Route 422 Sheetz Recognized for District Excellence

By Jonathan Weaver

In November, Armstrong County Commissioners recognized a local convenience station for being tops in the region.

Commissioner Bob Bower explained their recognition last month.

“I was made aware of some strides made by Sheetz in Kittanning (Manor Township) as No. 1 in the area (among 12 stores) and No. 4 among 483 stores, so I invited them in for a recognition award,” Bower said.

In the proclamation, Bower read that the Route 422 location has about 18,000 weekly visitors while increasing sales by 15 percent since 2013, and congratulated the managers and thanked them for their work ethic.

District Manager “Missy” Thompson has been affiliated with Sheetz for 25 years, and said the location with 12 fuel pumps receives motor traffic from a variety of areas.

“I started in DuBois, and now I have 12 stores – from Brookville to Conneaut Lake and here in Kittanning and Ford City,” Thompson said. “The service and the volume (really stand out) – that store opened in 2010, and has really grown steadily since we opened the doors.”

Store Manger Ashley Wynkoop, of New Bethlehem, has managed the Route 422 store for two-and-a-half years, and said the success comes from many repeat customers and travelers.

“It does get overwhelming – absolutely – (but) in a good way. It’s nice to have the same clientele to know what they want every morning,” Wynkoop said. “The days fly by because we’re so busy.”

Customers see Wynkoop at the store starting at 5AM weekdays. The convenience/gas station has about 30 employees – most of them work full-time. Because of the busy time, Wynkoop said more part-time employees may be hired soon based on their interpersonal skills with customers.

“It’s a good company to work for – once you get hired, you don’t really leave,” Wynkoop said. “You can train someone to make sandwiches, but not necessarily how to talk to customers or interact – that’s what our store is really good at.”

Assistant Manager Becky Savina – an Elderton High Class of 1998 graduate - started working full-time overnight before her promotion, and said the smiling customers also impact her day.

“You have those regulars that really make your day because they are happy to see you and you’re happy to see them – it’s nice to have that constant,” Savinda said. “You build a really good relationship that way.”

A certificate of accomondation was also presented on behalf of Senator Don White.