The Honour Roll dates back to 2005 and contains the names of more than 1,000 employees. Clicking on a name will bring up that employee’s profile, where available. You can also search by first name or last name.
Angela Adams
Lisa Adams
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.”
Zain Akhtar
Leslie Allain
Christian Allard
Richard Allardyce
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Mississauga Office, ON
Position: Senior Director HMR
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Richard’s spirit of giving back to the community comes from the heart. “Growing up, my sister had cancer,” says Richard, who spent a majority of his childhood with his family at Ronald McDonald House. When Richard and his team got the opportunity to cook a dinner at Ronald McDonald House, Richard took it one step further. Before the event, he organized a fundraiser with the intention of donating the money to several families. But at the dinner he met a family that reminded him of his own. “They had a daughter who had cancer like my sister’s and she had a brother back home in Newfoundland who they couldn’t afford to fly in,” says Richard. “They needed the money so I gave all of it to them.” The evening was emotional for Richard whose sister passed away just before her fifth birthday. “It was an honour to cook for the families, to see the happiness on their faces,” he says. “It was a phenomenal experience.”
Chelsea Allen
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #7273 Northfield Waterloo, ON
Position: Registered Dietitian
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
For Chelsea, the best part of her job with Sobeys Pharmacy is being in a position to educate customers. “My Sobeys is a classroom,” says Chelsea. “There’s a missing piece in healthcare: teaching people not only what to eat but how to pick out and prepare healthy food. I fill that role.” Chelsea provides nutrition classes that are popular, successful and educational. She also embraced the expansion of her role to include individual consults and was the first member of the Ontario team to reach 10 consults. Reaching even just one Canadian demonstrates how worthwhile the role is, says Chelsea, who talks about one patient in particular who has been coming to class for more than a year. “Her health has improved quite a bit as indicated by cutting in half one of her medications and she’s just feeling better,” says Chelsea. “It’s been really great to watch her transformation.”
Terry Allen
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8919 Canmore, AB
Position: Seafood Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Now that Terry has taken the Seafood Passion Training, the glass on her seafood counter never stays smudge-free for long. “At the end of every shift, I’m wiping off a series of … fingerprints and nose prints,” laughs Terry. “I call it Canmore’s answer to the Vancouver Aquarium.” The Seafood Passion Training has changed the shopping experience for customers. “Things used to be ungarnished, in straight lines,” says Terry. “Now it’s so much more organic and fluid that it’s really generated a lot of excitement and that’s reflected in the sales of the department.” It’s also reflected in the department’s elevated profile, including a brush with Hollywood fame. “I got a call asking if I carry any whole fish. I said Absolutely.’ They said We’ll take them all.'” It turns out the fish were destined for the filming of the blockbuster The Revenant. “I like to say The Academy Award for the best trout goes to Canmore Safeway.'”
Sarah Allen
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #640 Woodstock, ON
Position: File Maintenance*Grocery Clerk
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Sarah runs the Mommy Chain, an online support group for mothers from the Oxford County area where they can share and help each other with difficult life situations. “We help families who have just had a baby, who are going through sickness or who just need extra support,” she says. “I want to make sure that the moms in my community know that I am genuine and that we all need to reach out to one another. It takes on that whole idea of it takes a village to raise your kids.” Sarah collects children’s Halloween costumes all year round and then offers them for free at an exchange party every fall. Not only do kids come in a pick out their costumes, they get a treat provided by Sobeys and the moms get a chance to socialize. As a mother, Sarah works to show her own four children the importance of giving back. “I strive every day to teach them about being kind and loving our community.”
Jay Allen
Kathy Allen
Leanne Allinson
Jarrett Anderson
Starla Andreasson
Stacey Andrews
Sophia Angelis
Sharon Archer
Daniel Arif
Sarah Armstrong
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4719 Milton, ON
Position: Manager Home Meal Replacement and ALC
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Sarah’s motto? Treat everyone as you would like to be treated. According to Sarah’s co-workers, that’s exactly what she does every day. In particular, Sarah has taken it upon herself to assist a customer and her brother, both of whom are visually impaired. “Marie first started coming into our store shortly after we opened,” says Sarah, who eventually learned that the entire family is affected by the same degenerative disease. “It takes some time to serve Marie because I have to describe things and give samples because she always wants to discover something new,” says Sarah, who is determined that Marie knows about all the products, just like other customers. “I am always trying to give her that opportunity to know what we have in the store.” But helping Marie is more than just duty. “I enjoy Marie’s company. She’s an active member of our community and we discuss those things,” says Sarah. “It’s amazing what this woman does and has learned to do since she became blind.”
Tim Arnett
Kyle Arnold
Bev Arsenault
Virginia Arsenault
Nancy Arsenault
Dawn Arsenault
Patti Atkinson
Charlie Auger
Randy Austin
Joseph Avery
Korey Avery
Rick Ayles
John Aylward
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.”
Cyl Bagadiong
Position: Store Manager at Safeway Fort St. John, B.C.
Timothy Baglole
Wendy Bailey
Richard Baker
Cameron Baker
Christopher Ballantyne
Matthew Ballinger
Kwaku Bampo
Proudly Serving: RSC #17, Edmonton, AB
Position: Team Lead Operations Get It Done with
Core Value: Passion and Integrity
Kwaku Bampo who goes by KK is a very dialled-in supervisor. With a lot of different jobs to do during a typical shift at the Edmonton warehouse, the inbound team lead for produce has a reputation for deftly managing the many demands of the workday and doing it with professionalism and respect. KK says keeping tabs on all the elements is one of the most satisfying aspects of his job. “My favourite part is dealing with all the parts that make this inbound process come together dealing with carriers, dealing with receivers, dealing with our forklift operators and understanding what their needs are to get the work done,” says KK, who has been at the warehouse for 11 years. His focus is workplace and food handling safety. “We want to ensure a safe environment so we go home and do it again the next day,” he says. “It’s also important that everything gets into stores safely so our customers can enjoy it on their dinner tables.”
John Baptist
Vivian Barker
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.”
Cynthia Barr
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Calgary Office, AB
Position: Receptionist
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
When you arrive at Sobeys West head office for the first time, you needn’t worry about a thing – Cindy is armed and ready with knowledge, warmth and, yes, even candy. Making people feel comfortable and welcome is simply what Cindy does. “I like to meet people and find out a little something about them,” she says. “I can tell if someone is down or having a bad day and try and turn it around for them. It’s about making that connection.” Cindy, who takes it upon herself to make others feel special, was treated to that feeling herself last year when she won a prize at an awards ceremony. “When my name was called, everyone stood and the whole room was clapping,” says Cindy. “I felt really special. I felt like this is where I really belong.”
Jennifer Barrett
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4926, 100 Mile House, BC
Position: Grocery Clerk
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
When wildfires threatened 100 Mile House and neighbouring communities in June 2017, Jennifer and her family evacuated to Kamloops. Concerned about her co-workers, she did everything she could to stay in contact. When the town asked for access to the store in order to feed more than 300 emergency workers, Jennifer contacted her manager, who was away, and he called his boss. “He said whatever they need in those four walls, give it to them,” recalls Jennifer. Eventually Jennifer was allowed back into town to help so she made the difficult decision to bring her family so they wouldn’t be separated. “I’m driving our family back and ash and sparks are hitting our vehicle,” says an emotional Jennifer. “All these people are caravanning out and … there’s nobody on the road going in.” Jennifer and another team member worked day and night to feed emergency workers and when the danger passed, they prepared the store for their returning neighbours. “I did what I had to do.”
Jennifer Barrett
Paul Barter
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #548, Saint John, NB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
When a customer called Paul Barter to ask how to return some cheese that had turned out to be moldy, the store manager offered even more than a refund for the ruined dinner. He immediately delivered a full meal of pasta, sauce, garlic bread and of course cheese to their home. “We had an opportunity to make it right, so we did,” says Paul. As the manager of his Saint John store for 28 years, Paul takes his core value to heart. “I tell my employees, we’re in the customer service business and we want to be known as the best place to shop in town.” Sobeys is a family affair for Paul, who was hired just shy of his 16th birthday. “You have to think of every customer as your mother, your father, your sister, your brother. If we think that way, we’re going to care for every person who comes through the door.”
Lindsay Barton
Tim Barton
Robert Barton
Christopher Bartucci
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Calgary Office, AB
Position: Director Merchandising & Marketing Community Banner
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Chris has proven himself as a leader many times over but it was during a tragic loss this past spring that he truly stepped up. When a fellow Sobeys employee suddenly became ill and passed away, leaving friends, family and co-workers in shock, Chris worked quietly and mostly behind the scenes to do what needed to be done during that extremely difficult time. “We worked through that together,” says Chris, struggling for words. “There were a lot of people who worked hard during that time.” While Chris is grateful that he was able to help, being rewarded for it makes him uncomfortable and he prefers instead to talk about his friend and co-worker. “Chris Petrie was one of the best on-site trainer merchandising specialists that we had in produce,” Chris says. “He loved what he was doing and people loved him. He was just a good person and had a really kind heart.”
Tamara Basker
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.
Andrew Baxter
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4949 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC
Position: Food Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Andy, who started with Safeway 39 years ago, has worked in 29 stores in communities across British Columbia but it is in Richmond that he arguably made the biggest impact. After a regular customer named Norma failed to show up and fellow employees had tracked her down to a local hospital, Andy stepped in when it was discovered that the customer had been living alone in an apartment that was in terrible shape. “Norma had lived there since 1974 and nothing had been done to the apartment in that length of time.” Andy contacted a friend and local MLA who arranged to replace the flooring throughout the space. He then helped his co-workers with painting, replacing cabinets and generally making it a better place to live. “The staff here are more than willing to help customers in any way that we can do it,” says Andy. “The sense of community is huge.”
Ed Beaton
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
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.
Shawn Beazley
Olivia Beer
Virginia Beer
Ken Befrene
Jennifer Bell
Adam Bell
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
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
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.”
Alain Benoit
JP Benoit
Annie Benoit
Abdelkader Chérif Benrekia
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Distribution Centre, Boucherville, QC
Position: Facilities and Mechanical Supervisor
Core Value: Stay Real
Abdelkader speaks fondly of his parents, who he says sacrificed everything so that he could have a brighter future. With their support, he emigrated from Algeria to Canada, but he soon found himself alone. That is, until he found his second family Sobeys. “For me,” he says, “Sobeys is a family. Over the years I have worked for the company, I can say I have made two or three close friends that have practically become new members of my family.” For Abdelkader, the strength of Sobeys is in its people, who have inspired him and who he seeks to inspire. That’s why, for him, it’s important to treat everyone with respect, to seek out their expertise, and value their opinions something he strives to do every day. “Our unity is our strength,” he says, like any family. “My Sobeys,” he says, “is my second family, a place to transform my dreams into reality.”
Matt Billard
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.
Peter Bing
Valerie Bishop
Cynthia Bishop
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5076 Beaumont, AB
Position: Pharmacy Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
When a customer calmly walked into the pharmacy asking for some Benadryl one day last March, Cynthia struck up a conversation. She quickly discovered that the woman was having an allergic reaction to something she had eaten before coming to the store. “She was having difficulty swallowing the Benedryl but she didn’t want the attention and was telling me she was fine.” But Cynthia suspected otherwise. “It was progressing quickly and I realized I was going to have to do something about this.” Cynthia took the woman to a private area, grabbed an EpiPen from the pharmacy and then administered it. Immediately, the customer began to feel better and by the time the ambulance arrived, she was alert, responsive and in good spirits. “She had been visiting from Prince Edward Island and had walked to the store,” says Cynthia. “I’m very thankful it happened where it did and not on the sidewalk. Who knows what could have happened. It was pretty scary.”
Kathleen Black
Gord Blackburn
Sherman Blades
David Blair
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC Whitby, ON
Position: Director Distribution Services
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
When a customer was missing a large fish order the day before Good Friday, David did what he knew was right: he personally delivered the order to the store. Making sure the order was refrigerated properly, David had it loaded into the back of a pickup truck and drove about an hour and 45 minutes to deliver it to the store. “The seafood manager did not expect that level of service,” says David, who adds, laughing, that he can’t guarantee that level of service all the time. Exceeding customer expectations is nothing new for David’s team. “I am always proud when our team succeeds and meets the challenges that are required,” says David. “It’s not an easy business, it’s dynamic. It takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment and when you succeed, it just makes it that much better.”
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.
Peggy Blanchard
Stephanie Blanchard
Stephanie Blanchard
Kyle Blewitt
Melissa Bohaker
James Boll
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #935 Collingwood, ON
Position: Grocery Clerk
Core Value: Stay Real
Although he is a full-time grocery clerk, Jim also coaches and trains all of the high school and community service co-op students. “My father taught me a great work ethic,” says Jim. Jim takes the co-op students under his wing, gives them his undivided attention and is very patient, making sure they get the most out of their time at Sobeys. “I have always liked helping and working with people,” says Jim. Recently, one of Jim’s co-op students was hired at Sobeys after their placement and another won an award from their school for improvement both academically and personally. Seeing members of his team succeed like that makes Jim proud. “It is very rewarding to know that I have helped someone.”
Ashley Bond
Fatima Borba
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4821, Winnipeg, MB
Position: Customer Service/Cash Office/File/Training
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
If you’re working a shift at Safeway store #4821 in Winnipeg and things aren’t going smoothly, you should hope Fatima Borba is working that day. With a reputation for helpfulness, knowledge of multiple departments and willingness to go the extra mile, she is the one to call when there’s a problem, say colleagues, including one co-worker who was in a frenzy one night when her deposit didn’t add up. “I was panicking because I had no idea what had gone wrong,” she said. “Fatima was a great help and stayed in the cash office with me until we had figured it out.” It’s not surprising that Fatima is a great problem solver as the self-described “den mother” wears many hats at the store, including training, customer service, cashier and working in the cash and file offices. “My favourite part of what I do is the ability to do just more than one thing. It never becomes monotonous for me.”
Gary Bordage
Brenda Bosse
Jackie Botelho
Rochelle Boudreau
John Boudreau
Linda Boudreau
Natasha Boudreau
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.”
Jane Bourcier
Maxime Bourget
Position: Director of Operations from our Montreal office
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.
Audrey Bouthillier-Gaudette
Janice Boutilier
Darlene Boutilier
Richard B. Boutin
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC, Québec City, QC
Position: Truck Driver
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Richard is the kind of employee all employers dream of. For almost 30 years, he has been a truck driver for the Québec division, and he now trains new drivers. He instills in them the values of the company and teaches them safety and best practices, both on the road and in-store. “For me, getting things done with passion and integrity is about embracing modernization, new ways of working, improving current work methods,” he says. However, what truly defines Richard is his pride as a Sobeys employee. He lives for the customer and the customer’s satisfaction, and respect is crucial. “You must care about your work, because you have to work as a team, and to work as a team you have to demonstrate that you love what you do.” “My Sobeys is an employer who deserves my respect and who shows us the same respect towards employees.”
