Break Time store managers, area supervisors and staff from the MFA Oil home office met in Branson, MO for the annual Break Time Managers Meeting on October 20-21. In honor of Break Time’s 30th anniversary, the meeting had an 80s theme, “Back to the Future: Our Next 30 Years,” packed with references to classic movies and music from the decade.
The two-day meeting began with a recap of recent Break Time operational changes by Curtis Chaney, senior vice president of retail. Chaney talked about improvements made to help retain hourly employees, changes to Break Time’s retail fuel pricing to attract customers and an emphasis on improving net income through in-store sales.
Mark Fenner, president and CEO, discussed the company’s performance for its 2015 fiscal year. He detailed how MFA Oil had a great year with its second-highest earnings total, bolstered by record earnings from MFA Oil’s own operations. Fenner told attendees the changes the company has made recently have been to improve the company’s operational performance and the results show those changes are having a positive impact.
Break Time district managers, Cathy Geotz and Todd Shelmadine, recounted the many changes Break Time stores have seen in the last 30 years. Jennifer Bach, Break Time marketing director, presented store managers with awards and prizes for top mystery shop scores. Attendees were then invited to tour a trade show where vendors had samples and product information to share. The first day ended with an awards dinner (award winners listed below) and a concert by Livin’ on a Prayer, a Bon Jovi tribute band.
Day two began with an overview of the new online benefit enrollment process provided by Jessica Kueffer, corporate training coordinator. Bach and Anita Bichsel, Break Time marketing manager, had exciting news to share in the next session – Break Time will soon be introducing a rebranding campaign. This new brand will be based upon an authenticity statement: It only takes a moment to make someone’s day better. A new logo and tagline are expected to be unveiled to the public when Break Time opens its newest store in Lee’s Summit later this year. The rollout of the new branding for existing stores is expected to begin in the 2017 fiscal year.
“Even though our customers won’t see the new logo right away, Break Time will begin building on this authenticity statement immediately,” states Bach. “We couldn’t be more excited about the direction we are taking our brand.”
The meeting wrapped up with a lively human foosball competition between Break Time district teams.
Following are the recipients of 2015 Break Time performance awards:
2015 Manager of the Year
Robecca Proctor, St. Joseph, Woodbine
Outstanding Expense Control – Based on control of operating losses and management of payroll hours.
Top A Level Stores (Large)
Lori Cornelius, Maryville
Robecca Proctor, St. Joseph, Woodbine
Lynda Sloan, Savannah
Wanda Jasper, Sweet Springs
Katrina Carroll, DeValls Bluff, AR
Top B Level Stores (Medium)
Nickie Turpin, Brookfield
Auna Dabbs, Lake Ozark
Cyndi Lane, Moberly, S. Morley
Martha Franklin, Carrollton
Top C Level Stores (Small)
Debbie Silvey, Eldon
Donnie Welflin, Higginsville, N. Main
Cinda Lavery, Tipton
Susan Minor, Jefferson City, McCarty
Alysha Bonenfant, Lexington
Outstanding Customer Service – Based on mystery shop scores for the year
Top Level A Stores (Large)
Robecca Proctor, St. Joseph, Woodbine
Wanda Jasper, Sweet Springs
Misty Smith, Springfield
Amy Brown, Jefferson City
Amanda Workman, Warrensburg
Top Level B Stores (Medium)
Cyndi Lane, Moberly, S. Morley St.
Nickie Turpin, Brookfield
Toni Bakert, Boonville, Pioneer St.
Elisha Thompson, Rolla
Auna Dabbs, Lake Ozark
Top Level C Stores (Small)
Lucy Gamber, Sedalia, N. Ohio Ave.
Debbie Silvey, Eldon
LouAnn Wilson, Fulton, N. Bluff St.
Outstanding Sales – Based on increase in inside gross profit or gallons sold
Gallon Increase
Darla Ardrey, Columbia, Cross Creek
Angie Hawkins, Strafford
Charles Looten, Holts Summit
Inside Gross Increase
Jennifer Templeton, Sedalia, W Broadway
Robecca Proctor, St Joseph, Woodbine
Team Builder – Based on nominations from supervisors, managers, home office personnel, employees and customers. Recognition for building enthusiasm, energy and morale among team members.
Amy Brown, Jefferson City
Angie Hawkins, Strafford
Toni Bakert, Boonville
Lori Cornelius, Maryville
Debra Tapia, Owensville
Valerie Wilson, Columbia
Mark Myers, Dexter