his wife after spotting them having dinner in a restaurant. The gift was a thank you for the chicken wing recipe Don had shared years before, and was a favourite the customer had been making ever since. “If you genuinely care about people, it shows,” said Don. “That’s who I am.” As the store lead for both Occupational Health and Safety and Food Safety, Don is passionate about making the store the best it can be. “You can hear in his voice how passionate he is about ensuring that everyone has a safe work environment,” wrote his colleague. “Always a positive attitude his coaching skills are amazing and I am so proud to say he’s part of our team.” “My motto is to work like I own the place,” said Don.
Graeme Ogilvie
Graeme Ogilvie
Graeme Ogilvie
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #937, Brampton, ON
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Leading by example is on Graeme Ogilvie’s to-do list every day; if you’re looking for him at his Brampton, ON, store, you’ll find him on the floor helping a department that needs him. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do in my store, and my department managers do the same, it’s a trickle-down effect, he said. “When people are successful at their jobs they’re happier, and that’s a win for everyone.” As a part-time grocery clerk 21 years ago, Graeme couldn’t have imagined how much he’d learn about the grocery business with Sobeys, rising through the ranks at stores and travelling Ontario for head office before becoming a store manager. He says as a people person, “customer interactions, and managing and motivating the staff” are what he loves the most about the job, while also succeeding at meeting his store’s targets. Sobeys has also been beneficial for Chris personally; he met his wife through the company, and they now have two children together.
Michael Pirillo
Michael Pirillo
Michael Pirillo
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #899, Paris, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Being honest and real with customers comes naturally to Michael Pirillo, and with his passion for food, he finds it enjoyable to engage with people over products and their shared experiences. One day he saw that a customer had the new Sobeys flatbreads in her order and he commented that they are great for making pizza. The customer was impressed by his personable manner and ability to engage her in conversation while still efficiently processing her order. She wrote in a letter to his manager that “Mike has a courteous demeanour, a gift in building relationships with his customers and making them feel truly special and important.” For Michael, Always Place the Customer First means always catering to a customer’s needs, and paying close attention to detail. “It allows me to engage with them better and it feels more authentic.” “My Sobeys is a second home, a place where I feel like I have another family and feel engaged in the community as a whole,” he said.
David Platt
David Platt
David Platt
Proudly Serving: Sobeys St. John's & Avalon, NL
Position: Director of Operations, Newfoundland
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
David Platt is the type of leader that every organization should have. As Director of Operations, his primary responsibility is to help others advance. “It’s no different than all the people I’ve worked for who took an interest in me and helped me advance my career,” he said. Now a 30-year veteran, David started at Sobeys loading groceries into the trunks of cars when he was 17 years old, and he has worked his way up. “Dave is definitely a great leader. Not only does he lead by example but he chooses to lead from behind and put others in front,” read the nomination letter for his Value Champion award. “He’s always there to lend a hand and his tell, show, do’ approach is one that all employees respect.” For David, Get it Done with Passion and Integrity means treating everyone with the same level of respect that he expects from them. “It humbles me to work for a company that encourages people like Sobeys does,” he said.
Simon Rainville
Simon Rainville
Simon Rainville
Proudly Serving: Montréal North Office, QC
Position: Director of Operations
Core Value: Stay Real
“I’m not empathetic,” Simon Rainville laughs. “I don’t know how we can spin this … People nominated me because I say what I think, so if I say I’m empathetic, it won’t work.” That is Simon in a nutshell — an honest, straight-shooting man of his word. An expert communicator, Simon excels at giving and taking constructive feedback and listening carefully to everyone’s opinions before making major decisions. He says that what he likes best about his work is the relationships with suppliers, retailer and colleagues. “As a team, we can all improve by helping each other,” said Simon. “I have a lot of things to learn from my colleagues, and I hope they can help me, and in that sense I am ready to help them.” “My Sobeys is a big company that celebrates teamwork in a family atmosphere,” said Simon. “We feel like a family because we have so many activities outside of work, someone is always organizing a barbecue or fun activity, it helps us grow together as a team.”