Chris Boyer
Michelle Braaten
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5038, Stonebridge, SK
Position: Wellbeing Counselor
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
As a wellbeing counselor, Michelle is all about bringing the extras to the table. On top of delivering high standards to the department she manages, she takes on extra duties like teaching classes to the public, being the go-to champion for most of the campaigns throughout the year, and loves interacting with the customers about health and wellness. Michelle is inspired to bring extra effort to the job because she works in the first Sobeys Extra in Saskatchewan. “I’ve been blown away with the new concept supporting food, health and wellness and a company willing to provide these initiatives to their customers,” she says. “I’m most proud of our team and how we work together to make these opportunities successful.” She loves working on projects that give back to the community, like cooking at Ronald McDonald House, raising money for the Saskatoon Food Bank, and attending events on the store’s behalf.
Janet Brace
Carol Bragg
Mike Brandt
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.
Scott Broderick
John Brodie
Kathy Brooks
Amanda Brooks
Roger Brooks
Peter Brooks
Noah Brothers
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
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.”
Joan Brown
Randy Brown
Christa Budden
Teresa Bullen
Robert Buonincontro
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Tahoe Office, Mississauga, ON
Position: Database Specialist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
When the Load Planning team needs a hand, they call on Robert Buonincontro, who has a reputation for taking on extra duties. He is credited with jumping in on numerous projects, including the dedicated network splitter, the Canpar shipping initiative, JDA set up and compliance, reporting structure and numerous other huge load planning initiatives. And he does all this on top of his regular daily duties. “I strive to get it done right and on time,” says Robert. “Tell me what you want done and then leave me alone to do it.” Colleagues say he takes pride in his work and it shows. “Robert is a true asset and a great part of the team dynamic,” a co-worker says. Robert says his proudest moment on the job was when he was promoted five years ago from his first position as a loader and “got to show my other skills.”
Helen Burden
Richard Burke
Bob Burke
Michelle Burke
Proudly Serving: Lawtons #173, St. John's, NL
Position: Staff Pharmacist
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Michelle loves to help patients live their healthiest, happiest lives. And when that patient is a regular, the satisfaction is that much greater. “I got a call from a favourite customer. We call him our work poppy because he’s like our grandfather,” says Michelle. The elderly gentleman wasn’t feeling well but wasn’t sure what was going on so Michelle suggested he come to the store to get his blood pressure checked. “When he got here, he said he felt tightness in his chest. Since he had no family to contact, I said I would take him down to the hospital.” Michelle stayed with the customer until he was admitted about 2 a.m. and was told that he needed a pacemaker. Although that experience stands out, proud moments happen every day at the pharmacy, says Michelle. “My Sobeys is a place where I get to do what I love every day.”
Kimberley Burnett
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4721, Stratford, ON
Position: Supervisor*Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
One very hot day, an older customer asked Kim Burnett to call her a taxi. About 20 minutes later, Kim noticed the woman was still waiting outside in the sun, so she got her a drink of water, encouraged her to wait inside and recalled the cab company to check on the arrival of the car. Since then, the very thankful customer seeks Kim out as she clearly appreciated the extra effort taken for her that day. “She’s a sweet, dear lady. We help her out all the time.” For Kim, who has worked at Sobeys for 27 years, customer service is the best part of the job. I think that’s why you stay at a job as long as you do. I’ve always worked retail and I love my customers,” she says. “My customers mean the world to me.” Kim says she has a particular fondness for their older customers. “We’re all going to be seniors someday and they appreciate the help.”
Steve Burns
Raymond Burns
Gregory Bursey
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #590 Long Pond, NL
Position: Pharmacy Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
It’s important to Greg to reflect the values of his industry and of Sobeys. “The first pledge of the pharmacist code of ethics is to hold the health and safety of each client to be of primary concern,” says Greg. “This allows me to create strong relationships with customers and help promote customer loyalty.” Greg demonstrated that belief on one day in particular last year. A Sobeys customer had forgotten to pick up her prescription and when her husband arrived to pick it up, the pharmacy part of the store was already closed. The customer had a bad sinus infection and had to leave the province the next day. Greg was off for the weekend but after store staff texted him for help, he promptly replied back that he would there in 20 minutes. Sure enough, 20 minutes later, Greg came in and opened the pharmacy to give one very grateful customer a much- need prescription.
Ralph Burton
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.”
Bryan Butt
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.
Erin Byrne
Jane Caiger
Brooke Cain
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #871, Truro, NS
Position: Bakery Clerk
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion & Integrity
Brooke Cain started her new job as a bakery clerk lacking in confidence, but within months she hit her stride and never looked back, taking on so many responsibilities that she made herself indispensable within the department. Not only was she an ace at performing her own tasks, including quality control and packaging, she was eager to learn new baking and decorating skills, and was assigned to train new bakery employees. Her supervisor says she really came to the rescue when they were short- staffed. “Without Brooke, I wouldn’t have been able to make any sort of schedule within the department work. Without any actual training on baking, Brooke offered to do the job.” Brooke, who has taken a sabbatical to attend university, admits she was “terrified” her first day on the job, but came to love the position. “It built my confidence to allow me to fulfill my dreams.”
Brad Calver
Ronnie Cameron
Heather Campbell
Randy Campbell
David Campbell
Diane Campbell
Rynea Campbell
Cynthia Campbell
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #929, St. Catharines, ON
Position: Bakery Clerk
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
When Cindy Campbell is faced with adversity, she looks for ways to get over an obstacle while helping others along the way. In 2017, Cindy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but has continued to work and is now fundraising for the cause. “Last year was a very hard year for me,” she says. “But the support of a lot of people at Sobeys and my family is helping me get through it.” The company has since offered her full-time employment, which has done much to bolster her spirits. “I don’t know where this road is going to take me or how long I can work … but they still hired me full time.” Cindy formed team So Be It with family, friends and co-workers to take part in an MS walk, and she was a top fundraiser; a bake sale at the store also raised funds. “It feels amazing to know I have such a great support system both at home and at work.”
Donna Canning
Deborah Cannon
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #681 Kelsey Drive, St. John's, NL
Position: Bakery Clerk
Core Value: Stay Real
It was just before Christmas when Debbie realized that Reg, a regular customer, had not been in to the store for a while. Knowing that he was without family in the province, Debbie set out to find out what had happened. On Christmas Eve, Debbie discovered that Reg had fallen and would be in the hospital for an extended stay. Worried that he was alone, Debbie drove to the hospital, getting there just before visiting hours were over for the night. “As soon as he saw me, he had a huge smile on his face,” says Debbie. “I’ve never seen anyone so glad to see anybody. He talked my ear off for about an hour until the nurses kicked me out.” Once Debbie let everyone at the store know what had happened to Reg, her co-workers sent along his favourite dessert: strawberry shortcake. “It meant a lot to him,” says Debbie. “I felt so glad that I had gone to see him.”
Garron Carmichael
Mike Carson
Reigo Carter
Robert Carter
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #929 Glendale & Merritt, St. Catharine's, ON
Position: Night Shift Leader
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
As a longtime employee of Sobeys, Rob is always willing to tackle whatever is necessary, both within the workplace and outside of it. Not only does Rob care about the store and the condition it’s in, but he also cares about the employees. Recently one of Rob’s co-workers was diagnosed with cancer and Rob’s caring nature made him want to lend a helping hand. Rob drives the co-worker to treatments on his days off and, if necessary, he will work split shifts to be available to drive. With a strong work ethic and willingness to get the job done, Rob does whatever it takes. “Even if we sold worms, I would still work just as hard,” he says.
Shelley Caryn
Graham Caswell
Kirk Caudle
Shannon Chahal
Proudly Serving: Tahoe Office, Mississauga, ON
Position: Brand Specialist
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
When a young boy was swept away in winter floodwaters in Oakville, Shannon Chahal was moved to help. “As a mom of three, I was very impacted,” she says now of her efforts. “This really did affect me and I wanted to do something for the volunteers who were going out in terrible weather.” After contacting two Sobeys Vice Presidents, she began working with Shelburne Foodland to supply food and supplies to the volunteers and she also volunteered her time to help in the search. “They were tired of eating sandwiches, so we provided chili and other warm comfort foods.” Shannon says it gave her a good feeling to be able to represent Sobeys in the effort. “I take pride every day that I come to work, so to be able represent myself as an employee at a great Canadian company that serves our communities… I felt proud.”
Gregory Champion
Lawrence Chan
Cheryl Chapman
Nikoletta Charamis
Doug (Carl) Charette
Stéphane Charron
Proudly Serving: Les Saules IGA Extra, Québec City, QC
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
With a gift for inspiring others to follow his lead, even-tempered store manager Stéphane knows how to remain authentic and draw the best out of his employees. He encourages his employees to take initiatives, and learn from their mistakes. His personal motto is “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” “People need to be in a comfort zone to make decisions,” says Stéphane. “It is what will enable us to forge ahead, to grow. With 130 employees, sometimes, in a store, one cannot be the only one to have the best ideas.” A successful graduate of Sobeys Career Access Program, he always places the human aspect of things at the top of his list and emphasizes the positive, if possible. Work is more enjoyable if you’re having a little fun too: Very expressive in nature, Stéphane loves to tell stories and to inject a dose of humour into the workplace.
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.”
Philip Chen
Miranda Cheung
Fiorella Chiappetta
Fred Chislett
Tim Chislett
Corey Chizick
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC Inkster Blvd., Winnipeg, MB
Position: Lead Team Operations
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Several years ago, Corey took it upon himself to lead the Christmas Cheer Board, a program to help less fortunate families. With the help of co-workers, Corey raises money throughout the year that goes toward creating hampers at Christmastime. “We fill them with lots of food and toys,” says Corey, who personally calls the families a few weeks before Christmas to discover what’s on their children’s wish lists. “It ranges from video games to Winnipeg Jets gear,” he says. “Whatever they want, we try and make sure it happens.” Helping out in this way is very gratifying, says Corey, who credits his father for teaching him core values in life. “I know hard it can be out there to make a living. I just try and do everything I can to make it a good Christmas for them.”
Brenda Chmelnytzki
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.
Miranda Christmas
Heather Christopher
Heather Christopher
Colby Chubbs
Elizabeth Church
Jennifer Ciccodemarco
Louie Cidadao
Nicole Cipolla
Terry Clark
Duane Cleary
Sheri Clement
Julia Clews
Jamie Cobus
James Cochrane
Marc Coderre
Jan Coish
Kelsey Cole
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Calgary Office, AB
Position: Business Coordinator, Alberta
Core Value: Stay Real
Integrity, honesty and understanding is vital to the role Kelsey plays every day as retail support for all the banners in Alberta. “To me, Stay Real is all that you really have,” she says. “If you don’t have your honesty and your integrity and you’re not real to yourself, you can’t be real to anybody else.” Kelsey genuinely cares about people, and her efforts and work ethic have not gone unnoticed. “Kelsey is an amazing leader and we are lucky to have someone with her talents and expertise working with us at Sobeys,” states the nomination letter. Mentoring others is the most rewarding part of Kelsey’s job. “There was a general clerk and I saw so much potential in her,” she says. “I knew she wanted this as a career, I gave her that stepping stone, but I was honest and open about all of my experiences. She’s moving up the ranks now and everytime I look at her I think you can do this because I did this.'”
Donna Cole
Kate Cole-Bowes
Kate Coleman
Michael Colosimo
Jason Coniam
Jennifer Constant
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC Inkster Blvd., Winnipeg, MB
Position: Admin Lead Supervisor
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Jennifer likes to remind her team that the RSC is the first link in the supply chain that leads directly to the customer. “Ultimately, our goal is to please the shoppers in the stores as well as the owners and franchisees, making sure that they get what they order and on time,” says Jennifer. “When one link in that chain is broken, everything just kind of falls apart.” Jennifer’s proudest moment in her career was becoming a supervisor, an accomplishment she credits to the work ethic instilled in her by her two dads whom she describes as hard-working men. “My parents divorced when I was very young and I was raised most of my life by my adopted father,” says Jennifer, her voice breaking with emotion. “He passed away before I could make it to a supervisor. I just think back to how proud he would be.”
Steve Conway
Penny Cooke
Brent Corbett
Carlo Cordi
Andrea Cossette
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #323 Barrington Passage, NS
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Anyone who has spent time on the South Shore of Nova Scotia knows that brown bread is as essential to the weekly grocery order, as are staples like milk and butter. “It’s been a thing here for as long as anyone can remember – you had brown bread and beans on Saturday night,” says bakery manager Andrea Cossette. So when the bread was recently discontinued, Andrea found another way to serve her customers. She and her bakery team developed a recipe that was as good – if not better – than the original and cost about the same. The bread started flying off shelves and is now sold all along the South Shore. Andrea, who has worked for Sobeys for 10 years, says her passion for baking comes from spending hours in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother. “Baking is cathartic for me,” says Andrea. “It is such a pleasant experience. It will always be my happy place.”
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
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. »
« Tous les gestionnaires ne sont pas des leaders et tous les leaders ne sont pas des gestionnaires, mais Chris incarne les deux avec brio, écrit son directeur dans sa lettre de mise en candidature. Il est conscient que le succès du magasin dépend de l’engagement des membres de l’équipe. »
Howie Cotter
Andrea Cottie
Kathleen Coulter
Stéphanie Coursol
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Inventory-Receiving Coordinator
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Success is impossible if one does not work hard each and every day; therefore it is not an objective but rather a consequence of our day-to-day actions. One must understand the “why” and the “how” of things in order to better respond to customers’ needs and to identify potential solutions. This is the mindset with which Stéphanie approached her work and her increasing responsibilities towards customers and her coworkers from year to year, even from her first day on the job. Placing the customer first, according to her, encompasses all other values. It is the primary reason one comes to work each day, and she is proud that her colleagues and customers appreciate her hard work. As a role model, she admires Nellie McClung (1873-1951), who devoted her life to fighting for women’s rights, including the right to vote. “My Sobeys is the place where I have learned the most over the past few years and where I still learn every day.”
Kathleen Couto
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #777 Glen Abbey, Oakville. ON
Position: HMR and ALC Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Kathleen has achieved a lot in the 12 short years she has been with Sobeys. Taking on roles where she can train and lead others is one of Kathleen’s favourite parts of her job. “When I was younger, I did want to be a teacher,” says Kathleen. “Just being here and coaching employees fulfills that aspect of me wanting to be a teacher.” Kathleen stepped up recently to take on the role of Store Process/Admin Clerk on top of her regular duties as HMR Manager, not once shying away from the extra duties by saying it wasn’t her department. “I’ve always been independent,” says Kathleen, who took on the role of Acting Assistant Store Manager for the first time this summer. “I like learning how things work so I can improve myself or help Sobeys as a whole improve.”
Paul Cox
Krista Crawford
Ezio Crimi
Wendy Cripps
Megan Crossman
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.”
Robina Crouchman
James Crozier
Mandy Crozier
Shirley Crump
Carl Cudmore
Carol Cullen
Rick Cunningham
Laura Curle
Kay Currie
Greg Currie
Barbara Curry
Elizabeth Curtis
Darlene Curtis
Ashley Cyr
Joe D’Agostino
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.”
