2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Jessica Nemeth

Director of operations     

Alimentation Couche-Tard | Circle K

How did you get into this business? 

I grew up with my dad having the role I currently have. I started as a CSR in a store in my teens and followed in his footsteps.

What are you most proud of from the last 12-18 months? 

Winning this award is awesome! I have also taken on more within my role, adding two more provinces to my territory while still being effective in all areas.

What do you like most about your job?

Growing and coaching people to succeed. I have two director co-workers that used to report to me, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

In my territory, I deal with wildfires every year, including the famous 2016 Fort McMurray fires that took out part of the city. Reopening all sites was a challenge and it was very stressful waking up every morning hoping they were still standing during the fire.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Let your numbers talk for you. You don’t need to be the loudest person in a room when your numbers are on top.

Career highlight/biggest achievement?

Building an amazing team over and over again. Some have left or moved up but I’m proud of the culture and the level of execution all teams have given. We want to be number one in everything, but we have fun driving for our goals.

What excites you most about the future of this channel? 

How we always adapt to the customers’ needs. The future is limitless when we all keep the customer in mind.

What will shape the business in the next 5 years?

Foodservice growth and innovation is the focus of the industry, and I would be excited if Canada catches up to the U.S. and Europe.