Jordan Richard
Jordan Richard
Jordan Richard
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #783, Moncton, NB
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
Jordan Richard, a self-professed sports guy, believes in leading by example, especially in retail. “I believe the manager should be the hardest worker,” he explained, adding that he doesn’t like to micromanage. “I’m a trainer and developer. I put trust in people to get things done with quality.” His former boss of six years agrees. A week after Jordan was transferred to a new store, he heard that his old bakery department was struggling to keep up, so he went in to help on his day off. His boss and award nominator only found out the next day that Jordan had spent hours whipping the store into shape. He added that Jordan often baked bread in his store on Saturday nights to help his team. “This is really just his nature … in 24 years with Sobeys, I have met some great people who truly care, but have never seen anyone step up in this manner. I can tell you that Jordan inspires me,” he said.
Heather Ross
Heather Ross
Heather Ross
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #548, Saint John, NB
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Interacting with customers is an important part of the job for Heather Ross, and after 28 years she still looks forward to going to work every day. She noticed that a long-time customer hadn’t been in the store for a few months, and when the woman returned, she looked frail. She confided to Heather that she had left her job to care for her husband who was battling cancer, and was later diagnosed with the disease herself. Heather told her to call if she ever needed help, saying “you’ll never be a bother,” and for a few months now, Heather has been using her lunch break to take groceries to the customer. “It’s touching to have that connection with a customer who is now a friend,” she said. “Sobeys cares about the food they’re placing on the shelves,” said Heather. “That’s important to me as a worker and a customer; I’m proud of the products we serve people, that’s the food I serve my family too.”
Michelle Rousson
Michelle Rousson
Michelle Rousson
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4889, Prince Albert, SK
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
As a small town pharmacist, Michelle Rousson knows her patients, and they know her too. People remembered her father who worked for Safeway for many years, and some even remember her grandfather. “It has always been a close-knit family feeling working for Safeway, and there’s a sense of trust,” said Michelle. “My patients know if they come to me for advice on drugs or general health questions, they know I’ll give it 100 per cent. That trust is integral to doing my job as a pharmacist.” That sense of pride in her work served one patient well when he handed over a complicated prescription that didn’t seem right. MIchelle checked with the patient’s medical team, and discovered that the doctor wrote the prescription based on an old patient record. “If she hadn’t caught the error, the consequences could have been severe,” wrote her colleague’s nomination letter. “I grew up in Prince Albert, and it’s my home. Being able to contribute back is important to me,” said Michelle. “My Sobeys is caring.”
Jennifer Schmalz
Jennifer Schmalz
Jennifer Schmalz
Proudly Serving: Dartmouth Office, NS
Position: Business Development Specialist
Core Value: Stay Real
After years of working alone on the road as a sales representative, it’s quite an adjustment to start working in an open- concept office, but Jenn Schmalz is a natural at being part of a team. With experience working with physicians, pharmacies, and offering continuing care, she was able to offer both practical and emotional support to a colleague whose family was suddenly faced with a life-altering situation, and she continues to do so nearly two years later. “She has been a light in a time of darkness,” wrote the woman who Jenn now sees as a surrogate daughter. “She works every day with the most genuine, kind, and positive demeanour. She is motivating, inspirational, and just a phenomenal person.” For Jenn, meeting people is the best part of the job. “I genuinely care about people, and if I say I’ll do something, they can depend on it,” she said. “Being open and warm in my interactions is who I am. I’m transparent, what you see is what you get.”
Nathan Schoenfeldt
Nathan Schoenfeldt
Nathan Schoenfeldt
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #621, Stratford, PE
Position: Chef
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
For Nathan Schoenfeldt, interacting with customers is the best part of the job. He loves working with the Reach Foundation, teaching struggling young adults to cook healthy meals for their families. “Delivering excellent customer service is one of my favourite things to do,” Nathan said. He had the opportunity to put his passion for customers to use when a customer named Claire spotted him in the kitchen. She was creating a cookbook of her mother’s beloved recipes for her siblings and wanted to include a well-worn handwritten recipe that was missing its title and instructions. Nathan said he could help, and asked her to return later that day. When she did, he had decoded the mysterious cake recipe, added suggestions for improvements, and had also baked it for her to sample. “I was almost in tears as the last time this recipe was produced would have been when my mother was well and at home baking,” she wrote in a letter. “We were all thrilled.”
Colleen Seaward
Colleen Seaward
Colleen Seaward
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #725, Halifax, NS
Position: Deli Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
The special request at the deli counter was a lobster sandwich with mayo on two slices of white bread with butter. If that’s what Colleen Seaward’s customer wants, that’s what he gets — especially if he’s 90 and reminds her of her own 87-year-old father with his big blue eyes. “I felt a connection with Fred,” said Colleen. “It was a small request, but we developed a relationship, it has been going on for about four years now.” For Colleen, customers are the best part of the job that she’s had for 33 years. “Make eye contact, make them feel welcome, greet them with a smile, and make sure they have a happy experience and leave satisfied,” she said. With most of her large family living outside of the province, she appreciates her Sobeys family. Her store manager and co-workers wear pink and take photos with pink roses on rare disease day to help her honour a tragic loss. “Having their support makes it very rewarding to work here.”