Phil D’Eon
Marie-Pier Dagenais
Kayla Daigle
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #680, Miramichi, NB
Position: Dietitian
Core Value: Stay real
Dietitian Kayla Daigle has a passion for promoting health in the communities she serves, but one group in particular has touched her heart. Kayla has worked very closely with the First Nations community in Esgenoopetitj, and recently offered a popular eight-week prenatal program to 19 participants. “Since the start of the year we really wanted to get in shape. We had the exercise figured out, but had no idea how to eat better,” wrote one expectant mother. “Since starting the nutrition program at the store, we know how to make better choices, we feel better.” The program was so popular that Kayla will offer it again, and she is also planning postnatal sessions. “It’s a really fun, rewarding partnership,” she says. “I really enjoy helping customers take those nutrition recommendations and turn them into useable skills.” She also spreads the healthy lifestyle message on local radio and partners with public health nurses and diabetes organizations.
Kyle Dalcin
Brian Dalfen
Christina Dalton
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #552 Clarenville, NL
Position: Seafood Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
“I try to give each day 100 per cent,” says Christina. “After coffee of course!” Christina shows drive, enthusiasm and pride for her work while striving for excellence every day. She took on the challenge of extra training and, at times, was performing three separate jobs in cut fresh, floral and seafood departments, all the while maintaining a positive work attitude and exceptional customer service. When the seafood department manager had to leave work due to an injury, Christina willingly stepped in where she was needed, working overtime and on weekends while training a new employee. For Christina, the best part of her job is being given the opportunity and freedom to be creative with displays and she finds it rewarding to see her work come to life. “I like to be busy and jump in and help when I can,” says Christina.
Debbie Damario
Maria Damelio
Pam Daniels
Sarita Dankner
Shelby Davis
Kelly Dawson
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #520 Shelburne
Position: Second, Bakery
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Kelly was acting bakery manager heading into a long weekend during barbecue season when the bun roller broke. Knowing how critical buns and rolls are to the bakery business, Kelly took it upon herself to devise a solution. Kelly arranged to have the buns and rolls made at a store in a neighbouring town. To make it all happen, Kelly had to drive back and forth, even on her day off, to package the buns, deliver more mixes and prepare more product. This sort of service, over and above what was expected, meant customers weren’t disappointed and sales were maintained. “I believe you should always take pride in everything that you do,” says Kelly. “I always put in 110 per cent.”
Trish Day
David DeBlois
Paul Decoste
Laura Decoste
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.
Bill Delaney
Frank Delaney
Victoria DeLeon
Philip Deng
Proudly Serving: #40 Rocky View RSC, AB
Position: Team Lead Administration
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
During his career with Sobeys, Philip has distinguished himself as someone who embraces every opportunity that comes his way and ensures he learns far more than is expected of him. Philip was instrumental in getting Rocky View RSC up and running and has worked tirelessly to get his team organized, states his nomination letter. Working hard is second nature to him. “I like challenges. I grew up in a warzone that’s all about challenges,” he says. The ever-changing nature of the job is what keeps things interesting, but the one thing that remains constant is the way he is treated. “We are treated with respect.” Philip, who immigrated to Canada from South Sudan, is grateful that he was given the opportunity to prove himself. “When I came here in 2005, my English wasn’t that good … but they decided to give me a chance. From that moment, I have never thought of leaving. This has become my second home.”
Elaine Dennis
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Liquor #5427, Edmonton, AB
Position: Shift Supervisor
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Elaine Dennis was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years before being encouraged to take a job at the new inner-city liquor store in Edmonton. Turns out she was a perfect fit, bringing high energy, great customer service and compassion to the job. And lots of laughs. “Even if I’m only with a customer for 20 or 30 seconds, I’m going to try to make them smile,” she says. “If you put a smile on someone’s face, they really do appreciate it.” So much so that customers are known to bring her little gifts like homemade jam. She is also known for giving out candy canes at Christmas or chocolates on Valentine’s Day. She is also lauded for her compassion and empathy for those who may be struggling. Coming from a family of caregivers in the medical field, she says it comes naturally to her. “It’s just who I am.”
Nancy Derby
Jill Derouin
Keith Desaulniers
Mark Desjardins
Angela Desloges
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #641 Highland, Kitchener, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Making a connection with her community and her customers is what drives Angela to be the best she can be. “I work in the same city where I was born and raised so it’s literally close to home for me,” says Angela. “I love to get involved with my community so I try to really take an interest in my customers’ lives when they come through my till.” Even more than the day-to-day connections with customers, Angela loves to get involved in special community events. She runs the annual barbecue to raise money for epilepsy, participates in a bowling event to raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and volunteers at the Octoberfest parade in support of the local food bank. Angela is proud to work for a company that emphasizes and recognizes community involvement. “It feels good to work in a job where I can give back to the community every single day,” says Angela.
Kathleen DeVargus
Lynne DeVito
Barbara Dewes
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Edmonton Office, AB
Position: Executive Assistant
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
“I am always willing to help people, assist where I can, and try to make lives better.” says Barb. Barb demonstrated her caring nature during a recent workshop when one of her co-workers suffered an allergic reaction. Initially the co-worker took some Benadryl and tried to continue on with the workshop but when Barb noticed his reaction was becoming quite severe, she insisted on taking him to the hospital where he received treatment. “It was a little more of an ordeal than what he even envisioned,” says Barb. Helping people translates into Barb’s daily job as an executive assistant. “I like organizing schedules and calendars and making people’s lives easier and more efficient so they can focus on the things they need to focus on.” “I’m honoured to be nominated,” says Barb, “but I would hope that anybody would reach out and help somebody in need. To me that’s just common sense.”
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.”
Joëlle Dickey
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Montréal- Nord
Position: Director Digital Strategy and Loyalty
Core Value: Stay Real
Direct, honest, and transparent with her colleagues, Joëlle has great confidence in her employees’ abilities, and respects their expertise. Joëlle is proud to have built a solid and engaged team that always seeks to collaborate, innovate, and focus on achieving the objectives of the corporation. “I believe that Sobeys has always been a company that is very close to its community,” she says. “I think it is beautiful to see, that it is not just about business, but it is also about giving back to others and making sure everyone is okay.” Joëlle is inspired by her mother for her resilience and limitless energy in climbing the career ladder while raising her and her sister alone, and for the Sunday family dinners she prepares religiously. About her work life, she says, “Sobeys is where I spend a lot of time, and when I come to work, I feel a little bit like I am getting together with my family.”
Carol Dickson
Pina DiDomenici
Mena DiFlorio
Heather Dillabough
Shaun Dillon
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #340, St. John’s, NL
Position: Cashier Supervisor
Core Value: Customer-Driven
With patience and kindness, Shaun Dillon saved the day for an elderly customer, and earned a garden tour for his efforts.
Noticing a delay in the express lane, he brought the lady to a quiet register so she wouldn’t be rushed finding her money in her purse. He also helped her carry the groceries home across the road after he spotted her outside struggling with her bags.
“While I was there, she told me her entire life story: about all her kids, where she’s lived, and about her husband who had passed away, and her flowers. And it was an awesome experience,” said Shaun.
“I think it was just the way I was brought up,” he said. “I was always taught to treat people with kindness and sometimes that can sound a little cheesy, but it shouldn’t. It should be an easy thing to treat people with respect.”
Sobeys is Shaun’s first job; he has been working at the store for six years as he completes a degree in sociology and communications.
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.”
Drew Doliver
Tamara Dolliver
Warren Dolstra
Robert Donelle
Kevin Dooley
Samuel Dorais
Proudly Serving: IGA Extra #439, Châteauguay, QC
Position: Assistant Manager (Customer Service)
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Samuel is an early-rising people person. “The future belongs to those who get up early,” he says with his infectious smile. A customer service leader who would move mountains to satisfy his customers, Samuel is a fixture at the IGA Extra in Châteauguay, Quebec. He really takes the time to get to know his customers personally, whether laughing and playing with their kids, or showing genuine concern for what is going on in their lives. Samuel says his father is a role model who is well known in the city of Châteauguay, and he aspires to be like him. “We always win when we are natural with one another,” he says. His goal is to ensure that everyone leaves the store with a smile on their face. Samuel thrives in the team atmosphere at Sobeys, which he says has become like a family to him.
Connie Dorcas
Terri-Lynne Dormer
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Winnipeg Office, MB
Position: Business Coordinator
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Terri-Lynne, who goes by TL, does indeed proudly serve her community. In her former role as manager of the Selkirk Safeway, she has been tireless in her efforts to ensure her store supported all manner of community events, from giving out water bottles at an MS Walk with her staff to organizing a variety of charity fundraisers. “I always connect with people, trying to inspire or make their day brighter I always make the time.” For her efforts, she and her store were bestowed the Selkirk Biz Community Spirit Award. “Proudly serving our communities’ means connecting with the people we’re serving and mirroring our communities that we’re working in,” she says. And for her that means all people, having also championed hiring people with disabilities in partnership with Community Living Selkirk. She has also been in the forefront of organizing events for employees through the Safeway Employees Association. “The best part of my job is interacting with people and helping to make a difference.”
Rémi-Claude Dorval
Proudly Serving: IGA Extra Les Saules #445, Québec City, QC
Position: Butcher
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Rémi-Claude is an employee who brings his passion to his work. A 26-year Sobeys veteran, Rémi-Claude has come a long way from his first stressful days of bagging groceries. He later moved to the meat department, watching the butchers work before deciding to return to school for a diploma in the field and making his personal motto “one day at a time, but above all, think of tomorrow” a reality. Always an innovator, he uses the store’s increasingly popular smokehouse to create exclusive new recipes such as smoked meat, maple chicken, brown sugar bacon and two kinds of ribs that make the store unique. During the holidays or on special occasions, Rémi-Claude sets up a buffet with smoked gourmet products, where he lets his passion for his work shine. “I love my job,” he says. “There are so many memories and good times to remember.”
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.
Tanya Downes
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8903 Aspen Glen Landing, Calgary, AB
Position: Head File Maintenance
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
“I have to be doing something, there is no idle time for me,” says Tanya. Tanya’s motto is to never let an opportunity pass you by and this is true in every aspect of her life. Tanya has been the charity captain for many years and is the SEA Coordinator. She spends hours researching, planning and preparing for events to make them unique, memorable and fun. Tanya makes crafts for the store’s charities, organizes raffles and hot dog sales to raise funds. She encourages colouring contests for kids knowing that they are the shoppers of tomorrow and will remember their pictures being hung in Safeway for everyone to see. Tanya’s sense of giving back comes from the heart. “My grandmother got polio and was in a wheelchair,” says Tanya. “I admire her because she never let being in a wheelchair stop her from doing the things she wanted. I try to be like her.”
Shane DSouza
Katherine Du-Phan
Mathieu Duchesneau
David Dudzic
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.
Meghan Duke
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #551 Paradise, NL
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
This past spring, while Meghan was working, a freak storm slammed her community of Paradise, just outside of St. John’s. Coming out of nowhere, the wind picked up violently and with such force that even stop signs encased in concrete blocks were blown over. Since the ferocity and suddenness took everyone by surprise, shoppers were still heading out to their cars unaware that debris, including shingles from a nearby building, were being whipped across the parking lot. Concerned for their customers’ safety, Meghan and her co-worker Luke Hearn, began accompanying shoppers to their cars in order to personally load the groceries. When the wind became too much for that, Meghan and Luke instructed customers to pull up to the front of the store and remain in their vehicles while they loaded the cars. It was all in a day’s work, says Meghan. “That’s just who I am. I’m always willing to help out people.”
Ruth Dumaresq
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #622 Panavista, Dartmouth, NS
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
“It was very difficult to narrow Ruthie’s awesomeness down to one value,” begins Ruth’s nomination letter. “She takes great pride in her work; this is HER store. She is fiercely protective of it.” Helping others comes naturally to Ruth, who learned to do so from her mother. “She said always be kind, respect others even if you don’t agree with them, let them have their voice,” says Ruth, becoming emotional at the memory. “I’ve followed that throughout my life.” Ruth’s mother passed away in 2003 and Ruth’s husband died in 2015 but their influence over how Ruth lives her life remains strong. “I took a little bit of what they taught me and I use it every day.” Ruth works four days a week and that extra day off is sometimes long. “I get antsy to get back to work,” she says. “I enjoy people. I have a laugh every day or I make somebody laugh. Sometimes people just need somebody to talk to and maybe I need somebody to talk to, too.”
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.”
Gerard Dunn
Darren Dunnett
Heather Dunnett
Paul Durkee
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.”
Steve Dutton
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.”
Robert Easter
Charles Eastman
Kassey Eatman
Blake Edmunds
Robert Edwards
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.”
John El Maasarani
John Emburg
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.”
Erin English
Andrea Eriksson
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8891, Edmonton, AB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
It only took Andrea nine months of working behind a desk in an office to realize it wasn’t the job for her. So she hightailed it back to the grocery business, where she started out as a courtesy clerk and 31 years later is a store manager. She hasn’t looked back since. “You don’t ever have one day that’s the same as the next day,” she says of her passion for the retail world. But it isn’t just her own well-being that Andrea cares about. The manager also puts in tireless volunteer hours as president of the Employees Association for Northern Alberta, organizing eight to 10 events annually, such as the Kid’s Christmas Party, the Employee Christmas Banquet and Night at the Zoo. She is also a Kronos and Labour Champion. “Regardless of the job that I’m given, I do 100 per cent well, actually, 100 to 900 per cent,” she says. “I make sure everything is done to the best of my ability.”
Margaret Estwick
Pat Ethier
Kimberly Eurich
Kenneth Evans
Josh Fairman
Avril Fancy
Shadia Farhat
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #777 Glen Abbey, Oakville, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Getting it done with passion and integrity is Shadia’s calling card. Without being asked, she takes care of tasks like completing morning logs and fully stocking checkout lanes with bags and supplies every day, often before her shift starts and always with a smile. Even when she worked with a broken foot, she refused help to do what’s needed to keep the store’s front end running smoothly. Thanks to her, the Oakville store boasts 100 per cent in food safety scores. Shadia says she is motivated to do a good job because she loves the customers and her co-workers. “I’m proud where I’m working,” says Shadia, who was a nurse in her home country of Kuwait and a former pharmacy technician. “We are treated well.” Although she is being lauded for always performing her job with a smile, she is honoured to be recognized for it. “I appreciate it so much. To me, everything is good.”
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.
Francis Faulkenham
Raymond Faulkner
Carole Feetham
Adam Felker
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Calgary Office, AB
Position: FP&A Analyst II
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
For Adam, there is nothing more satisfying than being able to help colleagues. “You have to be able to explain things to people and break it down in terms that make sense to them,” says Adam. “When people tell me that I’ve achieved that, it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something.” This ability to teach others served Adam well during the recent transition to the new RCS system. In one instance, he dropped everything to patiently walk a retail accountant through the new system during a two-hour phone call. He then followed up to make sure things were running smoothly and sent a follow-up email detailing how to avoid the problem in the future. “I love working for a national company,” says Adam. “It’s nice to talk to people on the other side of the country. There is always something new to investigate and discover, that’s something I enjoy getting to the heart of the matter.”
