Making a life change isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s necessary.
Through 30 years, I had become quite used to seeing Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes mentioned in trade journals’ headlines and stories—always in a positive way, usually focused on some innovation or one of the many awards and honors won by Nice N Easy’s Founder John MacDougall. Those headlines during 2014 were far different and not always pleasant. Some, in fact, were tragic.
Even my being named Nice N Easy CEO was not positive because of the circumstances—John’s death—involved in its assignment. Plus, I knew my job at that time was not to be creative or to oversee outrageous growth or a new era of customer service. My job was to finish the sale of the company, which I did.
That was rewarding to a certain degree, because I was fulfilling a commitment to John and his family, but it also was very sad for many of us because things within Nice N Easy would never be the same—not necessarily worse, just not the same.
At that point, I needed to step away. I needed to worry only about myself after a year of worrying about everyone other than myself. So I bid the Nice N Easy world adieu.
NEW BEGINNING
When an opportunity for a positive headline containing my name was presented to me, I grabbed it. I was ready to start something new and positive. I want to express my sincerest thanks to John Lofstock and the teams from Convenience Store Decisions and the National Advisory Group (NAG) for providing me this opportunity to write a column.
I’ve always enjoyed writing, so the idea of doing a monthly column intrigues me. Be prepared for just about anything, because my thoughts have never exactly conformed to the norm. That was a major part of the Nice N Easy DNA.
And I was speaking the truth when I said that NAG held a special place in John’s heart. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to consult with the organization. So, off we go.
During a very trying year, I was overwhelmed by the response of so many wonderful people I know within the convenience industry. My inbox and voicemail were constantly overflowing with messages offering sympathy, congratulations and support. I had never been hugged so many times in my life.
But I admit to being so lost in my own particular misery that I didn’t do a good job of getting back to everyone the way I should have. I had put my head down and was bulling my way to the finish line. So, please accept my sincerest thanks for being so kind and for being an industry with an incredible heart.
But I worry about many of us within this industry. It’s a 24/7/365 world. If you’re like me, you’re never mentally away from the business even when you are away physically. Smartphones and iPads and laptops loaded with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth keep us tethered at all times. It’s almost too stressful NOT to know what’s going on.
COMING AROUND
During these past two months, I have gone through something akin to withdrawal. I’ve had to learn how to sleep through the night again; how to sit still; how to read a book for enjoyment again. At times I have to retrace my steps looking for my smartphone, because I haven’t felt compelled to keep it at hand at all times. And I’ve done my best to regain my positive frame of mind. I had lost it for a while.
I believe now that I understand my own breaking point and will never allow myself to go past it again. I wish I had been compelled to go through something like this earlier. I think I would have maintained a better sense of perspective as an employee of Nice N Easy.
Because so many of us share this communal angst, I believe it’s why we are so ready to reach out to each other and offer so much support. It’s a people business and understanding what people need has always been the key to our success. Sometimes that support is found in products and services, but often it’s simply just being there when people need help. I felt that kind of support all last year. I believe our customers and the communities we serve feel it, too.
How can you not love an industry such as ours?