Buffalo Wild Wings GO Opens in Fairmont Area
Little General Stores, Inc. and Buffalo Wild Wings GO are excited to announce the official grand opening of the White Hall/Fairmont location.
As Appalachians, we understand the value of a hard day’s work, and we think that kind of ethic should be recognized every day of the year. Though March 5 marks the annual National Employee Appreciation Day, our team at Little General Stores is celebrating our employees — and their incredible work — all month long.
This month, we heard from a dozen employees in various capacities throughout the state, many of whom have spent a decade or more with our company, who shared some of their favorite stories and memories with us. Though no two employees’ experiences are the same, nearly everyone who took time to share their experience with us described one key trait: the family-like relationships among staff.
The family-feel that makes our employees and customers feel right at home is part of what sets us apart from corporate competitors in our region. We’re not just a business — we’re members of the communities we serve. Our customers aren’t just coming to our stores for their necessities; they’re coming for the experience and the opportunity to connect.
Tammy Furrow, manager at a LG store in Daniels, knows a thing or two about customer connections — she’s been part of our team for 20 years.
“The customers are my favorite part,” Tammy said. “Being here so long you end up becoming friends with them. We have some great conversations. I enjoy making people laugh and smile. I like to make my employees smile and laugh too, I don’t want them to dread coming to work.”
Those connections are important, Tammy said, especially now, as we all continue to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Even during these current tough times we are in, I still enjoy my job,” Tammy said. “I feel safe while at work, because LG is taking all the proper precautions to keep employees and customers safe!”
Lona Mayhorn, a manager in Oceana, says in the 21 years she’s worked at her location, getting to know the customers one-on-one has always been a plus.
“One of the best parts of my job is interacting with people and pushing myself to improve. Doing the best I can makes me a better person and boss,” Lona said. “Knowing if I put forth the effort, I can overcome situations on the job and in my life.”
Shannon Dickens, a manager in Van, says she understands how much of a difference kind act can make.
“I love making people smile and listening to their stories and sometimes making them laugh changes how their whole day may go,” Shannon said. “I must say that I love the part of my job the most when I know people (customers and employees) want to come back, and they complement the whole staff on how friendly and helpful we all are.”
Shannon also praised the encouragement among staff, who she says are always quick — and willing — to help.
“I love that when I am not so sure on how to do something or get stuck on something that I have a supervisor, Rena Phelphrey, who will take the time and have the patience to point me in the right direction and teach me something new that I may not have known or maybe just forgot,” Shannon said. “All the while she never loses her cool and she does it with kindness.”
Tracy Lambert, a manager at Bald Knob, echoed Shannon’s sentiments, noting that every opportunity can be a positive learning experience when you’re working with supportive coworkers. And accessibility can make a world of difference.
“I know that anytime I need something or help she [my supervisor, Rena Pelphrey, is just a phone call away,” Tracy said. “I know I have came a long way in learning a lot, but she always picks me up when I’m down on myself. If I make a mistake, I’m never turned away or talked down on.”
Lona Mayhorn, of Oceana, said she also appreciated LG Stores’ leadership’s efforts to get to know everyone on staff. The investments they make in building and maintaining relationships are intentional, she noted, and that kind of support isn’t something you can find just anywhere.
“I’ve worked for other companies that all they know is a name and employee number as it appears on payroll,” Lona said. “They never knew anything about me personally, nor did they want to. It’s nice to know when I have a problem I can call and people are ready to help and they do know who they’re talking to.”
For Lona, having supervisors have that kind of insight and understanding helped them know how to best support their team.
“I can honestly say that I have been blessed with my supervisor, Rena Pelphrey,” Lona said. “There have been some tough times that she has helped me, [and] I don’t know if I would still be here if not for her and the support I’ve received from the office and even the maintenance staff. It’s a good place to work and I appreciate the chance given me to work here.”
At LG Stores, that kind of effective, encouraging leadership starts at the top of the business with CEO Cory Beasley and President Greg Darby, who have spearheaded fundraisers and scholarship programs to assist residents and initiatives in LG Stores’ surrounding communities.
Lisa Schultz, a manager in Madison, said she appreciates Greg’s involvement and investments in the community.
“The way Greg has so much compassion for the children of West Virginia is very touching and inspiring,” Lisa said.
Shannon Dickens, of Van, said she was especially thankful for LG Stores’ charitable works with West Virginia University’s Ruby Memorial Hospital, where her own daughter received life-saving treatments for her chronic illness. Today, her daughter, who receives treatment for her illness every five weeks, is also employed by LG Stores.
“She now works for Little General part-time but LG gave her a chance and she has good days and bad days, and I am thankful that with LG you can work around someone who has a chronic illness like hers or a disability,” Shannon said. “You don’t find many places that will do that.”
Little General Stores, Inc. and Buffalo Wild Wings GO are excited to announce the official grand opening of the White Hall/Fairmont location.
Little General Stores and Monster Energy have teamed up for an exciting promotion – we are giving away a FREE Kawasaki Brute Force ATV!
The 13 Arby’s restaurants franchised by Little General Stores were recently awarded $10,000 to grant to a nonprofit of their choice from The Arby’s Foundation.
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