Marion Feltmate
Richard Fendert
Stacey Ferguson
Suzanne Ferguson
Gina Fetter
Stephen Fewer
Christopher Fillmore
Jenna Fischer
Isobel Fitrion
Margaret Flynn
Diane Follett
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.
Terry Ford
Gordon Ford
Ronald Foster
Linda Fraser
Debbie Fraser
Rick Fraser
Scott Fraser
Clare Fraser
Lindsay Fredericks
Katherine Freeland
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4721 Stratford, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
“See what needs to be done and do it,” says Kathy. This motto is how she approaches her work and any situations that she is faced with. Taking care of the customers is important to Kathy. When she heard that a customer had fainted in the dairy aisle of the store, she quickly took control of the situation. Kathy had another cashier paged, called for medical help, and rushed to help the customer. While the customer regained consciousness, Kathy sat on the floor next to her, keeping her calm, assuring her that help was on the way and staying with the customer until medical help arrived. Kathy was praised for staying level-headed in a stressful situation and making sure the customer would be okay. “I am proud to have been able to help her.” says Kathy. “Customers are the reason we are here.”
Kimberly Freeman
Mike Friesen
Haley Fry
Elizabeth Furtado
Mark Gallagher
Christopher Gallant
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #783, Moncton, NB
Position: Assistant Department Manager, Produce
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Chris’s customers are unequivocal about the impact he has had on their lives. One customer in particular credits Chris’s guidance with helping her lose 60 pounds following gastric bypass surgery. “I was recently asked what tool has been most useful to me in this journey,” the customer wrote. “My response? My Sobeys!” Chris already had a good rapport with the customer before her surgery, so giving her extra help came naturally. “She came in and told me about her surgery and I took out my cellphone, Googled what foods she could and couldn’t eat, and we went from there,” he says. “I took her right around the whole store.” Chris is humbled and proud that the customer took the time to write a glowing letter and says it is within every employee’s abilities to provide exceptional customer service. “Just be yourself,” he says. “Be natural. It’s not just coming in and doing the job. It’s actually wanting to help people.” “I want to make every customer feel welcomed and have the very best shopping experience.”
Rob Ganong
Don Gass
Andrew Gass
Thomas Gate
Colin Gates
Susan Gates
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #586 Cole Harbour, NS
Position: Admin Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Susan is determined and dedicated when it comes to implementing programs, supporting employees, and customer engagement. “I try to go to work with enthusiasm and I try to engage the staff and customers,” says Susan. She is quick to become involved on committees and projects and never hesitates to volunteer for community involvement initiatives, always supporting her co-workers when an extra hand is needed. When the engagement committee decided to create an employee of the month program, Susan took it upon herself to ensure that an employee was chosen and recognized properly every month. “I try to put myself in other people’s shoes,” says Susan. “I remember what it was like to be a cashier on your first day and how scary it is. I try to relate to the customers and the staff.”
Matthew Gauthier
Roland Gautreau
Carolyn Geall
Charlene Geldart
Natalie Gerrlinks
Stephen Gibson
Glenda Gignac
Wade Gilbert
Michelle Gillis-DiLiberatore
Linda Gillissie
Kenny Gordon
Keon Gordon
Crystal Gosse
Connie Gould
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4721, Stratford, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Connie knows that it’s sometimes the little things that make customers feel appreciated and welcome in her store, like the time she introduced shoppers to a new cashier as “regular customers” during a very busy pre-holiday shift. “Wow!,” the impressed customer wrote in an email to the store. “It was so nice to be recognized and noted that we were regulars. We felt special and appreciated!” The customer also noted that not only was Connie making them feel important, but was encouraging that same level of exemplary service to a new colleague. Connie says as a reflection of her upbeat personality, she strives to bring a smile to people’s faces throughout the day. “If you come down my aisle you’re not just going to just get great service, you’re going to have fun and a great conversation. When you come down my line, it’s time to have fun.” And it seems to be a hit. “I have so many repeat customers,” she says.
Catherine (Cat) Gouthro
Mark Gouthro
Carlos Gouveia
Nick Gracan
Joshua 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.
Betty Lou Grant
Chris Gray
Brenda Greeley
Graham Greenlaw
Marilyn Greenman
Rhonda Greenwood
Scott Gregg
George Griffin
Sherry Griffin
Nicole Griffin
Tyrone Griffiths
Brian Grigat
Renato Guerini
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.”
Monica Gyorki
Robert Haire
Julie Hamill
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4808 Kenora, ON
Position: Sales and Service Clerk
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Julie is constantly looking for a way to better her environment and community. She often walks to work and in winter she can be seen pulling a sled piled with things to decorate the store for the monthly theme. In early December she tells the store manager if there is anyone in the community or Sobeys family that is having a hard time making ends meet. She then quietly arranges for items to be collected and made into a care package. Two years ago, Julie put in countless hours making bunny cookies and baskets for 130 people who came to the store for the staff Easter breakfast. “Integrity and enthusiasm are contagious,” Julie says. Julie is proud of her store where customers often come by boat to shop. “My Sobeys is unique because of its location, friendly because of the staff and an interesting place to work because of its diversity.”
Trent Hamilton
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4808 Kenora, ON
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
During his three years in Kenora, Trent has become a pillar of the community and a proud ambassador for Safeway and Sobeys. Trent energetically supports his family, serves his customers and gives back to his community. He serves on the Kinsmen’s executive committee and supports many corporate events, including raising funds for hospital equipment, and coaches his kids’ hockey and baseball teams. “I love when I’m coaching and the parents call me Mr. Safeway,” says Trent. In 2017 Safeway was approached to provide a cake for the grand opening of the Trans Canada Trail. Not only did he provide the cake but also personally delivered treats for the games and water and ice. Trent’s boss says that Sobeys benefits greatly from having a Manager such as Trent in this community store. “He treats the store as if it were his home and the employees within like they are his family. I am so proud to have him in my District family.”
Anne Hamilton
Jennifer Hamm
Charles Hammel
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #535 Prospect St., Fredericton, NB
Position: Cheese Ambassador
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Charles has been his store’s Cheese Ambassador for the past several years, bringing to his customers knowledge about the many products and how to incorporate them into recipes. “Much like wine, there’s far too much information about cheese for any one person to wrap their head around at a customer level,” says Charles. “Acting as a bridge between where customers are and where they want to be, that’s the fundamental goal.” The Cheese Ambassador program is a natural fit for Charles, who came to Sobeys with a professional culinary background. “I’ve always appreciated the craftsmanship of food as opposed to just the aesthetics and flavour experiences.” And what is Charles’ favourite type of cheese? “The one you are offering me,” he says.
Justin Hancharuk
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8879 Manning Crossing, Edmonton, AB
Position: Courtesy Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Justin shows patience and goes above and beyond when he helps his customers. Justin always helps cashiers bag groceries, collects carts, fills baskets, wraps flowers, and helps customers out the door with their purchases. Justin demonstrated his commitment to his job and his values when he helped a gentleman in a wheelchair with his shopping. Justin took the man’s grocery list and took him around the store, helping to find everything on the man’s list. Justin even helped to bag the groceries, ensured they were secured to the wheelchair and escorted the man out the door to make sure nothing fell off. Justin’s manager says that if he could, he would have 10 Justins in his store as this young man is amazing at his job and never stops placing the customer first.
Siobhan Hanley
Elaine Hanlon
Sue Hansen
Will Harel
Proudly Serving: Safeway RSC #37, Winnipeg, MB
Position: Selector
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Will Harel’s motto is “just get it done.” From cleaning, to doing repairs, to helping receive goods, Will is known as a guy who does a job quickly and up to standards as an order selector at the Safeway RSC in Winnipeg. He particularly applies this can-do attitude when it comes to health and safety standards at the small-but- bustling warehouse. In order to keep everyone safe while training new employees, Will came up with the idea of showing them how to use the unfamiliar machinery outside, setting up stacks of wood pallets to mimic trailers.The new hires were then able to practice backing into the pallets, which gave them time to learn the skill without the distraction of regular work going on around them. “We just find it safer to go outside with new employees the first time they’re ever driving a machine,” he says. “They’re scared, so it makes it safer for the new employee and all the employees around.”
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.
Heidi Harley
Sue Harrington
Darlene Harris
Joan Harris
Joanne Harris
Lorrie 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.”
Lorrie Harris
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #639, Acton, ON
Position: Floral Operator
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Late one day a customer was phoning around trying to arrange to have flowers delivered to a funeral that she could not attend due to illness. Calls placed to florists in town did not pan out, that is until they got Lorrie Harris on the line at Sobeys. “Talk about customer service,” the grateful customer wrote in a letter of thanks. “She went out of her way … to find the information and called the funeral home and came up with solutions for me. Thank you Lorrie for helping me in a tight situation!” The florist says it’s what she and her colleagues do every day. “It’s important for me that if somebody needs my help I’m going to do whatever I can to help them,” she says. “The customer is the most important.” Lorrie says you get to know your customers in a smaller community so she’s used to people reaching out for help. “I get a lot of phone calls at home,” she says with a laugh.
Winnie Harrison
Karen Harrison
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.”
Krystene Harvey
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4949 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC
Position: File Maintenance Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
One of Krystene’s favourite parts of her job are the connections she has made during her 38-year career. “I’ve created some really great friendships over the years.” One of those connections is with Norma, an elderly customer who lives alone in the community. When Norma failed to show up recently, Krystene and her co-worker Kelly Sato investigated only to discover that Norma was in hospital with a broken hip. They visited Norma and offered to clean her apartment to make it tidy for when she got home. The apartment, however, was in very bad shape and needed much more than a quick cleaning. Enlisting co-workers Andy Baxter and Kathryn Lachuk, they refurbished the apartment by sourcing cabinets, flooring and gently used furniture, ensuring that Norma had a clean, bright and modern space to come home to. Going way beyond the call of duty is something that her boss, Rahim Valiani, has instilled in her. “He is amazing. He teaches us to be better people.”
William Harvey
Yvonne Hawco
Amy Hawkins
Rob Hayes
David Hayward
Kevin Head
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #551 Paradise, NL
Position: Bakery Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Making kids happy is what Kevin enjoys most about his job. “I get to put smiles on a lot of kids’ faces by providing them with birthday cakes and sweets and giving them that cookie every day they come in.” So when children aren’t able to have a sweet because of dietary restrictions, Kevin takes action and will always find an equally delicious substitute to the cookie. One mother was so impressed when Kevin found chocolate-dipped strawberries for her daughter, she posted this to the store’s Facebook page where it got more than 500 likes and over 50 shares. Kevin also gets involved with his community by building carnival games that non-profit organizations can use to raise money. “Our store means a lot to our community,” says Kevin. “The community never had a supermarket before we came and they are very proud of it and they feel like it’s theirs. When they come in, they feel like they are part of our family.”
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.”
Lucas Hearn
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #551 Paradise, NL
Position: Front End
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
A freak and violent windstorm that swept through his community of Paradise, Newfoundland, changed a normal day into a day Luke won’t soon forget. “There was hardly a gale in the morning but by lunchtime, it was brutal outside,” says Luke, who has worked for Sobeys for just over a year. As the wind began pushing carts across the lots and whipping around debris from the roof of nearby building, Luke and his co-worker Meghan Duke, headed outside to help. “We had to get facemasks because there was rocks flying around,” says Luke. “It was nuts.” The pair began accompanying customers to their cars and when the wind made that too difficult, instructed customers to drive up to the front of the store and wait in their vehicles while they loaded the groceries. It’s in Luke’s nature to quietly step in when someone is struggling. “I’m like my mom in that way,” says Luke. “She’s always helping people.
Marcia Hebb
Paul Heffernan
Brad Henderson
Kelly Henneberry
Norma Hensley
Parsons Herb
Jenna Hickey
Kevin Higdon
John Hillis
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4829 Corral Centre, Brandon, MB
Position: Produce Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
“John meets all core values,” begins John’s nominating letter. From being a community volunteer to being a mentor for new employees, John is the epitome of a Value Champion. A true leader, John’s dedication extends to his staff and department. He empowers others when it comes to decision-making, creating special displays, planning and ordering. As produce manager, John has earned a reputation for responding to customer needs. A few years ago he chased down a customer’s request for organic juicing carrots and continued to bring them in on special order. Recognizing a growing market trend, John’s department now boasts a complete range of speciality organic items. John is very passionate about what he does and ensures customers have an enjoyable shopping experience. Even in a city of 45,000, John is known far and wide and customers frequently stop by just to say hello.
Roxanne Hillyard
Matt Hilman
Daniel Hobin
Penny Hodgson
Joan Hodgson
Linda Hodgson
Penelope Hodgson
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #772 Tacoma Drive, Dartmouth, NS
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Pennie, who has been with Sobeys for almost 40 years and has been nominated for the Value Champion honour three times, has gained a reputation for being someone co- workers can count on. Last winter, during a blizzard that was blanketing the city, Pennie came in on her own time at 10:30p.m. to help out on the front end, which was busy with customers stocking up to weather the storm. Staying until past midnight, Pennie then drove several employees home through the driving snow. Early the next morning, Pennie was one of the first people back at work, calling other co-workers to tell them to stay home and off the roads. When the store closed a few hours later, Pennie again ensured all employees made it home safely. “Working here is the greatest job you could ever have,” says Pennie, emotional at the thought of the past four decades. “It’s just very rewarding.”
Semira Hodzic
Jennifer Hogan
Dave Hogg
Rodney Hood
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #870 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI
Position: Assistant Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Rodney serves his community by volunteering as a coach for hockey and baseball and being involved in curling. But his dedication goes deeper than just showing up for games. On his hockey team last winter there was one young player who didn’t have family coming to watch him at the rink. The boy’s father worked out west and his mom, with two other children, was struggling to get him to practices. “I started driving him to every practice, every game, tied his skates, helped him get his gear on,” says Rodney. “At tournaments he would be with my family and we’d give him snacks and lunch. The young fella really appreciated it and that’s all that matters.” It makes Rodney proud that he is looked upon as a role model. “When you see the kids you coach somewhere outside of the sport and they are happy to see you and come running over to say hello and to give you a high five, it makes you feel good.”
Suzanne Horner
Angela Horsfall
Michelle Horton
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.
Kara Hoskins
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.
Brett Hoyles
Joy Hoyles
Nancy Hudyma
Proudly Serving: #40 Rocky View RSC, AB
Position: Shipping Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Nancy Hudyma loves to “be the reason someone smiles.” From her workplace feedback, it seems she leaves smiles on faces everywhere she goes, both on and off the job. As the “go-to person” on site, Nancy’s duties range from receiving and shipping to transporting and tracking product, and a whole lot in between. One of her most memorable “go-to” moments happened following a major flood that devastated Alberta five years ago. She reached out to the iconic Bragg Creek Trading Post, which was situated on the Elbow River and had been completely “wiped out.” “It was my pleasure to help her restock her store,” she says. It’s that type of interaction that is most important to Nancy, particularly when it comes to her own Sobeys family members. “When one of us is in need, we rally together, we make food, we gather funds, whatever that person might need.”