Stephen Sheridan
Stephen Sheridan
Stephen Sheridan
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8833, Calgary, AB
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
After 43 years at Safeway and Sobeys, Stephen Sheridan will soon retire to focus on doing volunteer work in his community. “I have loved my career at Sobeys, they have taught me to give back,” he said. As the lead of his store’s charitable activities for 25 years, Stephen’s team has raised money for equipment at a Calgary hospital and supports the Green Shirt Day initiative to raise awareness of organ donations. As a recipient of a donated organ he was proud that Sobeys took on the cause. His proudest achievement was the recent Special Olympics drive, which saw his store raise $8,800, making them the top store in Alberta and No. 2 in the country, thanks to some friendly rivalry amongst the stores. Along with charitable work, Stephen loves to give back on a personal level. “My cash register is a place where people come for a smile, to be recognized, and they can confide in me. Treat customers like family or you won’t get that repeat business.”
Kathy Shirley
Kathy Shirley
Kathy Shirley
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #1141, Calgary, AB
Position: Grocery Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
Like many Sobeys employees, Kathy Shirley loves to give back, but recently her way of helping was a lot more personal — and involved. When her friend and co-worker Mylene’s 11-year-old daughter Ica, who had already battled a rare form of liver cancer, was facing another medical emergency, Kathy offered to help in any way; a few weeks later, she said yes to a liver transplant. After a battery of tests, Kathy was in an operating room having a portion of her liver transplanted to Ica. She returned to work following a rocky recovery, and Ica’s tests have been clear and she’s back in school. “It’s really fulfilling seeing her happy and healthy and being a normal kid,” said Kathy. She credits her co-workers for always being so supportive. “They’re the best people; Sobeys is my second home,” she said. This process has renewed her quest to stay real, which to her means to live in the moment, be kind, and never be afraid to laugh or cry.
Michael Short
Michael Short
Michael Short
Servant fièrement : Sobeys nº 7508, Orleans, ON
Poste : Gérant de pharmacie
Valeur fondamentale : Je m’engage dans ma collectivité
Pour Michael Short, la fonction de pharmacien ne se résume pas à travailler derrière un comptoir. En 2017, il a proposé un partenariat entre Sobeys et la section d’Ottawa d’Ambulance Saint-Jean afin de mettre sur pied un programme pour enrayer la crise des opioïdes au Canada. « Michael est l’artisan de l’établissement et du maintien de ce partenariat solide », a écrit son gestionnaire. Sans son initiative, son implication et son ardeur, le programme n’en serait pas là où il est aujourd’hui. Chaque mois, Michael assiste au cours de premiers soins en santé mentale organisé par l’organisme de bienfaisance, où il forme les bénévoles sur la consommation de substances opioïdes, sur la façon de reconnaître les signes de surdose et sur les moyens d’intervention à l’aide d’une trousse d’urgence. À l’heure actuelle, la crise des opioïdes a conduit à plus de 10 000 décès au Canada sur une période de 30 mois, ce qui entraîne des répercussions à tous les échelons socioéconomiques dans les régions rurales et urbaines. « Je crois qu’il est essentiel pour nous d’établir des liens avec nos clients en faisant preuve d’humilité et d’humanité », souligne Michael.
Michael Short
Michael Short
Michael Short
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #7508, Orleans, ON
Position: Pharmacy Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
For Michael Short, being a pharmacist is more than just working behind a counter. In 2017, he proposed a partnership between Sobeys and the Ottawa chapter of St. John Ambulance in an effort to help with the growing opioid epidemic in Canada. “Michael has been an integral part of establishing and maintaining this strong relationship,” wrote his manager. Without Michael’s innovation, engagement and continued passion towards the program it would not be where it is today. Every month Michael attends the Mental Health First Aid course run by the charitable organization, where he educates volunteers about opioid substance use, how to recognize the signs of overdose, and how to respond using an emergency kit. Now at a crisis level, opioids were involved in more than 10,000 deaths in Canada in a 30-month span, impacting people of all socioeconomic levels in rural and urban areas. “I think it is so important for us to connect with our customers by expressing humility and humanity,” said Michael.
