Recognition Roundup May 29, 2014

It’s time for another Recognition Roundup! We've had so much this week- we had to write another blog post!  We have some amazing superstars and we want to make sure they are getting the recognition they deserve.

First, we have Rhonda Brashears. Rhonda is the Assistant Manager at Lapel. She was nominated by her manager Kim Smith.

“My associate manager Rhonda has been pulling doubles since we lost our full time 3^rd shifter. She has pulled all these extra hours while having two deaths in her family in the same weekend. She is one of the most committed associates that I have ever had! Thank you Rhonda for your hard work!”

Rhonda you are most definitely a SUPERSTAR! Thank you for your dedication and all your hard work! You continue to WOW us every single day!

              

Next up we have the Oaklandon Crew and Manager Michelle Garner! They were nominated by Jennifer and Evan Williams who recently participated in Lemonade Day in front of their store to help raise money for the homeless.

“I am writing to thank you for allowing my son Evan to use your Oaklandon Road Store Location for Lemonade Day last weekend. Your manager there, Michelle Garner, was very accommodating to us and your customers were extremely generous. Evan ended up earning $164 in lemonade sales and tips. $64 will go to benefit the homeless families at DaySpring Center. Thanks again! 

Way to WOW our Customers and set a good example for our Community Oaklandon and Michelle!

                

Third, on our roundup list is Tammy Burke the Store Manager at Alexandria. See what one of her CSR’s, Teandra Pritchett had to say about her.

“I could not ask for a better manager. Tammy at Alexandria is my store manager; I have not been employed all that long, under a year. I took up a second job, which will end up being my full time career. I make enough to quit, but the stores' employees, and Tammy most of all, keep me there with no intentions of quitting. She is so very understanding, I feel confident in any problem I have. Above all else, she works with me with this other job, and I still am able to keep my hours. What pulled at me the most, is this current schedule. I work long days at the other job. She tells me she set it up where I had two complete days off both jobs. This may not seem like much, but it's like a very big hug. To know she thought of me means much more to me then she knows. (I know she does this with all of us, never holding grudges or personal issues with us. She is a very rare person/manager, coming from my work experience this far).  Tammy has made my life easier.  I know there are others out there doing great things and are rarely appreciated for their hard work.

 

We could not agree with Teandra more! Thank you so much for your recognition of Tammy and Tammy, thank you for everything you do for your employees, your customers, and for us. You are a SUPERSTAR and you continue to WOW us!

                

Next on this issue of the recognition roundup- we have  Karen Bergstrom- or as most of us call her- KB! KB is our Human Resources Assistant and resident go to person at the Corporate Office. She was nominated by Tracy Fowler.

“I want to recognize KB. She truly is awesome with her continuous training of me. She is always so helpful whenever I need it! I have called on her with last minute needs and she is always right there. Thank you for all you do KB!

KB- You are most definitely a SUPERSTAR! You WOW us every single day! Thank you for always being quick to respond and on the top of your game!

                

Finally on this issue of the recognition roundup we have Store Manager Rich “The Godfather” Girman. Rich is the Store Manager of West 38^th Street. He has been an employee with Rickers since the takeover of the AM/PM market in 2008. He will be retiring at the end of this month. From all of us here at Rickers, Congratulations on your retirement. We will miss you Godfather. Thank you for your years of dedication to Ricker Oil Company. You are SUPERSTAR.

 

If you have a superstar story you would like to submit- please contact Keeli LeVart via email or the HR Ricker Facebook profile.

Weekly Recognition May 27, 2014

It’s time for another Weekly Recognition Roundup!  We have some amazing superstars and we want to make sure they are getting the recognition they deserve.

First, we have Jasmine Brown. Jasmine is the Assistant Manager at the Exit 14 Rickers. She was nominated by Chelsea Call the Store Manager of Exit 14.

“Jasmine Brown has the best customer service I have ever witnessed. She has built a personal relationship with all of our regulars. They love her. People come in just to share what is happening in their life, or sometimes when they are having a bad day because she cheers them up. She is a ray of sunshine. Keep on shining Jasmine.”

We couldn’t agree more! Jasmine you are a SUPERSTAR and you continue to WOW our customers and us! Thank you for everything you do!

 

Next up we have Alexandria Hammock. Alex is the Store Manager at the Applewood store. She was nominated by Keirstien Smith, the Store Manager of the Downtown Store.