Eric Hughes
Robin Hughes
Timothy Hughes
Lisa Hughes
Ashlee Hume
Leona Hunt
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.
Harley Hunter
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC #3016 Whitby, ON
Position: Operations Trainer
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Harley always has his Sobeys teammates’ backs, both figuratively and literally. The operations trainer at Sobeys RSC in Whitby watches out for the safety of colleagues who do a lot of the heavy lifting to get product to retail clients quickly. “I noticed that a lot of individuals were placing product above their shoulders, which was going to lead to (more) injuries,” Harley explains. So he has voluntarily monitored the most difficult aisles, showing workers how to lift and position product properly. His mentorship has helped greatly decrease strains and sprains at the retail support centre. Mentoring individuals to become strong, self-confident workers is one of Harley’s favourite duties. “It was definitely rewarding.” He says one of the most important values of working with his Sobeys crew is loyalty. “I consider my training team to be family,” he says, and families “always have to have each other’s backs.”
Mabie Hyndman
Kenneth Illingworth
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.
Matt Innis
David Irish
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.”
Marvin Iverson
Proudly Serving: #40 Rocky View RSC, AB
Position: Team Lead Operations
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Marv was instrumental in the success of Project New Horizon. For many, Marv was the voice of logistics and he became a subject matter expert on a wide variety of processes that needed to take place for each and every move. Marv’s level of understanding on so many details created a “one-stop shop” for many of the business partners. “Doing what you do well is how you get respect,” he says. Having such an opportunity has been a highlight of Marv’s career. “My proudest moment has been getting to work with such talented and dedicated people who strive to make our company the best it can be.” Nominating Marv as a Value Champion enabled his co-workers to thank him for his contributions but Marv is quick to return the compliment. “My Sobeys is a great Canadian company that has treated me well over the years,” says Marv. “Thank you!”
Corinna Ivey
Proudly Serving: Proudly Serving: Safeway #4968, Chilliwack, BC
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Community-Engaged
Corinna Ivey credits her late mother as the biggest influence in her life.
“My mom was an extremely hard worker, and if anybody in the neighbourhood needed anything she was the first person to bring food, give the shirt off her back, anything she could do to help,” said Corinna.
Following in her footsteps, Corinna was quick to help a fellow Sobeys employee whose son went missing. She put up posters, prepared food for search parties, and offered a compassionate shoulder to cry on.
“I just think it’s something you do no matter what, so I was a little shocked to see that I was nominated (for the award),” said Corinna.
As a store manager, Corinna says that Sobeys is “more about the employees and the customers, it’s not just a business,” and works to make sure that her employees and customers feel safe.
“Even from store to store, if somebody needs something all the store managers jump in and help out … it’s a family.”
Tyler Jackson
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #729, Amherst, NS
Position: Front End Clerk
Core Value: Stay Real
When he was being interviewed for a job as a front-end clerk, a manager asked Tyler what he liked to do in his spare time. “I can do anything,” the young man replied. “I just need someone to give me a chance.” His boss decided to be that someone and the decision to hire Tyler, who lives with a disability, is one he has never regretted. Tyler says he’s confident in his abilities and it shows every day at work. “I’m a hard worker and can do anything they want me to do,” adding that he gets his work ethic from his mother, who works three jobs. “Customers come first,” says Tyler, who has worked for Sobeys for 11 years. “Sometimes I make their day and help them out with their groceries to their car.” Tyler says he likes to stay active and his job at the store is a great fit. “I don’t let anything stop me from what I like doing.”
Randall Jacquard
Anuj Jaitly
Casey Jamieson
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #535, Fredericton, NB
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Casey has only worked for Sobeys for a year but already she knows how to deliver exceptional service. Last spring, when an elderly customer fell in the parking lot, Casey and a manager ran outside to assist. They called an ambulance and after the customer was checked out by paramedics, he insisted on getting his groceries. It was a slow night in the store so Casey volunteered to help. “I offered a wheelchair and he declined so I walked around the store with him and chatted, got his groceries, made him coffee and then he went home.” These actions impressed her bosses who wrote that “it would be an understatement to describe Casey’s interaction with the gentleman as kind and patient.” The desire to help others was instilled in Casey by her family. “I get my values from my parents and my grandmother. She is the strongest, smartest person I know. I wouldn’t be who I am without her.”
Stephen Janes
Rita Jardine
Martin Jarman
Bob Jeffries
Mike Jenkins
Alaina Johansen
Linda 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.
Nancy Johnson
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Office Mississauga, ON
Position: Director, Sales Planning
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Nancy’s passion for her job is infectious and her dedication is apparent but most of all, Nancy knows how to connect with people. “Nancy has been with Sobeys for over two decades, and still is our best teacher about how to have fun at work,” states her nomination letter. Ensuring that work is enjoyable is important, says Nancy, who calls her career a series of fortunate events. “Sometimes sharing a laugh helps start a really great conversation,” says Nancy. But make no mistake, Nancy, who has been called a “fierce and effective advocate” knows how to get things done. Highly organized, Nancy often take notes at meetings using four different coloured pens, each with its own purpose. But be sure to admire this dedication to organization from afar. “Should you ever borrow and not return one of her coloured pens,” states the nomination letter, “you’ll definitely experience some of Nancy’s passion.”
Rebecca Johnstone
Marie-Pier Joly
Proudly Serving: Rachelle-Béry Shamrock, Montréal, QC
Position: Grocery & Fruits and Vegetables Specialist
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
“If you don’t tell me about it, I can’t help you improve the situation.” That is the credo by which Marie-Pier lives on a daily basis. In her capacity as liaison with the head office, she knows that communication is critical. Especially in a busy, brand new store, where her dedication to colleagues, the store, and her availability have made her a valuable asset. Marie-Pier doesn’t quit until the job is done and done well. Her nomination letter says that she is always ready to support her colleagues, and she never refuses a challenge. She takes pride in her store’s move towards organic, pesticide-free produce, adding that there are now 120 non-natural ingredients that are prohibited in their stores. She looks up to Michelle Obama as a sincere, authentic female leader and role model.
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.
Kevin Jones
Anthony Joudrey
Clayton Juss
Proudly Serving: Safeway, Alberta
Position: Pharmacist Floater
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Pharmacist Clayton Juss was filling in at a Safeway store in Red Deer when he was called to help a customer who required immediate medical attention. He determined that the customer was in the midst of a drug overdose, so he quickly grabbed a Naloxone kit and administered the medication to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Thanks to Clayton’s quick actions, the customer regained consciousness and was transferred to hospital. “It felt good,” he said of his ability to help the man, who later returned to the store to thank them for saving his life. “In the moment, I didn’t really think about it. I just did it,” he says. “It was nice to know the training and knowledge we have can come into use even when it’s not needed on a daily basis.” He says customer service is a top priority for pharmacists who are often seeing people when they’re not feeling their best. “The betterment of their health is my most pertinent priority.”
Alexa Kane
Trina Kant
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8841 South Centre, Calgary, AB
Position: Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Core Value: Stay Real
The best part of Trina’s job is working with the people around her, many of whom are young assistants just starting out. “I really enjoy it,” she says. “The people are really friendly.” Trina does everything she can to help anyone in need. For instance, when an employee was recently caught in a difficult domestic situation, Trina offered to help. “I could tell she was really struggling,” says Trina, tearing up at the memory. “She needed to get out of where she was but she didn’t have anything.” Trina organized a drive at work to collect household goods. “I just asked people if they had anything in their cupboards that they didn’t need, like dishes and pots and pans or old furniture that they weren’t using any more.” “It just felt like that was the thing I was supposed to do,” says Trina, who adds that the employee is doing better now. “You’ve got to take care of your own.”
Dwayne Keel
Tracey Keeping
Paul Keinick
Adam Kellert
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Edmonton Office, AB
Position: Retail Full Service Specialist
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Adam values the relationships and friendships he has made over the course of his career. “The meat and seafood teams have been very family oriented,” says Adam. One of those friendships was with Christopher Petrie, an IGA produce specialist who passed away suddenly this past spring. “Chris was at the table when I applied for this job and we became friends way back.” When Chris died, Adam helped to organize a celebration of his life, arranging to hold it in the Town Hall at Sobeys offices and contacting Chris’s high school friends to gather old photos to display. Although he is proud to have been chosen as a Value Champion, the honour is very bittersweet. “Chris was loyal, supportive and unselfish,” says Adam. “Passion and integrity described him and he had a work ethic that was unmatched. On the personal side, you couldn’t ask for a better friend. He’d listen as much as he would talk. It was a tough loss.”
Chery Kelly
Jeanine Kendrick
Janet Kennedy
Michelle Kennedy
Donna Kennedy
Alfred Kenney
Robert Kerr
Marilyn King
Joan King
Jeanine Kivimaki (Bond)
Rob Knight
Mikel Knutsson
Janos Kocsis
Joan Kohar
Jim Kosh
David Kowbel
Maria Krilis
Kimberley Kuch
Bobby Kyle
Kathryn Lachuk
Proudly Serving: Safeway #4949 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC
Position: Deli 2nd
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
For Kathryn, assisting customers is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. “We have a lot of regular customers who come in and a lot of seniors. We go out of our way to make sure they get what they need and make sure they are okay.” That dedication was apparent recently when she helped co-workers Krystene Harvey and Kelly Sato refurbish an apartment for an elderly customer. “I asked if they needed any help and they said Norma needed furniture and towels and things,” says Kathryn. “So I put the word out to my family and we were able to get her a couch, towels and linens, bedding, curtains.” Kathryn’s boyfriend and cousin then helped get the items to Norma’s place. “We loaded it up in Surrey and drove to Richmond on my day off to move it in.” Kathryn credits her mother for her sense of compassion. “She taught us to take care of others,” says Kathryn. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
Laura Lafrance
Proudly Serving: IGA Extra #442, Trois-Rivières, QC
Position: Cashier Supervisor
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
She’s still in school where she’s actively involved, but Laura is already passionate about her work. “It is really important to do quality work, to give of myself and to become engaged, … It is really important to be satisfied with what I have accomplished.” Working with customers, helping coworkers, and making a difference in her community are how she defines her core value, and it hasn’t taken long for her passion to be noticed by others. “I truly enjoy working with all the people I interact with here, and admire their devotion to the food business and their work. I also really appreciate that Sobeys truly encourages young people’s success with scholarship programs,” she says. For Laura, her job is much more than a workplace; it is a warm human experience, and what she receives, she gives back. She lives her motto, “be the change you would like to see in the world.”
Malik Lakhani
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.”
Sharon LaMarsh-Biggar
Sheri Lamers
Susan Landry
Janie Lane
Graham Langford
Kevin Langille
Heather Langille
Margaret Langille
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #849, Fredericton, NB
Position: Dietitian
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
With her outgoing and down-to-earth personality, Dietitian Margaret Langille is gaining fans and literally changing lives with her 10-week Diabetes and Weight Management Program, which has been offered three times and has had full attendance each time. “This program was life changing!” wrote one attendee. “Just wanted to let you know that your classes are having a huge impact in my life.” “It’s so rewarding,” Langille says. “Not everyone is willing to change their behaviours. So to have someone come to the class, and come repeatedly, and be very willing to learn… lo and behold they have a positive return on their investment.” She says the accolades are nice, but she’s more thrilled to hear that people are truly getting the messages she imparts in the diabetes management classes. “It means they’re adding to the longevity of their lives,” Langille says. “It’s a dietitian’s dream.”
Mindy Langley
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Stellarton Office, NS
Position: Manager, Finance
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Every morning Mindy comes into the office and she fills the ice bucket, the kettle and makes a pot of coffee. It might be something small but it’s a testament to how she approaches every day. Before the end of a report period, one of Mindy’s co-workers was having a hard time filing their reports. The issues with the file arose right before 5 p.m. and even though it was late, Mindy stayed to help work through the problem and get the reports filed on time. Mindy’s help prevented her co-worker from having to stay at the office really late. “It absolutely had to be done in order to close the period. We did some troubleshooting over the course of a few hours and at the end of the day we were able to get it in on time,” says Mindy. Offering help whenever she can just comes naturally to Mindy. “Why should someone spend hours spinning their wheels on something if they can ask for help and it can get done a lot quicker.”
Stephen Langton
Dominique Lapierre
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC #0055 Terrebonne, QC
Position: Credit/Return Coordinator CA
Core Value: Stay Real
In one of his final journal entries, a famous American hiker named Christopher McCandless wrote that “happiness is only real when shared.” This is Dominique Lapierre’s motto, which she takes to heart in everything she does. Since joining the Sobeys team more than three years ago, Dominique has really connected with her colleagues. From her warm, dynamic, and fun personality to her dedication to her work, she has proven time and again that her word is her bond. She leads by example, is always eager to learn, and is forthright yet diplomatic by nature. Straightforward and personable, Dominique is the embodiment of what it means to truly be yourself and to share your joy in what you do with those around you. “Dominique is an authentic, motivating and sincere person and to work with her every day is a great pleasure!”
Sandra Larsen
Nino Lattanzio
Andrew Laurie
Simon Lawand
James Lays
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.
Wendy LeBlanc
Angela LeBlanc
Margie LeBlanc
Nicole LeBlanc
Darlene LeBlanc
Angelia LeBlanc-Bona
Lincoln Lee
Proudly Serving: Mississauga Office, ON
Position: Pharmacy District Manager
Core Value: People-Powered
The relationship between pharmacists and patients leaves a lasting impression — even after the pharmacist has moved on from the pharmacy.
One former customer kept a business card from Lincoln Lee, and she called for help with a problem. He not only helped her resolve her issue, but also had her prescription filled and dropped it off at her home.
Having worked in pharmacies since he was in high school, Lincoln understands that the front line teams at the 20 stores in his region are the best ambassadors of the Sobeys brand.
“Pharmacists generally are viewed, in a lot of surveys, as one of the most trusted professions,” said Lincoln. “We’re accessible and have time to speak to our patients and customers…it’s important that our pharmacists are well-equipped to handle questions and situations.”
As a manager, Lincoln says supporting and empowering teams is important.
“If I can make it easier for them to do the best job that they can and make sure our customers are satisfied, then I’m going to certainly do that,” he said.
Wayne Lee
Janis Lee
Brenda Lee
Jessica Legacy
Vince Leger
Trina Leger
Heather Leger
David Legge
Bernice Legge
Francine Caissie LeGresley
Richard Leigh
Jayne Lent
Herb LePage
Simon Letendre
Proudly Serving: Sobeys RSC, Terrebonne, QC
Position: Assembler, Warehouse Employee
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
From his first day on the job at Sobeys, where all of his coworkers were welcoming and put him at ease, teamwork has been important to Simon. He was part of a team that worked together to create a new automated centre from scratch, and he’s proud that his employer implemented their ideas, and as a result the new facility was up and running in six months, far ahead of schedule. “This was definitely a wonderful experience from a professional point of view.” Teamwork in the community is also important to him. He is a youth soccer coach for several teams, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and instilling good values and discipline in young people, as his parents did with him. He has also taken courses to improve his coaching techniques and participates in a student-athlete program for fifth and sixth graders, becoming not only a soccer coach, but a life coach for children too. His motto is “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”
Lia Leuzzi
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.”