Shilpa Sibal
Shilpa Sibal
Shilpa Sibal
Proudly Serving: Vaughan RSC, Vaughan, ON
Position: HR Business Partner
Core Value: Stay Real
With 350 employees from 28 countries who work 24/7, Human Resources at the Vaughan RSC is a busy place. Shilpa Silba loves that “every day is a new day with different challenges that we take on and solve as a team.” In her short time at the Vaughan RSC, she has helped with immigration issues and has become like family to many employees, sharing their happiness when they achieve a milestone at the office or receive exciting news from home. One of her proudest moments is when an employee’s family was finally able to immigrate to Canada after a long wait, and he was so excited to welcome them to their new home. Another man, who saw his family only by Skype for years, had a friend take a video to share when he finally picked up his family at the airport. “It’s hard to not cry, it hits home,” Shilpa said. Shilpa embodies the values of inclusion, respect, collaboration and excellence that we should all aspire to bring into our workplaces.
Joe Sirianni
Joe Sirianni
Joe Sirianni
Proudly Serving: Calgary Office, AB
Position: District Operator
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Energy and enthusiasm radiates from Joe Siranni, a 30-year Sobeys employee who is now a District Operator after years working in stores, most recently as a manager. It was in that role that he befriended a talkative older gentleman who shopped every day. “I knew him for about two years and we talked about everything,” said Joe, adding that the man often shared their conversations with his family. When his daughter informed Joe and his assistant manager that her father had passed away, they took the news hard and later attended his funeral, to the family’s surprise. “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he said. As a manager, Joe understands the importance of a can-do attitude. “I’m loud, enthusiastic and passionate — that’s what I’m about, and it rubs off,” he said. “Teams who connect and build relationships are the key ingredients for creating a welcoming environment in stores,” he said. “Customers see that and feel it, and they start referring to it as my store’.”
Connor Stapleton
Connor Stapleton
Connor Stapleton
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #320, St. John's, NL
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
For Connor Stapleton, Sobeys is his first job, and after five years his store feels like a second home. “When I help somebody it’s almost like helping someone in my family,” he said. “My Sobeys is its own community and is our home, for us and anyone who wants to join.” Putting Always Place the Customer First into practice, Connor went above and beyond to help a customer who was struggling. The woman usually shopped with a helper but this day she was alone and seemed confused when she tried to pay for her groceries. When she started to get upset, Connor paid $15 for her groceries himself. “I’d do it for anybody, that’s how I reacted,” said Connor. “Customers are at the heart of everything at Sobeys,” he said. “If there’s someone who needs help or even looks like they need help but not asking, we help them.” “Newfoundlanders are seen as friendly and open, and so between that and working at Sobeys, it’s like a big family dinner, with everyone chatting.”
Pamela Tanton
Pamela Tanton
Pamela Tanton
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #732, Chatham, ON
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
Nominated for her role in organizing many fundraisers at her southwestern Ontario store, it is obvious that serving the community is important to Pamela Tanton. “The food bank is a big charity for us; we’ve done stuff an ambulance, fire truck and police car events, plus a charity for the children’s hospital in London that was 97 per cent staff driven,” said Pamela. “I come from a big farming family, and my parents instilled in me their good values and the drive to give back to my community. When I got my first job my Dad said You have my name, you represent me,’ and I think of him all the time.” Because she sees her Sobeys coworkers as her extended family, she strives to make sure the 65 people on her team all have a good work-life balance. “I’m personally committed to giving back 100 per cent,” said Pamela, joking that “when I go out of this world, I want to make sure I’m going up, not down.”
Bhudevi Thimmasani
Bhudevi Thimmasani
Bhudevi Thimmasani
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #777, Oakville, ON
Position: Salad Bar Operator
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
For the last five years, the customers who shop at Bhudevi Thimmasani’s Oakville, Ontario, store have been eating a lot healthier, and it’s thanks to her work as a dedicated salad bar operator in the produce section. “I always think about what I would want as a customer: Good presentation and quality, top ingredients, and a neat and clean space,” she said. Her manager says it was tough to justify hiring a full-time employee just for salads, especially since their store’s salad bar wasn’t a big seller. Three years later with Devi in charge, sales have tripled and customers rave about the selection. “My pictures of her counters and displays have been used on Sobeys Facebook pages and by category management to show stores what a salad bar display should look like,” wrote her manager. Pride in her work is a big motivator for Devi. She runs her section expertly, ordering supplies, training new employees, ensuring food safety guidelines are followed, and keeping shrink and labour below budget.
