2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Aron Alderson
Aron Alderson
Key account manager
Western Refrigeration & Beverage Equipment
How did you get into this business?
I started in the construction and facilities department of what was then Mac’s Convenience Stores in 2011, purchasing capital equipment, managing capital budgets and controlling maintenance spends. I learned the business of convenience and how our roles ensure safe, functional spaces for customers and operators.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the people I get to meet and solving problems big and small. Solution finding is its own kind of reward!
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
When things get hectic, I try to remember wise words often given by a former industry leader, Bonnie Birollo: ‘We’re not saving babies here.’ That always brings the problem, however big, into perspective.
What excites you most about the future of this channel?
Foodservice. There’s so much opportunity for chains and independent operators to expand offerings with foodservice. I believe we will see exciting innovations in this category in the coming years ahead.
How do you define yourself as a leader?
I define leadership as a collaborative partnership focused on service, continuous learning and adaptability. Instead of just directing from the top, I view my role as a facilitator of growth, empowering others, listening carefully and providing the tools needed to turn shared visions into reality.
Nomination highlights
Since joining Western Refrigeration eight years ago, Aron Alderson has become an invaluable leader whose positivity, customer focus and solutions-driven mindset have helped drive the company’s continued success within the convenience industry. Known for her exceptional attention to detail and commitment to customer service, Alderson works closely with clients to understand their goals and develop programs that deliver meaningful results. She has played a leading role in major initiatives, including the M&M express freezer program execution, the launch of Western Refrigeration’s smallware program and the development of relationships with several new key accounts across Canada. As a key account manager for major corporate clients, she oversees forecasting, program development, implementation and preventative maintenance strategies while contributing across sales, logistics, marketing and strategic planning. She has also secured important partnerships with national fresh and frozen food distributors, helping deliver hundreds of custom coolers and freezers nationwide. Beyond business, Alderson connects and supports women in the industry through monthly networking lunches and extensive volunteer work within her community.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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