Marion Lewis
Rhoda Leyte
Xiang (Ashley) Lian
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Pharmacy #7271 Belfield Long Term Care, Windsor, ON
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Stay Real
Ashley is passionate about the well-being of her patients and fellow employees and her attitude and enthusiasm are infectious. “The best part of my job is getting up in the morning and going to the nursing home to do rounds with the physician,” says Ashley, who spends time both at long-term care facilities and at the pharmacy. Ashley is always ready to help co-workers with health-related questions. At a recent event at the Tahoe office in support of World Diabetes Day, an employee approached Ashley with concerns. Ashley helped him complete a CANRisk Questionnaire to identify his risk of diabetes and when the score indicated his risk was high, Ashley tested his blood sugar, which also was high. “I didn’t want to scare him, but I gave him some test strips to take home and I encouraged him to follow up with his family physician,” says Ashley. Being able to help co-workers and patients is very rewarding, says Ashley. “We are their partners in terms of health care.”
Sherrie Lightfoot
Lawrence Limoges
Proudly Serving: Serving: IGA #8357, Farnham, QC
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Community-Engaged
Lawrence Limoges takes pride in his ability to give back to his community.
“For me, it’s important to bring the Sobeys experience to the community and then to my work team,” said Lawrence.
“Over the past year, Lawrence has worked hard to make a difference within the community, even while managing the COVID-19 crisis,” read his nomination letter.
Supporting local food producers by adding their products to the store shelves, he also developed partnerships with organizations in need, including skating and hockey clubs, a seniors’ centre, Chevaliers de Colomb, and local schools.
“Sobeys is like a family,” said Lawrence. “As a family guy myself, it means a lot. It’s working closely with your team to pursue these values, and when you set an example for your team, it’s the customers who benefit and feel welcome in your store.”
“The recognition and appreciation that I am given in my work makes me proud to be part of this great big family,” said Lawrence. “My Sobeys is commitment, solidarity, family and dedication.”
Terrence Linthorne
Doug Little
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8820, Calgary, AB
Position: Produce Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
It was a snowy, -27 C day in January when a man walked into the Calgary Safeway looking shaken and very cold. Doug Little happened to notice him and asked how he was doing. Not so great, the gentleman said, as he’d run his car into a snowbank and it was going to be a seven-hour wait for a tow truck. “I’m just heading for lunch,” Doug said. “Let’s see if we can get that car off the snow.” After punching out, they jumped in his truck and went to dig out the car. The produce manager didn’t think any more of it until the man came back later with a large sign and a thank-you card proclaiming Doug to be “the greatest guy ever.” For his part, Doug says that’s just what he does for people. “It was pretty simple for me, but he obviously appreciated it.”
Yu Chun (Amy) Liu
Shelley Lizun
Jackie Loates
Jackie Loates
Proudly Serving: Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, Tahoe Office, Mississauga, ON
Position: Healthy Care Consultant
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Jackie Loates is known for thinking outside the box, or in one case, inside the bus. She is lauded for coming up with innovative projects to help spread the word about Sobeys and its pharmacy services, including a unique partnership with the Toronto Transit Commission to ride the bus with seniors to chat about various health-care related programs at the store. “We all took our turn getting on the bus with seniors to discussing different topics and services we provide,” she says. “It was a lot of fun to ride along with the seniors and get a feeling for how they view Sobeys.” Loates, who has been in her current role for two years and with Sobeys for 14 years, is also credited for coming up with the Shop Where You Work program, which promotes employee use of the store pharmacy. The initiative has since been adopted in several provinces.
Richard Lockhart
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8909 Saddle Ridge, Calgary, AB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Ric will never forget June 16, 1987. “On my very first day on the job we were robbed at gunpoint and shots were fired,” says Ric. “I knew that day this was the job for me! It would never be the same day twice and it was exciting. And in the 30 years since, I’ve seen it all.” Not only is the job exciting but it is also rewarding, says Ric, who was nominated as a Value Champion for how he treated a customer when her husband died on New Year’s Day. When he learned of the man’s death, Ric went to the family’s home to deliver a care package and to offer his condolences. The gesture meant so much to the customer that she went to the store a week later to thank him. “I never dread going to work,” says Ric. “I really enjoy what I do. I feed off positive customer feedback and seeing employees succeed. That’s my high in life.”
Mark Logan
Liz Lord
Lorraine Lorimer
Leonard Lowe
Shauna Lowe Loftus
Mary Luongo
John Ly
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Office Mississauga, ON
Position: Regional Pharmacy Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
John is known as a fair and effective leader and the key to that is motivating employees. “It takes different ways to motivate different people but once you find that out, it helps,” says John. As Regional Pharmacy Manager, John has excelled at helping his team be the best they can be. “What I like about this role are the daily challenges,” he says. “The ability and autonomy to make a difference and grow the pharmacy business.” John was nominated in part for helping the region achieve growth in prescription counts within eight months of taking over in his new role. The key, he says, is taking care of team members. “You have to engage them and that’s what Sobeys is good at doing.” And what motivates him? “What motivates me is knowing that there’s an opportunity to win,” says John. “Sobeys is a winner and I’m glad to be on the winning team. I want Sobeys to be an innovator and the leading grocer in Canada.”
Douglas Lynch
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #681 Kelsey Drive, St. John's, NL
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
Doug’s advice to new employees is straightforward: “Have fun, that’s the most important thing,” he says. “It’s a people business. That’s what we do.” His proudest moment over the course of his 40-year career was becoming a store manager and it’s a role Doug still enjoys. “It’s a hands on position and you get to interact with great people every day and make a difference,” says Doug. He was nominated as a Value Champion for taking care of his staff and customers and for being approachable and patient with junior employees. “Doug is very passionate about the customer’s shopping experience,” states the nominating letter. “He is a real leader and wants to see each employee reach their potential.” That he was nominated by his department managers makes becoming a Value Champion even more special, says Doug. “What a huge honour it is.”
Gus Lynch
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #320, St. John's, NL
Position: Grocery Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
One day, during the busy week before Christmas, an elderly customer came into the store. There was a snowstorm on the way and the customer was gathering the ingredients for her holiday baking. She asked for Gus’s help finding a special type of flour but it wasn’t in stock. Later that day, Gus and his co-workers were restocking displays. “We took out a pallet of stock and in the middle was that bale of flour,” says Gus. “I felt really bad because I knew how important her baking was.” Since she was a regular, Gus was able to find her number and call her but the customer didn’t feel comfortable coming back out in the snow. That didn’t stop Gus, who dropped it off on his way home from work. “I just thought it was the right thing to do,” says Gus. “It’s just the way we work.” “Customers are the ones keeping our stores open, the least we can do is look after them.”
Chris Lynch
Kimberly Lynch
David MacAvoy
Lisa MacCallum
Cheryl MacConnell
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #851 Whitby, ON
Position: Operator Floral
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Cheryl’s first day at Sobeys was just before Mother’s Day and she found it exciting and energizing. “Sobeys is a place for me to grow and create and to be the best I can be as a manager and fellow employee.” Cheryl often goes above and beyond in both the floral department and other areas of the store for the customers. Her quick thinking and consideration prevented one of her customers from getting scammed when she noticed the woman about to buy several hundred dollars in gift cards. This was a situation that she quietly resolved as she professionally approached the customer and alerted management. “I want customers to leave satisfied and for new customers to return.”
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.
Christopher MacDonald
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #899 Paris, ON
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Stay Real
When a bomb threat was posted to social media, specifying a date and time a week later that it would be detonated, OPP and Sobeys Loss Prevention asked Chris to quietly continue store operations. “I didn’t tell anyone,” says Chris. “We didn’t want the employees or customers dealing with all that stress and anguish.” The day before the bomb was supposed to go off, Chris told his wife. “That was the toughest part. Sitting down with my wife and just letting her know, in case something happened.” When Chris got the call that a suspect had been arrested just hours before the specified time “I shut my office door and cried,” he says. “I’ll never forget that.” Providing for his wife and three girls is what motivates Chris. “From when I started off pushing buggies to where I am now, it was always so I could do more for them. It’s what gets me up and makes me go.”
Joey MacDonald
Marilyn MacDonald
Stephen MacDonald
Sharon MacDonald
Craig MacDonald
Kate MacDonald
Heather MacDonald
Deborah MacDonald
John MacDonald
Chris MacDonald
Graham MacDougall
Connor MacFarlane
Adrian MacGowan
Jim MacGregor
James MacGregor
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #4721 Stratford, ON
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
When Jim decided to collect food for families in his community, he wasn’t thinking on a small scale. “I had this vision of bringing the churches and the food banks together to do a citywide food drive.” After two annual food drives, they have collected 45,000 pounds of food, but it’s not just gathering food that is important to Jim. Raising the social conscience of the young people around him is key. “I decided that it would be the children of the community doing (the drive),” says Jim. “They would be the real heroes going out and canvassing door-to-door. This helps build strong community values with them. They get to understand the importance of paying it forward.” Jim’s three children work for Sobeys and he loves to see them and other young employees succeed. “They are a lot smarter than we sometimes give them credit for and when you give them a task, they give it 100 percent.”
Melissa MacInnis
Joyce MacIntosh
David MacIntyre
Dorothy MacKay
Janice MacKay
Margaret MacKay
Murray MacKenzie
Rod MacKenzie
Derek MacKenzie
Glen MacKinnon
Ron MacKinnon
Tammy MacKinnon
Shannon MacKinnon
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #783 Moncton, NB
Position: Pharmacy Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Pharmacy manager Shannon MacKinnon has a reputation for going above and beyond, and at least one customer is very appreciative. The customer, who has some challenging health issues, says Shannon and her team have been very helpful in managing her medications and concerns. “Shannon has even called to check up on me to see how I’m feeling,” she said. “She is my advocate and I am confident knowing that she is in my corner and has my best interest and health in mind.” “I don’t do it for accolades,” Shannon says. “Taking the extra time is what sets us apart from other pharmacies. I like being able to learn people’s names and greet them at the counter, and ultimately manage their medications with them.” One of Shannon’s proudest moments was when her Lawtons mentors had a “white coat” ceremony in the dispensary when she was accepted to Dalhousie College of Pharmacy.
Fiona MacLean
Proudly Serving: Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, Winnipeg Office, MB
Position: Health Care Consultant
Core Value: Stay Real
For Fiona MacLean, “stay real” means being genuine and kind in her daily interactions with colleagues and customers. Fiona, whose district covers Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, says after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash earlier this year she was proud to see Sobeys support the families and community in a “quiet, dignified way.” “Our company provided a substantial donation that went to the helicopter ambulance, as well as food for volunteers and families. It wasn’t done for the show of it all, it was just done because it was the right thing to do. I was very touched by that.” Colleagues say Fiona brings the same care and compassion to the job, as she regularly checks in with her various pharmacy teams to ensure they have what they need, share new ideas or efficiently handles problems as they arise. “We’re all human beings and just trying to be kind to each other and helping each other out,” she says.
Curtis MacLellan
Kendra MacLellan
Erin MacLeod
Lorraine MacLeod
Nicole MacLeod
Lynda MacMaster
Lorraine MacNamara
Kathy MacNaughton
Position: Accounting Clerk (recently retired) from our King St. office in Nova Scotia
Austin MacNeil
Douglas MacPhee
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #660 Elmsdale, NS
Position: Maintenance Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First.
No job is a meaningless job in Doug’s eyes. Doug demonstrates willingness and dedication to his job when he is asked to do anything in the store, from cleaning the public/ staff washrooms to dusting the lights above the cash registers to changing the floor tiles. One day there was no parcel pick up person and Doug was asked if he would help. He said yes without hesitation. While he was out retrieving a cart there was a customer in the parking lot with a flat tire. Doug changed the tire even though it was 30 degrees Celcius outside. For Doug, that’s nothing special: that’s just the person he is.
Rayne MacPherson
Wendy MacQuarrie
Gregory MacQuarrie
Proudly Serving: Lawtons Office Dartmouth, NS
Position: Applications Support Analyst
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Greg was nominated as a Value Champion for his work creating interfaces to help harmonize the forecast map and to load data into the application. According to the nomination letter, Greg has consolidated a week’s worth of work into just hours. “Greg makes our team feel like we are his only customers and we know this is far from the truth,” the nomination letter states. “He gives us the feeling of being supported and valued.” Solving complex issues is what drives Greg. “A good day is when there’s been a problem that has come across my desk and then there’s some resolution that has made the lives of people around me a little easier,” he says. “Best case scenario is you walk home and you’ve made a difference.”
Kim Maddalena
Sherraine Mahabir
Karen Maiholz
Margaret Maillet
Verionique 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.”
Renata Major
Julia Mallett
Julia Mallett
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.
George Maltais
Lily Maltese
Lily Maltese
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Tahoe Office, Mississauga, ON
Position: Director, Costing and Promotions
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Described as a “force to be reckoned with”, Lily Maltese is a valued employee who gets things done. But, say co- workers, she does it with integrity and passion. As Team Lead for the successful fourth and final Tango Ontario Project, “words cannot describe properly how energized the IT team was,” wrote a colleague. “When we arrived on the ground, whether it was for training, support during UAT, or the go-live, Lily was ready to go.” Lily says she thrives on the fast pace, and the variety of the tasks at hand. “It’s new every day and you’ve got different challenges and it’s the thing I love the most.” She also appreciates the many close relationships that have built up over 32 years. “I know it’s a little cliché to say it’s like family, but when you’ve worked for an organization for so long, it does become family.”
Roseann March
Zuzana Marcincinova
Luca Marion
Yen Mark
Betty Lou Marsh
Tom Marsh
Mara Martello
Nicole Martin
Cedric Martin
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #754 Campbellton, NB
Position: Administration Clerk
Core Value: Stay Real
It would be tough to find an employee as dedicated as Cedric. The 17-year-old young man, who is autistic, started on an eight-month co-op program as an Administration Clerk but made such a good impression he was hired after the program ended. “When we feel down on ourselves or we are having a bad day, Cedric helps out to put our lives in perspective,” states the nomination letter. Cedric is motivated and focused but also ready with a smile at a moment’s notice. He takes his work seriously and his dedication to customers is genuine. In fact, Cedric says that his proudest moment was helping a 105-year-old customer celebrate her birthday. Cedric has developed special relationships with many staff members and is quick to share a laugh and a joke with them. “My Sobeys is a very big family,” says Cedric.
Evan Martinelli
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Tahoe Office, Mississauga, ON
Position: Pharmacy District Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serving Our Communities
Evan takes his core value, to serve his community, to heart and he has a little fun at the same time. Seven years ago he started a corporate hockey pool, which has given employees within the national pharmacy group an opportunity to interact with each other and raise money for a good cause. They chose Canadian Diabetes Association as their recipient because as pharmacists, he and his colleagues help Canadians affected by the disease. He also has a personal reason to give: his brother was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teen. “Proudly serving our communities means expanding your job or your passion outside the four walls of the store in order to make a difference,” Evan says. “I look to Sobeys as a community leader.” Evan is appreciative of the opportunities Sobeys has given him and his family. He jokes that “My Sobeys is where I bring home the bacon, literally and figuratively.”
