Trending
The Sheetz success story continues.
Founded by Bob Sheetz in 1952, the convenience store chain will open its 600th store next month in the Pittsburgh area.
Steve Sheetz, who started to work part time with his brother in 1961 and later became president and chairman of the board, told members of the Rotary Club of Altoona on Tuesday that sales for the year, which ended Sept. 30, totaled $7.5 billion, with $4.5 billion of that figure in gasoline sales.
The company, which has stores in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina, has grown to about 21,000 employees.
"We serve 1.5 million customers a day," Sheetz said.
Sheetz said the company, which presently has about 40 stores in Ohio -- the first one opened in East Liverpool in 1998 -- plans further expansion in Ohio this year.
Growth continues, and the company has a goal to reach 1,000 stores.
"We are still growing," said Sheetz, now chairman of the Sheetz Family Council. "We hope for 5 percent net growth per year, and we hope to open 30 next year."
During his presentation, Sheetz told members about the 10 company principles that have stood out over 60 years.
Some of them include dream big, surround yourself with good people, know the difference between managing and leading, don't be afraid to fail, balance work and family and have fun.
Sheetz recently took over 1,000 of its managers to Disney World as a reward for their service to the company.
"It has been a fun ride for all of us," Sheetz said.
Sheetz said failures do happen at times, as the company recently closed its non-gasoline selling store in Morgantown, W.Va.
However, he said similar stores in other college towns such as State College, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia are doing well.
Sheetz said the addition of gasoline sales in the mid-1970s and the introduction of the MTO in 1987 were the two biggest innovations made by the company over the years.
Locally, he said plans call for rebuilding the store at 25th Avenue and Juniata Gap Road.
"We will be out of business there for about four months," Sheetz said. "The new one will have a bigger kitchen and seating, a newer facility for the long term."
Sheetz is prepared for the future and electric vehicles.
Sheetz has the largest number of Tesla chargers -- including eight at its location at 17th Street and Pleasant Valley Boulevard -- in the United States, but half of the Tesla cars sold are in California, he said.
When asked of the company's most successful store, Sheetz mentioned the "super store" at 17th Street.
Rotary Club members said they enjoyed hearing the Sheetz success story.
"He is one of the most successful local businessmen and are our members just love it," President Phil Dubrow said.
"No matter where we go and see a Sheetz, we feel at home because of Steve and his family," Larry McAleer said.
Anyone who is surprised by Sheetz's growth and success hasn't been paying attention, President/CEO Joe Hurd of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce said.
"They have embraced a concept, surrounded themselves with good people and have never taken their foot off the gas," Hurd, who is also a Rotary member, said. "As an employer, Sheetz has provided not only jobs but opportunities for advancement. The company is consistently recognized among the 'Best Places to Work,' both locally and nationally. Yet the real benefit to our community has been Sheetz incredible benevolence. They give back and have given back since day one."
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.