Felipe Patrick Tilos
Felipe Patrick Tilos
Felipe Patrick Tilos
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5191, Calgary, AB
Position: Grocery Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Originally from the Philippines, Felipe Tilos travelled to 28 countries around the world in a previous career before immigrating to Canada in 2012; he visited Calgary during the Stampede and loved the city enough to stay. Sobeys was intended to be a temporary job when he first arrived, but he grew to love the company too, and moved up the ranks quickly, and for good reason. “His enthusiasm and passion are contagious to me and the entire team,” wrote his manager. “Felipe is always smiling, laughing, volunteering to help and he wants to continue to advance in the company.” Known for always jumping in to help and for innovation such as improved shellfish storage, Felipe says “always encourage people to be kind. For my team, I want to build that culture of kindness and customer service.” For Felipe, acting with integrity influences everything he does. “It covers trust, being honest even though nobody is watching, and ensuring people can rely on you to get the job done — without doing it for credit.”
Edon Trevizan
Edon Trevizan
Edon Trevizan
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Urban Fresh #4743, Toronto, ON
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
As an immigrant who came to Canada alone, Edon Trevizan appreciates the family he has at Sobeys, and loves working his way up at a brand new store. “It’s a really nice store, everything new, and a new concept in this area. Everybody is so happy we’re open,” he said. Because he appreciates his new life, he’s very happy to give back. “Edon has organized co-op student placements and even took a course in sign language to communicate with customers,” wrote his manager in his Value Champion nomination letter. Edon has also organized many charitable events including a National Pet Day fundraiser and a Sick Kids raffl e, often on his own time. But it’s the food bank drives that are truly meaningful for him. “I love helping … it’s a really good way to give back to the community, and it’s really close to my heart. I’m from a country where people sometimes struggle for food,” he said. “At Christmas and Thanksgiving we share food with people who don’t have anything.”
Pat Vreeman
Pat Vreeman
Pat Vreeman
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4829, Brandon, MB
Position: Floral Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
If you’re planning to have a wedding or party in Brandon, Manitoba, you want to talk to Pat Vreeman about flowers. For 30 years she has been the go-to florist for people in the know, thanks solely to word of mouth. “In the last year Pat has arranged flowers for 50 weddings, and is on pace to exceed that,” wrote her manager. “She will take any custom floral order on with a passion that exceeds the customer’s expectations and challenges her to explore the latest trends and innovations in floral design.” Helping customers inspires Pat to do her best work, especially as she often meets people in emotional situations. “I have the privilege of being part of peoples’ lives for their greatest joys and sorrows,” she said. For Pat, Sobeys is a place where customers can expect quality, fairness and integrity, and it’s a place where she can learn and grow in her career. “Sobeys is where I can be proud of what I do.”
Murray Westover
Murray Westover
Murray Westover
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8898, Edmonton, AB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
With 40 years experience in 25 stores, Murray Westover knows how to bring a team of employees together. “Treat employees fairly and consistently. Be calm and professional, be a realist. Most important: build respect so that they’ll support you; they tend to follow you that way,” he said, adding that he tells new employees to be themselves, and bring any small issues to your manager. “Small things add up to big things, so I like to have that rapport and have that communication line open,” he said. Recently Murray renovated the coffee room at his busy Edmonton store, turning it into a welcoming space where employees like to gather. The team has bonded over ice cream bars, pizza and BBQs. They have reason to be proud of their store, having recently won an award in their district for the best back room, thanks to painting, repairs, and reorganizing it to be more efficient. “It affected morale in the store, and we’re very proud of that.”
Jillian White
Jillian White
Jillian White
Proudly Serving: Mississauga Office, ON
Position: Senior Application Specialist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
The enthusiasm that Jillian White has for her job is inspiring. She joined Sobeys 23 years ago as a part-time cashier who knew very little about the company, and worked in business before joining the national IT team. She is now a big fan of Sobeys, praising the family atmosphere, the drive to give back to communities, and the quality and freshness of the products. “I love my job, I truly enjoy it,” said Jillian. “I enjoy the people, I love the camaraderie with my colleagues, and I shop our stores for my family; it truly is a family nurturing families” “As a team member she enthusiastically participates in meetings, sharing her expertise and offering feedback and encouragement, suggests ideas for continuous improvement, and follows up to address action items,” wrote her colleague in a nomination letter. “It is inspiring to witness the energy she has exhibited at all hours of the day and her dedication to not only delivering on her initiatives, but delivering exceptionally well.”