Jane Mashford
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #915, Niagara Falls, ON
Position: Seafood Operator
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Jane comes to work each day ready to serve. She routinely comes out from behind the ice case to talk to customers, offering information on seafood and cooking instructions. And sometimes it’s simply to say hello or help people find an item in the store. “I always place the customer first,” she says. “I like people and enjoy interacting with them. I have met all kinds of interesting people from all walks of life.” Being named Seafood Operator in the Niagara Falls store is one of Jane’s proudest moments in her career, and it shows. Not only does she create a pleasant shopping experience for shoppers, her positive performance is reflected in the sales numbers, which have increased in her department and in the store overall. “Be kind to people, be honest and always do your best in whatever you do,” she says.
Robin Mason
Denise Masters
Malcolm Matheson
Leanne Matthews
Andrew Matthews
John Matthews
Leonard Maxwell
John Maynard
Carol Mayo
Dario Mazzorana
Barb McCabe
Duncan McCallum
Keegan McCarthy
Tami McCorkill
Jason McDonald
Patricia 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.”
Melissa McDougall
Anthony McDow
Cathy McEachern
Susan McGean
Kevin McGrath
Leighann McInnis
Sue McIntosh
Daniel McKeough
Jim McKinney
Frank McKinney
Ron McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Marc McLaughlin
Fran McLaughlin
Lloyd McLean
Jason McLean
Lloyd McLean
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Stellarton Office, Stellarton, NS
Position: Financial Analyst - Operations
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Lloyd works hard to support his co- workers, helping them to do their best every day. “I’ve had nothing but the most wonderful experiences,” says Lloyd. “We have some of the best people I’ve ever met working for this company.” But it’s not just his co-workers who Lloyd looks after. His wife’s goddaughter Reese developed leukemia at less than a year old and after a grueling battle, the little girl was declared cancer-free. Lloyd knew he wanted to mark her journey in a meaningful way so he and his wife cycled to raised money for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “We averaged over 165 kilometres every day for 13 days, from Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto to the IWK in Halifax to her home in Pictou. We took no days off, just like Reese.” “I strive to be my best every day,” says Lloyd. “Being your best doesn’t mean being perfect. It means having no regrets and leaving the world a better place.”
John McMillan
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8898 Bonnie Doon, Edmonton, AB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
John is someone you can count on, whether it’s lending a hand at a new store opening or overseeing countless details during a time of crisis. After the Fort McMurray fires, John stepped in to help, starting with finding accommodations for employees when they returned. “I went to the campsite when everybody was coming in because I wanted to meet everyone personally and answer questions,” says John. “I didn’t want them to have a concern or a doubt.” Seeing his employees succeed is John’s favourite part of the job. “Working with people, coaching them, being able to give them positive feedback, seeing their face light up when they’ve been really working on something and then they get it, that’s why I go to work every day.” John, who started as a cashier in 1994, is proud that he has spent his entire career with the company. “I was only 16 when I was hired and for the longest time, I kept saying that one day I would get a real job,” laughs John.
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.”
Rene McNaughton
Danielle McNelly
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #928, Richmond Hill, ON
Position: Meat Cutter
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Danielle McNelly has a reputation for going above and beyond in her job as a meat cutter, assisting customers with their meal planning or putting in extra time in the store to help set up for special events. “Her pride, integrity and working with passion has influenced many staff in our store,” a colleague says. With over 21 years working at Sobeys, she is proud to have been recognized as a Value Champion, and says she inherited her strong work ethic from her father. “He’s the one who taught me to take pride in what you do.” She puts in the extra time to make things right in order to enhance the customer experience in the store, something she appreciates when shopping. “I make sure everything is displayed properly so customers can easily find it. It makes their shopping a little easier.”
Justin McNutt
Roseanna McRae
Casey McRae
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8816, Calgary, AB
Position: Deli Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Casey is knowledgeable about his products, has a passion for serving, and believes in treating others as you would want to be treated. During one shift, a customer approached the deli counter and Casey acknowledged the person while finishing with another customer. “I felt important as he noticed me and took the time to let me know that he knows I am there. Being acknowledged as an individual is very important in creating fully-engaged customers,” the customer wrote in a glowing letter. “His ability to provide excellent customer service set the bar for a fully engaged employee who cares about their customers and 100% puts them first.” Casey says treating customers with respect is not only good for business but a good way to approach life. “I believe as an employee we have a much bigger role to play in society than many of us believe. Just being human goes a long way.”
Lisa Melanson
Letecia Menesis
Shirley Mercer
Chris Merrill
Stewart Merrithew
Jason Methot
Ernie Meuse
Marie Helene 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.
Marie-Hélène Michaud
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #602, Dieppe, NB
Position: Assistant Bakery Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
For Marie-Hélène Michaud, her customers and colleagues are the best part of working at Sobeys at Champlain Mall in Dieppe. “Always place the customer first. I simply love people and like treating them the way I like to be treated.” She applies that philosophy to her day job as assistant bakery manager, and to the volunteer work she and her fellow Sobeys team members do for their community. Sobeys joined Moncton Headstart’s Chocolate for Charity three years ago, and according to her colleagues Marie- Hélène has been a huge part of planning and preparing for the successful event, where local companies create delectable desserts for donors. “We create bite-sized little desserts, in the hundreds, and it’s something different each year,” she says of the yummy event, which drew 350 attendees to Casino New Brunswick this year. “It’s a chocolate or dessert buffet; how could you not want to be a part of that?”
Regina Michetti
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #5119 Edmonton, AB
Position: Pharmacist
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
After working as a pharmacist at Sobeys for over a decade, Regina knows most of her customers by name and is dedicated to doing whatever she can to help with their health care. “Recently I had a customer with compromised renal function and she was prescribed something that wasn’t appropriate for her kidneys,” says Regina. “It was a long process to track down her physician, find an alternative, calculate the right dose and this all happened on a Friday evening.” Regina’s experience and knowledge prevented the customer from having a potentially fatal interaction with her other medications. The customer was so grateful for Regina’s help that she wrote an email commending Regina’s customer service and care. “My work ethic has been instilled in me by my parents and closely aligns with Sobeys’ values,” says Regina.
Andre Middleton
Teresa Mifsud
Richard Migneault
Donna Millar
Anastasia Miller
Darren Miller
Joanne Miller
Brian Miller
Cathy 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.”
Seong Min (Joe) Lee
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #7217 Kanata, ON
Position: Relief Pharmacist
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Concerned about the growing opioid crisis, Joe wanted to use his skills as a pharmacist to make a difference in his community and province. He worked with the Ottawa chapter of St. John Ambulance to give training on how to to use the Naloxone Rescue Kit, a vital drug that saves those who are overdosing. The positive response he received after training more than 70 first responders led the Director of St. John’s Ambulance Ottawa region to recommend Joe bring his Naloxone Rescue Kit training program to other parts of Ontario, including Cornwall and parts of the Greater Toronto Area. Joe is one of four Canadians who has received the St. John Ambulance’s Priory of Canada Award this year for his opioid awareness sessions and for facilitating the distribution of naloxone kits. “I want myself and my workplace to be a positive force and influence in the communities that we serve,” says Joe.
Ann Mingo
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.”
Dalton Misener
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #641 Highland Road, Kitchener, ON
Position: Meat Cutter
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Dalton is a young man with a community- minded spirit. He knows that it takes time and commitment to build a better place to live. Dalton volunteers at events in order to do his part to help his community. “It gives me a better perspective. You can’t live your life by yourself,” says Dalton. “You need community.” Dalton’s sense of duty comes from his dad. “He is a big role model to be,” says Dalton. “He will help anybody, anytime. It doesn’t matter what kind of situation they are in, he’s always there to lend a helping hand.” Dalton is particularly proud of being a meat cutter given the origins of Sobeys and he takes great pride in working for such a community-minded company. “I’m ecstatic that this company is willing to give back to the community, even back when they first started with Mr. Sobey himself.”
Kathleen Mitchell
John Mitchell
Katarina Mladenovic
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #691 Bay Street, Toronto, ON
Position: Cashier
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Katarina’s recipe for success in business is simple: find out what your customers want and give it to them every single time. Recently, Katarina offered to take over the coffee bar which was located inside the bakery department and sales were down. To better serve customers, Katarina converted the display case into a case offering fresh pastries and as a result, business increased 33 per cent. Although the bar became very busy, Katarina kept the line moving swiftly. “A lot of people already knew me,” says Katarina. “I knew what they drank and I’d have their coffee going when they got there.” Katarina has her sights set on moving up in the company. She’s taking courses to round out her knowledge and is hoping to soon become a manager. “Over the past year, learning so much in such a short period of time has been my proudest moment.”
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.
Mary Monkman
Scott Morash
Debbie Moreira
Catherine Moretti St-Jean
Proudly Serving: Rachelle-Béry Shamrock, Montréal, QC
Position: Manager, Grocery and Fresh Produce
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Catherine agreed to take up the challenge of working in a brand new Rachelle-Béry store, and has enjoyed witnessing the development of the store and the staff. Capable of performing any task in the store, she loves to teach new skills to others. “I love to do development work, I love showing people all that I know.” She feels at home in these smaller stores, each with approximately 45- 50 employees. She also likes their ecologically oriented concept, with natural, organic and health-conscious products. She is proud of the role she is playing in the enhancement of this community- oriented store, and says that “getting it done with passion and integrity” means considering the entire store as her own. It’s caring about the employees, the bottom line, margins, sales targets, everything. “My Sobeys is a company in constant improvement and it allows all employees to grow with it.”
Elfi Morin
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Montréal- Nord, QC
Position: Head of Local Marketing and Brand Management
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Elfi’s motto in life is “work hard, play hard,” and her dedication carries over to her work, where she has built a dynamic team of passionate people who are eager to meet challenges and to serve all Sobeys clients. After working for various agencies for 10 years, she was excited to discover a new and stimulating environment at Sobeys, where she has thrived. Creativity, variety and collaboration are always on the daily menu. She is valued for the speed and quality of her work and for always going beyond the call of duty to find innovative solutions to satisfy clients’ requirements. “My Sobeys is a place that enables people to strive to explore the limits of who they truly are. I believe that if one has the will and the ambition to bring the company further along, there is room for them to grow in a business like that.”
Joe Morin
Gail Morris
John Morse
Rachel Morse
Tim Mott
Karen Mould
Kolin Muir
John Muns
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #777, Oakville, ON
Position: Meat Cutter
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
John Muns’ managers know he is a top employee, and trust him to expertly train new meat cutters. But it’s not just the managers who appreciate his talents. One customer has followed him from store to store in order to ensure her meat purchases are just so. She now shops at his Oakville store, even though it’s 25 kilometres from her home. “John does such a great job helping her with her meat needs and custom cuts. She has to drive by literally dozens of other grocery stores to see John,” wrote a manager. John says customer service is in his blood. “I’ve been customer-oriented since I was delivering papers at 14. I really enjoy interacting with them. I always try to remember what they bought and ask them if they enjoyed it.” He says he’s flattered that customers have followed him to his current store. “It makes me feel proud; I know I’m doing it right.”
Lucia Muresan
Richard Murphy
Pat Murphy
Brian Murphy
Anna Murphy
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Stellarton Office, NS
Position: Co-ordinator IMAC
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Anna’s passion and commitment to her job and co-workers is unmatched. During a recent renovation of one of the stores, the team encountered multiple issues while installing new self-checkout registers. At one point, cancelling the installation was even considered because of the complications but Anna stayed calm and persevered. “Anna had been awake for almost 21 straight hours at that point and she was still patient,” states the nomination letter. “She could have left to get some sleep but she is so dedicated and considerate of her fellow employees that she stayed to help troubleshoot.” The hard work paid off and the project was completed with everything ready to serve customers in the morning. “Quitting is not an option,” says Anna. “I will work as many hours as it takes to get the job done.”
Diane Murphy
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #868 Summerside, PEI
Position: Community Room Co-ordinator
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Diane comes to work every day with an upbeat attitude. “I love my job. It’s everything I ever wanted in a job.” Because of her sunny disposition, you’d never know what Diane faces every day. “I’m battling cancer. I need to take chemotherapy every day,” she says. “It’s a hard thing to get through. But I get to put on a whole different face when I walk through these doors.” Diane has many ideas for ways Sobeys can support the community including hosting a luncheon for veterans around Remembrance Day. Thanking those who served our country is personal. “My dad was a war veteran,” Diane says. “His plane went down in Germany and he was lucky to come back.” Always wanting to help in time of need, Diane takes flowers to the hospital every so often to give to patients who are in for tests. “They don’t know if they are getting good news or bad news so the flowers help to cheer them up.”
Chad Murphy
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #861, Corner Brook, NL
Position: Grocery Manager
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
When he was told there was a medical emergency in his store, Chad leapt to action. As a leader and manager, he didn’t think twice about helping a man who was bleeding heavily in the produce area. Chad grabbed a first- aid kit and proceeded to take the man to the washroom. The customer, who suffered with a pre-existing condition, had bumped his leg getting out of his car and he had a gaping wound. Chad, who is the grocery manager, and who was manager in charge on this day, directed an employee to call an ambulance, bandaged the wound and applied pressure. Chad spent 20 minutes kneeling on the floor while comforting the injured man. An ambulance attendant said Chad handled the situation very well. During his years at Sobeys, Chadhas always put the customer first. Combining his work ethic with his motto, “be kind,” Chad is an exemplary employee who considers his team a family.
Robert Murphy
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Edmonton Office, AB
Position: IMAC Coordinator
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Rob always places the customer first, but he also gives a high priority to serving Sobeys. During the recent new store opening in Saskatoon, Rob was always available to help, even outside of reasonable working hours. He found solutions to many problems and when necessary, he had the contact information for people the store needed. Even though he worked remotely on the morning of the grand opening, he was in constant communication. Rob placed the store first and showed great leadership. “He was a pleasure to work with and assisted whenever we needed him!” said a colleague who recommended him for a Value Champion award. Some of Rob’s proudest moments have been when Sobeys gives back to the community, such as during the Fort McMurray wildfires and the tragic bus accident in Humboldt, Sask. “My Sobeys is constantly evolving and finding better ways to serve our customers and give back to our communities,” says Rob.
Anna Murphy
Donald Murray
Elaine Murray
Mike Murray
Rupert Murray
Malcolm Murrin
Rob Myers
Ahmed Nassrat
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Stellarton Office, NS
Position: Retail Accountant
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Ahmed is not one to be idle. For the past 10 years, he has organized a Sobeys team to participate in the Nova Scotia MS Bike Tour, raising about $88,000 in total, including about $15,000 personally and, in 2016, leading the Sobeys Cycle-Delics to three team awards. But that was just his warm-up. Last fall, Ahmed cycled across Europe, covering 4,500 kilometres in 55 days, raising awareness and money along the way. He has done all of this without having a personal connection to a disease he didn’t know existed until 2006. While at a conference shortly after moving to Canada from Egypt, a speaker from the MS Society asked how many people in a group of about 200 knew someone with MS. “Every single person had their hand up except for me.” That was enough to spur Ahmed into volunteering his time and energy. “It’s about doing something more than just about yourself.”
