2020 Star Women in Grocery winner Stephanie Ames (Q&A)

Store level star

Stephanie Ames
Store Manager, Kimberley, B.C.
Save-On-Foods

How did you get into the grocery business?
I was brand new in my community and was looking for work that would be meaningful in my life. I soon realized that my personality and skill set were perfect for the grocery industry and I flourished in the store environment. I was very driven and took on a lot of responsibility early on, which helped jump-start my career.

Proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when I was promoted to the position of store manager four years ago.

What's your best quality as a manager?
Empathy.

Career highlight/greatest achievements?
I have been fortunate in my 11 years with Save-On-Foods to have opportunities to get involved in many different initiatives. I am a regional representative for our internal Inspire Network, which is aimed at empowering women and promoting diversity in our organization. I also graduated from the Executive Management & Leadership program with an A+ average through a joint program with Thompson Rivers University and Save-On-Foods. Today in Kimberley, B.C., we are in the process of building a brand-new store, which has been so exciting and will be a major highlight in my career. I am extremely passionate about my role as a store manager in Kimberley. In the last four years, we have achieved some amazing results financially and culturally, and it has been the best part of my career.

Biggest challenge faced in your career? And how did you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career so far was in my last assistant manager role in a previous location. Our store was experiencing record-breaking sales every week, which resulted in internal challenges, long days and increasing stress. I was pushed to my limits every day. With the help of my good friends and my store manager I was able to set goals that would help me stay focused and resilient. I came out of that experience with an increased skill set and a promotion to one of the best communities I have ever lived in, Kimberley.

What do you like most about your job?
I love the people. Each day I have the opportunity to grow and develop future leaders and help them achieve their career goals. I also really enjoy the fast-paced environment that tests my ability to find solutions to problems of all shapes and sizes. I enjoy strategizing with my team and using my vision to set goals that we can achieve together.

Anything else you'd like to add?
This nomination is such an honour. Leadership is a very selfless act. As a store manager I spend a lot of my time developing others to help them achieve required results. When I step back and appreciate what this nomination means, I am very overwhelmed. I do what I do because I enjoy watching my team around me succeed, not because I am someone who enjoys being in the spotlight. I am humbled and thankful for this recognition and it reminds me that the work I do is making a bigger difference that I see on a daily basis.

Click here for the full list of 2020 Star Women in Grocery award winners.