Krystle Whiteley
Krystle Whiteley
Krystle Whiteley
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4810, Dryden, ON
Position: Store Operator
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
For Krystle Whiteley, being able to give back to her community is the best part of her role as a store operator. Along with supporting the food bank, she volunteers with elderly residents at a nursing home, providing Christmas gifts and games, puzzles and books. She says her mother is her biggest influence. “She has always been strong, independent, hard working and selfless,” said Krystle. “She has always been my biggest fan and the one who pushes me to keep growing.” Along with community volunteer work and volunteering with her son’s hockey team, Krystle has found a way to help others at her store in Dryden, Ont. She partnered with the local high school to help bring special needs employees into the workforce. “She provides friendly, courteous and helpful customer service on a daily basis to all, both when she is at work and when she is on personal time,” states her nomination letter. “She is a great ambassador for our company in Dryden.”
Ross Wood
Ross Wood
Ross Wood
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #562, Grand Bay-Westfield, NB
Position: Front End Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Ross Wood started his second career at age 65 for a practical reason: he decided it would be more pleasant to do his walking indoors at Sobeys rather than outside during chilly Saint John winters. He quickly warmed up to the role, doing his own tasks so quickly and efficiently that he is able to routinely help others with theirs. “He has brought such passion to his role as front end clerk, and he quickly became a favourite of his peers and management at this store,” stated his colleague’s nomination letter. After 37 years with his previous employer, Ross is happy to work part time, and now enjoys training new employees — if they can keep up with him. “They get me to train the younger kids, because when I’m going there’s dust behind me, that’s the way I’ve always been,” said Ross. “They’ll say I’m tired Mr. Wood,’ but they learn to chip in and do their share.”
Shaun Yantha
Shaun Yantha
Shaun Yantha
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #684, Tantallon, NS
Position: Seafood Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
When Shaun Yantha says his Sobeys is family, he means it. The Seafood Manager has worked for Sobeys for nine years, and says it’s easy and fun to go to work every day because his coworkers are like a second family to him. “You might have small issues but if you take a week off, you feel like you’re behind on the gossip,” he joked. It was his caring attitude that helped him handle a diificult situation with a troubled co-worker going through a mental health crisis at work one weekend. As the manager on duty, Shaun calmed him down and got help, and he now has the man working in the seafood department with him one shift per week. “It’s good we have people to talk to,” he said. “We treat him like family because he is,” said Shaun. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time talking through hard times with my friends. My parents raised me to be kind and respectful to everyone.”
Susan Young
Susan Young
Susan Young
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4856, Winnipeg, MB
Position: Gas Bar Manager & Lead Master Trainer
Core Value: Stay Real
Sometimes change can be difficult for employees. As Lead Master Trainer, Susan Young taught gas bar operators to use the new system that was implemented when Sobeys bought Safeway. This work was soon followed by another round of training when an agreement between Safeway and Shell was inked. “I learned the new system in Calgary and it became routine,” said Susan. “To sell it to the gas bars, I explained it in the best possible light, focusing on the positives.” It was a busy time in the region, with Susan juggling her duties at the gas bar while training more trainers who could implement the new system, and also doing training herself in stores. “They could relate to me because I’m a gas bar operator too,” said Susan. “Susan’s background in training and managing employees made her an ideal candidate to take on the challenging role of learning and teaching a completely new system,” wrote her manager. “Susan knows her stuff and she shares her time and talents willingly.”
Sara Yule
Sara Yule
Sara Yule
Proudly Serving: Lawtons #2569, Lower Sackville, NS
Position: Front Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
As a manager, Sara Yule is the type of boss who inspires loyalty from her employees. She treats other people as well as she wants to be treated. “Always be warm and welcoming, keep confidential information private, and everybody has to be trained well; if it’s not done right it’s on me,” she said. When training employees, she’ll either give them the answer to a question, or ideally ask what they think and let them give her an answer. “I want to empower them to do their best without a lot of direction from me,” she said. “I give them the tools, they just have to use them.” After 32 years with Sobeys, Sara is still proud when former employees come back to thank her for their training. “Take those values with you wherever you go,” she said of her former colleagues. “Sara is amazing at her job,” wrote one employee. “She allowed me to grow as a person, gain confidence, and feel welcomed and comfortable in my workplace.”