“I got my reset on a Tuesday, and then on Wednesday I found out my audit was on Thursday. I called Alex and asked her if she could come to my store and help me organize the product from the reset and she was here within a few minutes. She even stayed 30 minutes late to help me finish up! She is so wonderful! Thank you for going above and beyond your required duties to help out a fellow manager!”

Alex you are a SUPERSTAR! Thank you for going the extra mile and WOW’ing your fellow employees! Keep kicking into high gear!

 

Third, we have Henry Jones. Henry is a CSR at the Exit 14 Rickers. He was nominated by Chelsea Call the Store Manager of Exit 14.

“Henry is a hard worker. He is always willing to help, and does not hesitate when he is asked to do something. I usually have Henry help me with heavy lifting and the jobs that most people wouldn’t care to do. He keeps a smile on his face and a positive attitude the whole time. Henry is very respectful and always asks me about my day or what is going on with school, etc., which is very kind. Henry is a SUPERSTAR and an asset to our team!”

Thanks for being so awesome Henry! Keep up the great work as you continue to WOW us and our customers.

 

If you have a superstar story you would like to submit- please contact Keeli LeVart via email or the HR Ricker Facebook profile.

Name that Superstar- Weekly Recognition Roundup

It’s time for a special edition of the Weekly Recognition Roundup called  “Name that SUPERSTAR”! Please welcome your hostess with the most-est, Keeli LeVart.

Just in case you aren’t sure how “Name that SUPERSTAR” works-we will go over the rules. We will give you clues about a Ricker Oil Company Superstar and the amazing things they do. You just guess who it is!

Ready? Let's go!

SUPERSTARS

1.      This Superstar is in the maintenance department. Every time he goes into a store, the manager has multiple extra items for him to take care of. He always handles the problem with professionalism and grace. When asked if can check something out or repair something he replies with “Yes Ma’am! No Problem!” Can you Name that Superstar?

 

2.      Next we have a CSR superstar that went way beyond by helping covering a shift and making sure the store had all hands on deck. He treated our customers with great respect and was a breath of fresh air. Can you Name that Superstar?

 

3.      This Superstar is a Store Manager. They currently run two stores. This manager was also recently spotted changing the tire of a customer that was having car trouble. Plus they have done this multiple times! Can you Name that Superstar?

 

4.      This Superstar is a CSR. She displayed her ability of awesomeness by going WAY above and beyond to make sure the store is always staffed. One of the third shifters walked out and she took the reins and let that shift know who was boss! Anytime we need her, she is right there. She is kind and willing to help out anyway she can. Can you Name that Superstar?

 

5.      Our fifth superstar of the show is a store manager who was nominated by a store manager. This superstar helped out when another store had been extremely short staffed. She stayed to help after working at her own store till 8PM or 9PM on some occasions. She has helped load the cooler and done anything else I could have asked for. She shows great teamwork and support. Can you Name that Superstar?

 

6.      This Superstar is a store manager. He is a blessing to have at this company. When an assistant manager came down with a case of strep throat, this Superstar was there in a matter of minutes. He got the orders done, the paperwork done, and kept the store in tip top shape. Can you Name That Superstar?

 

 

That wasn’t so hard right? Ready to see how you did? Answers are listed below.

 

ANSWERS

1.      Number one is Jeff Connor! Our Maintenance Superstar! Thank you for continuing to WOW us Jeff! Jeff was nominated by Susan, the Store Manager of St. Joe.

 

2.      It’s Lawrence Call of Park One Subway! Thank you for stepping up and helping out Lawrence! You rocked it! Lawrence was nominated by Cody, the assistant manager of Meadowbrook.

 

 

3.      Someone did guess  Frank Goldman the store manager of 96^th and Aronson and 96^th Street right? Thank you Frank for all you do and for being a good Samaritan in our customers times of car trouble. Frank was nominated by Assistant Manager of 96^th Street Shannon.

 

4.      It’s Betsy Barker of Meadowbrook. Thank you for continuing to kick it into high gear and going the extra mile! Betsy was nominated by Cody, the assistant manager of Meadowbrook.

 

 

5.      Did I hear Crystal Catt? You are correct! Thank you Crystal for all the help you have been given to your nominator-Ashley George of East Street. You are awesome and we appreciate all you do for this company!

