2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Verna Martens

Working in the convenience sector is second nature to Verna Martens. She had a job in her dad’s gas station growing up and in high school was employed at the local Shell station, which she now co-owns with her sister and brother-in-law.

Martens has held every job from pump attendant to clerk to accounts manager to owner, but her most important role can be measured in the smiles of the 30 people who work for her.

“My greatest achievements are training new staff and watching them grow, whether at work or just in their own daily lives. I have created some incredible relationships with these amazing people,” she says.

Martens is equally committed to meeting—and exceeding—the needs of customers. Many are greeted by name when they walk in the store, and if they have a product request, she makes every effort to stock it, as well as carrying brands that are specific to the local community in Steinbach, Man.  

“The more we pour into our staff and our customers, the more it makes them return, partly for our service in loving people and partly for the products we sell,” says Martens, referencing the company’s slogan: “Our passion is to serve.”