Melissa Nauss
Trevor Negus
Shana Nelson
Jonathan Netta
Richard Newson
Maggie Ng
Paul Nielsen
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #772 Tacoma Drive, Dartmouth, NS
Position: Grocery Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Paul coaches Special Olympics basketball and when the season finished, one player said he was taking time off to take up figure skating. As time went on, the athlete would stop by the store to update Paul. “He came in one day and told me he had won provincials so he wouldn’t be back yet. Then he came in and said he had won nationals and wouldn’t be back yet. He was going to worlds.” Shortly after that, in walked the athlete to share the news: he had won three gold medals at the World Figure Skating Championships in Austria. “It brought tears to my eyes,” says Paul, emotional at the memory. “He went home, came back and brought the medals with him. It was quite a day.” Coaching Special Olympic athletes is very humbling and rewarding, says Paul. “The things we get stressed about means nothing to them. They are just there to have fun and that’s what they do.”
Greville Nifort
Mark Niksic
Ivy Dianne Noble
J. Wayne Noel
Wayne Noel
Josh Nolan
Cindy Nolan
Shelly Lynn Noonan
Averil Nordin
Cori Norman
Shauna Nowakowski
Kristina Nurse
Johan Nyenhuis
Carrie O’Brien
Joseph O’Brien
Andrew O’Brien
Jane O’Connell
Trevor O’Krafka
Kathi O’Leary
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #320 Torbay Road, St. John's, NL
Position: Administration Manager
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Kathi came in for an interview in 1987 and basically hasn’t left. “They asked me to come back in an hour to start my first shift,” she laughs. Now, as the head of the Safety Committee, Kathi actively recruits staff members and encourages engagement. During a recent Occupational Health and Safety course, two employees told Kathi they would be interested in joining but they didn’t have a way to get to the course. Kathi didn’t want them to have to take a taxi so she drove them to the course and back on her day off. “They were both new to this so on the drive there I could tell them what to expect and make sure they were comfortable,” she says. Kathi was just doing what comes naturally to her so she was surprised and honoured to have been nominated as a Value Champion. “This is my proudest moment as a Sobeys employee,” she says. “The recognition makes me feel appreciated for what I do.”
Olaf O’Neill
Brad O’Neill
Nancy O’Neill (2)
Gerard Oakey
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #806 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, NS
Position: Grocery Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
No one can ever accuse Gerard of shirking his duties and that goes even when he’s injured. Recently, Gerard had fallen in the freezer and his co-workers had called an ambulance. While Gerard was lying injured on the floor in a back room, he heard his name being paged. A customer had returned to pick up a special order and other employees who didn’t know what had happened to Gerard were looking for his help. “So I told a co-worker where to find the item so the customer wouldn’t have to wait around for it,” he laughs. “That’s when the other employee said, Will you stop worrying about everything!’ ” Gerard has devoted his entire career to putting customers first. “I try to do that little extra something, whether it’s checking the availability of a product or helping the customer read the dates, or even calling the manufacturer,” he says. “I try to do whatever it takes so they want to come back.”
Bilijana Obucina
John Ogden
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #640 Woodstock, ON
Position: Grocery Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
John joined Sobeys just over a year ago but has already made a big impression. Working as a receiver, John realized he could reduce the store’s environmental impact and reduce costs by putting more emphasis on the recycling program. He tries to make it as easy as possible to recycle and encourages staff to participate. “Like any new program, it takes people a while to get used to it. I spend a lot of time taking stuff out of the garbage. It’s like raising my children all over again,” laughs John. Coming from another company, John has a fresh perspective on his co-workers. “I find Sobeys employees to be more caring about their jobs. There seems to be a lot of camaraderie.” Living with integrity is important to John. “Henry Ford said Do it right when nobody’s looking,’ ” says John. “That’s what I try to do.”
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.
Rosemarie Robin O’Halloran
Michelle Oliver-White
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #0681 Kelsey Drive, St. John's, NL
Position: Front End Manager
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
Michelle, who has worked for Sobeys for 35 years, fondly remembers her first day on the job. As a diminutive 18-year-old, she was worried about being overshadowed by the towering checkout counter. “I remember thinking will anybody even be able to see me here?'” Michelle was nominated as a Value Champion because of her community work. For the past two years she has helped with a Food Bank event, raising several thousands of dollars worth of food and, with the group, being named Community Heroes in the process. “I was really proud of that. Sobeys does so much and it’s nice to be recognized as a company.” Michelle is the first to acknowledge that being able to give back to the community is thanks to the entire team. “I would not be able to do a tenth of what I do … without the support of the company and the other team members,” says Michelle. “We’re all a big community, working for the community. That’s our people. That’s our customers. That’s who shops here.”
Robin O’Reilley
Shawn Ossinger
Mary Ostrowski (Hamilton)
Hiba Ouliass
Bill Owens
Proudly Serving: Safeway #8903, Calgary, AB
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
From the moment Bill Owens walked through the door at Stadium Safeway in Calgary, the rookie clerk felt like he was home. “They made me feel like part of the family.” That welcoming feeling has stayed with him for more than three decades; now, he’s recreating those same warm sentiments as store manager at Aspen Landing Safeway in Calgary. “The best part of my job is actually training other people,” Bill says of instilling those same welcoming instincts in his employees. “Seeing them grow.” Bill isn’t just a leader at this own store, which has become a showcase franchise. He was also called upon to get the new Canmore store up and running, and so far, his homey vibe appears to be working there, too. “I really feel like you create a town feel,” Bill describes. “People (get to) feel very comfortable … and that gets contagious.”
Chris Palsar
Kenneth Pantoja
Saverio (Sam) Paonessa
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Edmonton Office, AB
Position: Sales Representative
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
“Helping the customer succeed helps the company succeed,” Sam says. Sam puts the customer first, day in and day out, as a representative of the Macdonalds Consolidated wholesale division. Sam demonstrated his commitment during the Fort McMurray wildfire by picking orders and being a go-to between the customers. He still serves the same customers today. Sam shows his dedication by organizing the barbecue promotions for new and existing wholesale customer events and reline projects, as well as working with the internal customer group for his team benefit. “I was proud of my team during the Fort McMurray crisis because they all pulled together to help the communities,” says Sam.
Kirk Parks
Susan Parsons
Vicki Parsons
Joann Pashkoski
Kelly Payne
Marguerite Payne
Peggy Payzant
Mona Peardon
Heidi Pedersen
Ron Peel
Heather Pellerin
Samantha Penney
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #681 Kelsey Drive, St. John's, NL
Position: Bakery Clerk
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Samantha was in the bakery when a customer who is visually impaired ran his cart into the bakery gate. Concerned, Samantha spoke with the customer who said he was fine, just not familiar with the store. Without hesitation Samantha offered to help him with the rest of his shopping. “I didn’t want to intrude on his space but he seemed grateful for the help and he didn’t need many things so it didn’t take too long,” she says. After he was finished at Sobeys the customer mentioned that he was going on to another store which was across a busy four-lane street. Samantha offered to walk him to that store and then notified that staff about the situation. The customer was grateful and returned the next day to thank Samantha with a card and a box of chocolates. “I was relieved he was alright with me helping him and that he was safe,” she says.
Lisa Pennington
Jennifer Perenack
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Liquor #5054 Nolan Hills, Calgary, AB
Position: Manager Liquor Store
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Jennifer has a played a huge role in bringing new employees into the company following the Safeway acquisitions and she has travelled extensively across Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan doing just that. “You have to understand that you are going into a business that employees have been used to for so long,” says Jennifer of the challenges she faces. “I try to listen to them. I understand there are fears. I let them know that I’m not there to stomp all over them. I want to make them part of our team.” One small location was particularly challenging. “Everybody was very disgruntled and upset. I had a lot of resistance,” says Jennifer. “So I started working with every person, having conversations with them, assuring them that we welcome them, we want them to continue with us and grow with us.” Showing that sort of patience and leadership paid off when attitudes started changing. “You need to let employees express themselves instead of just overriding them,” says Jennifer.
Robert Periera
Greg Perry
Elizabeth Perry
Beth Perry
Rodney Perry
Anna Piccinin
Chris Picon
Chris Picon
Victoria Pigott
Proudly Serving: Serving: Calgary Office, AB
Position: Learning Specialist
Core Value: Results-Oriented
Giving Sobeys employees the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills is a key part of the Nourish U Management Training Program at Sobeys.
Now in its second cohort, Vicki was one of a few key employees who launched the program in 2018, working long days and weekends to ensure its success.
“To me it’s less about the program being successful… it’s about the people at the other end, that they can build the knowledge and skills to be successful and feel confident in their role,” said Vicki.
Vicki credits her parents, who emigrated to Canada from Hungary in the 1950s not yet knowing English or French, as the biggest influence in her life. Their story of overcoming barriers guides her work as she helps others learn, and it also helps her embody the Sobeys company purpose of We are a family nurturing families.
“What inspires me from my parents’ story is that no matter how steep a challenge may seem, with the right attitude, hard work, and determination, success can be achieved,” she said.
Beverly Pike
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.
Laura Pitman
Proudly Serving: Lawtons #169, Yarmouth, NS
Position: Home Health Care Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
Laura Pitman calls her workplace “the real deal,” but her Lawtons colleagues and customers feel the same way about Laura. In fact, her nomination form says the number of times she has received employee of the month honours likely can’t be counted. Comments about how this friendly and knowledgeable licensed practical nurse helps others keep rolling into the store, and unsurprisingly, those are also too numerous to list. “Laura has been recognized for taking an interest in a very troubled, elderly couple,” reads one statement. “Your words may very well help to guide them to a better quality of life.” For Laura, her daily goal is simple: “being able to help people.” Laura just wants to help ensure community members get and stay healthy, whether that’s by raising funds for cancer research or giving sandbags to customers for use on icy sidewalks to prevent falls. That’s just Laura, keeping Lawtons real.
Margaret Pitts (2)
Kim Planinsic
Position: Human Resources Business Partner from our Vancouver office
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.
Dave Platt
Josée Poirier
Proudly Serving: IGA #0439 Châteauguay, QC
Position: Administrative Support Clerk
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing with passion and integrity, is a phrase that could be Josée Poirier’s motto. “In life,” she says, “everything happens for a reason,” and so she feels that she is a natural fit for her work at Sobeys, a position she worked steadily towards over many years. “I love my work,” she says, “which allows me to advise and help all my colleagues.” But Josée doesn’t just do her job. She consistently exceeds expectations, and she fulfills requests that aren’t part of her job. She does so with the same level of enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail that she brings to everything she does. For her, it’s only natural; Sobeys has become like a second family to Josée, a family she cares deeply about.
Jenneca Pomeroy
Barry Pope
Nancy Pope
Eric Pothier
Lisa Pothier
Don Pottie
Kathy Pottle
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #0590 Long Pond, NL
Position: Admin 2nd
Core Value: Proudly Serve Our Communities
When a co-worker came up with the idea to raise money to send a local boy with cerebral palsy to Walt Disney World, Kathy didn’t hesitate to join in. “It is close to my heart because I have a daughter with cerebral palsy.” Kathy stresses that it was the entire store – and not just herself – that raised $10,000 in just 10 weeks. “It was amazing to hand that money over to him,” says Kathy. “It was the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.” Getting involved was an opportunity to give back, she says. “Someone did it for us once. When you are the family of someone with a disability, oftentimes you don’t get treated normally because there’s really not a whole lot of normal in your life.” Kathy has always relied on her co- workers for their support while facing her child’s illness. “Without my Sobeys family, I’m not really sure we would have got through it.”
Mike Potvin
Jacynthe Poulin
Proudly Serving: Shell-Voisin, Boni-Soir, Montréal-Nord, QC
Position: Territory Manager and Special Projects
Core Value: Get it Done with Passion and Integrity
Always full of energy, Jacynthe is a positive force on her team. With an expert hand and boundless enthusiasm, she has guided the difficult conversion and redevelopment of 17 Shell Select stores to the Shell Voisin banner, and she is now in the process of transforming 66 more into Boni-Soir stores. “What I like most about my work is being able to help, being able to guide others, to make an innovation, to find a way of doing things that will save time,” she says. Working evenings and weekends whenever needed, she makes grand openings a party with balloons, food tastings, music, and targeted marketing, all designed to impress customers. The results speak for themselves, with prepared-food sales far exceeding past results. She is most proud of “being there for people in hard times and having the strength and courage to support them through those hardships.”
Linda Powell
Jennifer Power
Rino Preziuso
Tali Prodensky
Lisa Proksch
Proudly Serving: Sobeys Winnipeg Office, MB
Position: Abilities Specialist SMO
Core Value: Always Place the Customer First
Lisa has this Maya Angelou quote hanging by her desk: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Her work as an abilities specialist at the service management office in Winnipeg is proof positive that she lives by this motto every day. The company’s employees are Lisa’s customers. She ensures that employees who suffer from injury or illness are given the resources they need to recover and return to work. Whether it’s “short-term, long-term or medical leave,” Lisa is the one working with case managers and insurers to help get employees back on the job, happy and healthy. Normally a two-person operation, Lisa has been the sole member of the integrated health management team for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario since July 2017. Despite hundreds of claims on her desk, Lisa always goes above and beyond, making her co-workers – her customers – feel cared for and confident.
Glendon Pryce
Heather Pryor
Robert Purcell
Matthew Purdy
Proudly Serving: Sobeys #574, Halifax, NS
Position: Store Manager
Core Value: Get It Done with Passion and Integrity
For Matthew, his Sobeys employees are like family. “You spend as much time with your co-workers as you do with your real family, and I’d do anything for my team,” says Matt, who worked his way up from grocery clerk in Pictou, N.S., to store manager of the Queen Street location in Halifax. His actions reflect his words, with one recent example standing out. Last year his store experienced a 36-hour power outage. Matt rushed to the store to provide guidance and help staff on site, staying put until he knew power would be restored. “I was (there) for over 30 hours straight just making sure that we didn’t lose any product and kept everything organized,” Matt recalls. He gives credit to his co-workers for their hard work. “It was the whole team that made it happen,” he says. “We’re one team, and there’s no i’ in team.’ “
Roger Pursley
Carla Quiring
Dawn Racette
Scott Rafael
Jake Rafuse
Steve Ragany
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.”
Simon Rainville (2018)
Proudly Serving: Montréal North Office, QC
Position: Director of Operations
Core Value: Stay Real
As a manager, Simon knows how to make people feel unique, special, and valued. Now the recipient of four Value Champion awards, his sense of humour makes his leadership effective, and gives everyone on his team a boost of energy. “I am fortunate to be able to bring fun into the workplace, being a positive leader and managing things with humour and joy.” He jokes that he is “proud to have survived all this time, despite all the tricks he has played on his co-workers.” The good relations he has maintained with people over the years and across the various departments where he has worked are a source of pride. “My Sobeys is a big part of my life, it is a place where I feel at home. It is a family I want to grow with, and it’s where I want to finish my career.”