On May 8, we’re opening three new stores in Northeast Ohio – in Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights. Store Directors Marcella Mathis, Carol Lester and Patrick Hughes are working tirelessly to assemble top-notch teams, meet the community and get the stores fully stocked for opening day. Read on to learn more about these store leaders.
Meet Marcella Mathis, Richmond Heights Store Director
Q: What is your retail experience?
I have been a retail manager for more than 25 years, with experience at many other different types of stores, including grocery. I’ve been with Meijer for five years now!
Q: What do you love most about working for Meijer?
I love the interaction with the community and working with my awesome team every day.
Q: What excites you most about bringing Meijer to Richmond Heights?
I am so excited to be a part of the revitalization of the former Richmond Heights Mall. My family and I have many special memories of the mall, and I am thrilled to introduce Meijer to this community.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
My favorite is the Frederik’s by Meijer signature blend coffee. It has excellent flavor and is very smooth and balanced.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
One of my favorite hobbies is coin collecting. I have been collecting silver dollar coins for many years.
Q: What do you love about the Richmond Heights community?
I love the people of Richmond Heights. The community has been so welcoming and excited for our store. The Mayor of Richmond Heights, Kim Thomas, has been a tremendous partner and a great representative for the city.
More info about the store is available on the Richmond Heights store site.
Meet Carol Lester, Medina Store Director
Q: How long have you worked at Meijer?
I started my career with Meijer back in 1993 as a part time cashier, and since then I’ve opened several stores throughout Ohio and Indiana.
Q: What is your retail experience?
I worked at a toy store called Circus World in the late 80's along with Brooks Brothers. In 1993, I had the opportunity to hire on as a part-time cashier with the Meijer in Mansfield and have been here ever since.
Q: What do you love most about working for Meijer?
I have always loved the extended family feeling. I love being able to help our team members belong and feel valued, along with getting the opportunity to make a difference in the community in which we serve. I especially love creating connections with new people every day!
Q: What excites you most about bringing Meijer to Medina?
I am eager to create new partnerships and business relationships in the community. I look forward to being a part of providing outstanding customer service and bringing more good to the Medina community each day.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
I love my morning coffee and Frederik’s by Meijer Michigan cherry coffee is my favorite Meijer product.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
I ride a motorcycle – a Harley Davidson Road Glide. I also like to camp and be outdoors. If I am not on my bike or camping, you can find me in my backyard swimming pool.
Q: What do you love about the Medina community?
Having grown up in a small town in the Huron and Richland County area, I have a great deal of appreciation for the small-town spirit of Medina.
More info about the store is available on the Medina store site.
Meet Patrick Hughes, Austintown Store Director
Q: How long have you worked at Meijer?
I’ve been at Meijer for five years and had the pleasure of leading four different stores!
Q: What is your retail experience?
I have more than 26 years of store leadership experience, all in Northeast Ohio.
Q: What do you love most about working for Meijer?
I love working in a family environment where customers and team members truly come first.
Q: What excites you most about bringing Meijer to Austintown?
I am excited to impact the community through our service in and out of the store. I have deep roots in the Mahoning Valley, and my wife, four kids, and I are delighted to return to the community where we grew up and where our extended family resides.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
My favorite product is the Frederik’s Jalapeno kettle chips. I love spicy snacks!
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
I have 14 sky diving jumps. I had my first jump in 2017 and am working towards my first solo jump.
Q: What do you love about the Austintown community?
I love being part of the Austintown community for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of belonging, where neighbors support one another and come together as a community!
More info about the store is available on the Austintown store site.