This May, Store Directors Patrick Hughes and Sheila Dowgiert will open our two new supercenters in Alliance and North Canton, Ohio. Over the last year, they’ve both worked tirelessly to assemble top-notch teams and get out to meet the community. Read on to learn more about them.
Meet Sheila Dowgiert, North Canton Meijer Store Director
Q: How long have you worked at Meijer?
Three and a half years.
Q: What is your retail experience?
I worked in retail for 12 years before joining the Meijer team. At my previous company, I started as a bagger, but then learned about the growth opportunities. I quickly realized how much I love the fast-paced environment of retail. I have been a bagger, cashier, drug and general merchandise clerk, assistant department head, department head, co-manager, and store leader during my retail career.
Q: What do you love most about working for Meijer?
I love the culture of Meijer. I love knowing I work for a company where people matter and are valued as individuals. From my very first week at Meijer, I felt so welcome and comfortable, and now I get to ensure that everyone on my team has the same experience. [FC1]
Q: What excites you most about bringing Meijer to North Canton?
I am so excited to develop community partnerships and provide a destination for shopping to this great community.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
Frederik’s Salt & Vinegar kettle chips – perfectly crunchy and tangy!
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
I love to be outdoors doing any activity - kayaking, gardening, or just hanging out outside. I also love house plants – Meijer always has a great selection that gets me every time!
Q: What do you love about the North Canton community?
I love how welcoming they have been to Meijer. We have already been making connections and finding out about how we can support the community. I love the small town feel of North Canton!
Meet Patrick Hughes, Alliance Meijer Store Director
Q: How long have you worked at Meijer?
I’ve had the opportunity to lead four Meijer stores over the past four years.
Q: What is your retail experience?
I have been in retail leadership for 25 years here 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 Alliance?
I am excited to impact the community through our service in and out of the store.
Q: What's your favorite Meijer brand product?
My favorite product is Moose Tracks Purple Cow ice cream because of its rich and creamy texture. It’s hard for me to pick one favorite though, because of the high quality and affordability of all our Meijer products.
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 Alliance community?
I love the sense of community in Alliance. You truly feel welcome and part of the community, and it’s such a friendly atmosphere.
For more info about our new stores opening in May, visit meijer.com/newstores.