2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Lois Degenstein
Lois Degenstein
Pricebook administrator
Gas King Oil Co. Ltd
How did you get into this business?
I began working in gas stations and convenience stores at a very early age. I was only 15 and worked my first part-time job at a tiny Gulf kiosk all alone. Since then, I have had several roles within convenience store businesses. For the last 30 years I have been a proud part of the team at Gas King, which is owned by the Morris family.
What are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?
We have brought in many innovative items to improve the bottom line, which is exciting. Each of us at Gas King is teaching our next generation leaders in the Morris family!
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working for our local Gas King, as it is a well-known, successful family business in Southern Alberta. I welcome new challenges concerning sales and marketing and managing inventory. We have had many new innovations, which keeps the market interesting.
Biggest career challenge?
My biggest challenge was working long hours in management while raising my daughters.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Never, EVER burn a bridge. Treat customers the way you would like to be treated as a customer.
What excites you most about the future of this channel?
I truly am excited to see Gas King grow! Every new step in innovation is exciting.
How do you define yourself as a leader?
Apparently, I have become the go-to mom/grandmother for many on our team. They are comfortable talking with me about many business and personal problems.
Nomination highlights
Celebrating 30 years with Gas King, Lois Degenstein has become one of the organization’s most trusted and indispensable leaders through decades of operational expertise, dedication and behind-the-scenes impact. Having worked at every store level before moving into head office leadership, her knowledge of the business extends far beyond the scope of her title. Known as the “queen of inventory,” she leads all aspects of inventory management, supporting store teams through weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end counts while resolving complex issues with remarkable accuracy and efficiency. Her responsibilities also include loss prevention leadership and training, POS scanning oversight, vendor collaboration, pricing coordination and supervision of daily reporting processes. She works closely with national and direct-store-delivery vendors, maintaining strong partnerships that support smooth operations across the network. Her attention to detail, problem-solving ability and commitment to operational excellence help ensure guests consistently enjoy a positive experience at Gas King locations, strengthening customer loyalty and supporting the company’s long-term success.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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