2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Melissa O'Shea

Trade marketer              

JTI-Macdonald Corp.

How did you get into this business?

I was working in the recruiting industry, and I thought that the recruiting world would be my career path. However, a good friend thought I would be a suitable fit with JTI-Macdonald. They referred me to a job posting, and the rest is history.
 

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?

We had a district trade marketer incentive program for the whole year that was monitored by a scorecard and updated regularly so we could see our results. I was the top performer and received an award for my achievements in 2023.
 

What do you like most about your job?

Above all, it would be my customers. My passion is building relationships with retailers in my territory and helping them grow their businesses. Also, I enjoy learning about their families and the stories behind owning their businesses and hearing the pride they have for their stores. 

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

Other than COVID, which would be on top of most people’s lists.  I would say starting my career as a key account sales associate and then moving into a trade marketer position.  This move was quite the pivot, personally and professionally.  During my first three years, I moved territories three times. I felt like every time I built a strong partnership with the retailers in my trade, a change would happen. This was always a challenge, but I took it as a positive for a fresh start!

Career highlight/biggest achievement?

Back-to-back JTI Drive Trade Marketer incentive winner. I was one of the few who had the pleasure to accompany retailers on the National Destination Contest. This trip happened outside of work and allowed me to get to know the retailers on a more personal level. The two destinations were in beautiful British Columbia and the Dominican Republic. Both these trips were a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the quality time spent with the winning retailers and colleagues was memorable. JTI has given me so much and I am very proud to work for them.  I feel grateful that I can be an example for my two daughters and show them you can love what you do.  If you work hard and treat people with respect, the accolades will come.

What's the best advice you ever received?

Always treat others the way you would want to be treated. Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Whatever you do, always give it 100%. Always aim for constant self-improvement and never stop learning.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

Lately, there’s been a huge change in ownership and many new retailers are coming in. This allows for a fresh outlook on the convenience world and where it is headed. With beer, wine, cider and RTD cocktails coming to convenience stores in Ontario, this is also exciting: It will hopefully create more foot traffic at sites and provide another source of income to retailers.