 

6.      If you said Lamar Wilson from Ninth Street- you would be correct.  Thank you Lamar for continuing to amaze us with you willingness to help anyone in need! Lamar was nominated by Cody, the assistant manager of Meadowbrook

 

Also we would like to print a correction to last week’s Roundup. We mistakenly left the 116^th Street Store off the list from Jason Klemme's Nomination. Thank you 116^th Street for all that you do! You a team of superstars!   

We would like to thank you for playing this round of “Name that Superstar.” Tune in next time to learn more about the amazing employees our company has. You never know- the next Superstar could be you!

If you have a superstar story you would like to submit- please contact Keeli LeVart via email or the HR Ricker Facebook profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Career Advancement Opportunities as of May 19, 2014

Weekly Recognition Update May 16, 2014

We have some superstar SENSATIONS!

AhhBurritos!, Applewood, Scatterfield, Exit 14, Exit 10, and the Point—From Director of Operations, Jason Klemme: “I would like to give a big shout out to the teams listed above for a phenomenal showing to members or our owner’s Study Group. The stores looked really good, the teams were very attentive, and you could tell the managers took time to ensure perfection within their locations. I am proud of our team and this visit just goes to prove that we truly do have the best family in the industry.  

 

Lindsey Stanley, CSR, Chesterfield—From Store Manager Cindy Brummet: “Lindsey though she saw a customer put a beer in his clothing from across the store. She was watching the way his eyes were shifting to determine if anyone was looking. Lindsey was watching him though the corner of her eye. We reviewed video and determined that he did in fact steal a can of beer. The next time the customer came in I called the police and they proceeded to question him and he confessed. The customer paid for the beer and the police handled the situation. The customer was banned from the store.” GREAT JOB LINDSEY! You are a superstar!

 

Shearl Roundtree and Cindy Powell—From District Manager Tracy Fowler: “These ladies are truly amazing! Every time I call or email the response time is speedy fast and the activity I am is asking for is completed at lightning speed. These ladies are on it and in high gear! YOU ARE BOTH SIMPLY AWESOME! Thank you so much for all your help!” Thanks Shearl and Cindy for WOW’ing with your lighting fast speed and always going the extra mile! You are Superstars!  

 

Jesse Bowling, CSR, Chesterfield — From Store Manager Cindy Brummet: “Jesse worked a second shift and put through a very high customer count and ended with an almost perfect drawer… Did we mention she was by herself that day? She is a CSR Superwoman! Let’s give a big thank you for all her hard work! THANKS JESSE!” You hear her Jesse- you are a SUPER-CSR! Thank you for all the work you put in at Chesterfield!

Remember if you have an amazing story of customer service or a story to share about a fellow employee, let us know! Email Keeli LeVart  or send us a Facebook message.

Fire Rescue House of Madison County Fundraiser

Don't Forget-
Tuesday May 13th is the Fire Rescue House of Madison County's fundraiser at participating Pizza Hut's in Anderson, Pendleton, and Alexandria. The Fundraiser is from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with 40% of the Buffet Price donated back to the Fire Rescue House of Madison County.

Why is this such a good cause? Check out this recent article by Jenny Renbarger. The Pizza Hut flier is also attached.

 

 

Nominations For NACS Scholarship Program Open

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2014-2015 Academic Year.The NACS Scholarship Program is a $3,000 scholarship for costs of undergraduate career education, community college, or college.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be employees that work for a NACS retail member company. (YOU DO!)
• Applicants must continue working for the nominating company throughout the scholarship period.
• Applicant must be enrolled in undergraduate academic study
• Scholarships are one-year awards. Scholarship recipients may re-apply each year, for up to four years, if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
• The scholarships will be applied to tuition expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States. Recipients may transfer from one college to another and retain the award.

To Apply
To apply, individuals must download the application form and complete all parts. A completed application consists of an essay and application form to be filled out by the applicant, as well as a nominator's form to be filled out to by a senior company official. If any of these parts are incomplete or missing, the application will be void from competition. The deadline to submit applications for the 2014 NACS Scholarship is Monday, June 2. Award winners will be notified on or before June 30.

For more information, please visit NACS Scholarship Information page by clicking here.

Weekly Recognition Roundup- May 5, 2014

WOWZER! Our Ricker’s family is doing some impressive things!

