Sheetz named a top company that cares by People magazine

Sheetz ranked among top businesses in the country as a company that cares.

The Altoona-based firm ranked 11th out of 50 companies that received the designation based on their demonstration of respect, care and concern for employees, communities and the environment during the coronavirus pandemic. It was the only convenience store chain included in the list created by People magazine and Great Place to Work.

“We are truly grateful for the dedication and commitment of our employees, who have worked tirelessly to provide total customer focus, especially during these challenging times,” Travis Sheetz, president and COO of Sheetz, said in a statement. “They are the true heart and soul of this company.”

Rankings are based on surveys asking employees about their “experiences of how their workplaces have made a difference in their lives and in the communities,” the website reads. They are also based on an assessment of generosity of benefits and philanthropic and community support, specifically in response to the pandemic.

At Sheetz, 88% of employees said it is a great place to work. Between 90% and 93% said the company makes them feel welcomed, they feel good about the ways the company contributes to the community, they are given resources to complete their jobs, management is honest and the facilities contribute to a good working environment.

Company policy prohibits store employees from speaking to the media, spokesman Harry Hammel said. Several people frequenting Sheetz in North Huntingdon along Route 30 on Wednesday, however, praised the chain for obtaining the designation.

“I go to Sheetz wherever I can because it’s great,” said Wayne Deakin, 67, of Harrisburg. “No matter where I am, if I’m at State College, here, Philadelphia, Sheetz is Sheetz. No surprises.”

Deakin noted Sheetz did an “excellent job” throughout the pandemic, implementing curbside pickup and requiring customers to wear face masks. Signs posted on doors leading into the North Huntingdon store reminded people to wear their masks. A dine-in area was blocked by signs, and chairs were placed on top of tables.

The company also implemented new cleaning and sanitizing protocols, provided scan-and-go technology to promote social distancing and offered free coffee to health care workers.

“The health and well-being of our team members, customers and communities we call home has been our top priority since the onset of covid-19,” Sheetz said. “As an essential business, Sheetz has been committed to staying open to serve the needs of the community.”

Thomas Witman, 73, of North Irwin added, “I’ve noticed that Sheetz, as far as this covid thing, (is) very safety minded and clean.”

Other companies that made the list include Adobe, American Express, Bank of America, Comcast, Hilton, Marriott International and Target. Publix Super Markets snagged the topped spot, while Pinnacle Financial Partners ranked 50th.

Since 2016, Sheetz has ranked among the best workplaces in retail, the best workplaces for women and Fortune 100 best companies to work for.

“Best workplaces like Sheetz are showing up for their employees and communities during this unprecedented time, and they’re able to do this because of the strong investments in their cultures leading up to this point,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “Having a foundation of trust has allowed these businesses to find innovative responses to covid-19.”