MULO Brands With Soul August Pick: Sheetz

C-stores are a MULO (multi-location) brand category that often doesn’t get enough attention. Also known as convenience stores, the industry encompasses roadside retailers and neighborhood chains that we frequently rely on for last-minute grocery purchases, emergency items, and snacks/beverages. Given the transactional nature of these businesses, we don’t often consider them to have a “culture.” But Sheetz (founded in 1952) is still going strong. The brand operates over 740 stores in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland.

Why is Sheetz our pick for August for a MULO Brand With Soul?

The company just ranked high with both People Magazine and Companies That Care.

According to a recent article in CSP Daily News:

“Eighty-eight percent of employees surveyed at Sheetz said it was a great place to work, compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company, Sheetz said. Also, 91% of Sheetz employees feel good about the ways the company contributes to the community.”

Among the causes that Sheetz invests in are food banks. They also have a proprietary philanthropic effort dedicated to helping children in need celebrate the holidays. Called Sheetz for the Kidz, it has a dedicated microsite.

As we all know, a brand’s soul needs to be genuine. A company can invest in “feel good” causes but have policies and practices that alienate its employees. Or, it may not engage or train those employees to treat each other and customers with respect and care.

Any company can write a check or set up a non-profit arm. But we are looking for companies that put their money and actions where their hearts are, build environments where people want to work (and stay), and benefit the communities in which they have locations.

Do you think YOUR brand has a true soul? Please reach out to us and tell us why! We’ll be running this section every month!