Dax Gonzalez, CSR, 151^st Street—From Store Manager Teri Kinder: “A customer came in the store and after walking around in the beer and wine section, came to the register. Dax had been watching him and knew he put a bottle of MD 20/20 in his pocket.  He advised the customer that he needed to put the item in his pocket on the counter and leave because he did not need any more to drink. The customer did so without any problem. Dax kept a cool head and not only saved a loss to the store but did his job and refused to sell to someone who was intoxicated. Great job Dax!” Way to keep your SUPERSTAR eyes on the ball!

  

Tammy Burke, Store Manager & Vickie Keihn, Food Program Lead, Alexandria—From District Manager Tracy Fowler: “Tammy and Vickie were given a challenge to get the pizza sales back up. That is exactly what they have been doing! Thank you for all your hard work! I look forward to seeing the continued growth in our pizza sales! True greatness comes when you are tested and you did a WOW Worthy job! 

 

Lara Paul, CSR, Scatterfield—From Store Manager Jacob Cress: “Lara Paul, who had only been on the job 3 days WoW’ed a customer so much that they brought her a card to say THANK YOU!  There was a young lady, who had not had her license that long, who was on her way to deliver food to the nursing home where she volunteers when she realized she was almost out of gas.  She was not sure how to work our pumps, and Lara (without any prompting) said she would love to help her.  She took the young lady out to the pump, showed her how to use her card, and even pumped her gas for her. Later that evening, the young lady showed back up at the store and dropped off a thank you card for Lara to be left in the office. I think it is awesome that in only three days of working for Ricker’s Lara had already displayed the amazing character that we are looking for at our company!  We are so lucky to have her here at Scatterfield Ricker’s! WAY TO GO LARA!”

 

Keirstien Smith, Store Manager, Downtown—From District Manager Tracy Fowler: “Keirstien was giving a challenge a couple months back and I am very proud to say she is meeting that challenge! I have seen much improvement in her store, employees. Communication and overall positive attitude! There is no doubt Keirstien will rise to any occasion and meet the challenges! Her efforts as a Store are noticed and very much appreciated! I look forward to her success in 2014 and many more years to come! Thank you, Keirstien! You are truly awesome!”

 

Jeff Myers, CSR, Anderson Flex Pool — From Associate Manager Zoraya Peoples: “I just wanted to send you a quick note letting you know that Jeff is absolutely awesome. We would love to have him here anytime. I just cannot say enough about his energy, work, and personality. He is a great choice for a Flex employee.” Way to let your star shine Jeff!

 

Ryan Smith, Maintenance, Corporate Office — From District Manager Mike Runte: I would like to send a great big SHOUT OUT to Ryan Smith of our trusted maintenance department.  I cannot tell you how I continue to be impressed with his prompt attention to E-Tickets for my stores, and his timely follow up to problematic situations.  Ryan also responds to my emails and phone calls in record time, and if the situation is outside of his realm, he is very resourceful in identifying solutions.  I am very fortunate to have Ryan overseeing 8 of my sites- Thank you Ryan for all that you do!

 

 

Applewood and Scatterfield Stores—From District Manager Tracy Fowler: “Applewood and Scatterfield looked amazing!! Everything was so shiny and beautiful! I just want to say Thank you to every Team member in no particular order: Alex, Amanda, Jessica, Teresa, McKenzie, Tricia, Mike, Sharee, Sommer, Jacob, Jeff, Liz, Chris, Tony, Kelby, Misty, Michael, Lara, and Christy! You all are AWESOME and it is truly my pleasure to have you on my team!” Good job keeping your stores Wow-worthy!

  

Remember if you have an amazing story of customer service or a story to share about a fellow employee, let us know! Email Keeli LeVart, leave a comment here, or send us a Facebook message.

 

 

Ways to Help Out Your Local Community

It doesn't matter the season- We love to give back! There are two events coming up and we hope you will come join in the fun!  

First: Fire Rescue House of Madison County

·        When: May 13

·        Time: 5PM to 8PM

·        What: Pizza Hut Endless Buffet

·        40% of buffet price will be donated back to the Fire Rescue House of Madison County. Check out the flyer below for participating locations and pricing. (Locations are all in Madison County).

 

Second: Hoosier Park Racing & Casino Fourth Annual Guns & Hoses First Responder Appreciation Night.  

·         When: June 7

·         Time: Begins at 5PM

·         What: Watch the local Police and Fire Departments compete in a variety of fierce and friendly competition! Check out the flyer below for additional information!