QT as a business model

[Az Gardener]

QT has moved into the PHX area over the last couple of years and they are a great role model for a company. For those who are not familiar they are a convenience store chain. But not like circle K, 7-11 or any of the rest, at least not that I have seen.

They now have a book out that is a history of the business and a insiders look at how they do business. It is a good read for anyone who ever plans on having employees. I was reading yesterday and highlighted some things to remember and I thought I would share for all that are interested.

"The new pay structure made everyone's goals the same, from the president to the store's frontline personnel. Everyone understood the need to control costs, increase sales and make a profit. The Uniformity derived from a common goal was an important part of solidifying our commitment to our employees."

If anyone has any first hand experience working at a QT I would like to know how closely the legend of the company is to real life. At any rate they seem to be a great role model and I will post more as I come across things I find noteworthy.

[Az Gardener]

Nobody here that has worked at a QT?

This part is discussing how everyone must be held accountable regardless of their tenure with the company.

When someone dosen't get the job done and doesn't respond properly to direction or correction, then everyone recognizes it. If co-workers feel that the company dosen't know what they are doing, they may conclude that they don't have to perform properly since the organization apparently rewards incompetence.

I think many in our field fall into this trap. Rather than making the tough decision to get rid of someone we rationalize that I have already invested so much time training this guy, I will have to start all over if I can him. I can deal with the re occurring mistakes because he can do this or that OK so we overlook the short falls. The biggie in the past has been well at least he shows up on time every day.

The truth is we are creating a work environment that breeds incompetence. You bring the bar down to the lowest competitor rather than pulling everyone up to the highest competitor.

I know I have been guilty of it myself we just recently implemented a stringent policy to punish employees that violate our policies. Things I have been trying to get done for years are suddenly happening on a consistent basis. The foreman like it too because for years they have complained that we don't have a firm policy on how to deal with employees who violate our policies. Now thy have another tool in the box to help them get the job done right the first time every time.

[DLAWNS]

I've never heard of a QT. I'm going to believe that it's the equivalent to a WAWA. It's a convenience store that's better. They make all kinds of food and sell everything, as well as selling gas at a very good price.

Keep the quotes coming. I'm enjoying reading them.

[Az Gardener]

They are very clean, the employees handle two customers at a time. One on either side of the register so it is very fast. They always have at least 2-3 people there even during slow times. When it is busy they will have 3 registers running and 6-7 people working, the employees say hi to every person that walks in the door. They have everything you could imagine in the way of beverage and fast food. Big clean bathrooms, big clean parking lots, every store is the same. They have been a Forbes top 100 company to work for for several years. Here is the list of benefits is a full page, the managers make 40-K a year.


Job Benefits at QuikTrip

QuikTrip offers a wide range of job benefits with employment opportunities. The job benefits programs listed are only a summary of job benefits and may be changed from time to time.Taking advantage of employment opportunities with QuikTrip can benefit you in many ways...

Insurance Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

* Health: Choose from the QuikTrip self administered plan with a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or an HMO. QuikTrip contributes approximately 80% of the total cost of the plan.
* Dental: Two free cleanings per year. Annual deductible and $1,250 annual maximum per covered individual.
* Life: Coverage at twice the previous year's earnings. Supplemental term and whole life plans also available.
* Vision: Covers eye examinations and glasses or contact lenses.
* Part-Time Employees are eligible for insurance coverage through StarBridge after 30 days of employment. At their second anniversary, they may enroll in the standard QuikTrip Benefits Plan.

Financial Benefits

* 401(k): Annual maximum amount of $15,500 from each employee's compensation can be invested in QuikTrip's 401(k) plan. QuikTrip matches the employee's contribution at a 50% rate for up to 6% of their annual pay.
* Profit Sharing: QuikTrip annually contributes a percentage of pretax profit.
* Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): QuikTrip annually contributes company stock equivalent to a percentage of pretax profit.

Vacation Benefits

* 2 weeks after 1 year of full-time employment
* 3 weeks after 5 years of full-time employment
* 4 weeks after 10 years of full-time employment
* 5 weeks after 15 years (store employees only) of employment
* Part-time employees accrue vacation after 2 years of employment

Other Job Benefits For Both Full and Part Time

* Free fountain drinks/coffee while on duty
* Weekly paychecks
* Christmas bonus
* Direct payroll deposit
* Credit union
* Seniority awards
* Tuition reimbursement
* Employee assistance program
* Free stylish shirts for store employees
* Free checking with minimum balance

Additional Benefits For Full Time

* Disability
* Medical reimbursement accounts
* Child care reimbursement accounts.
* Scholarship program
* Sick pay

[KS_Grasscutter]

There are none here, but there are many in Wichita. Every one has a nice irrigated, fertilized lawn that's mowed with Walkers (ok, mowed with Walkers is kinda irrelevant, just happend that the dude that got the contract uses Walkers). Even if it's just a 3x50 strip, it's irrigated and fertilized.

I have never been inside of one, because I always pay at the pump. I would imagine that the inside is nice and clean.

[HOOLIE]

What's the name of the book?

I was having a discussion recently with a friend about the 'typical employee mentality', don't remember how we got on the topic, but just in general our talk was about how most employees quickly figure out what the bare minimum is that is needed to be done to stay employed. With many companies, there's no real incentive to distinguish yourself by exceeding expectations (if there are any). Many employers tend to lay out a list of 'don'ts' rather than chart a course of expectations and a map up the company ladder.

I'd be interested to read the book, since it looks like QT has success with what would seem to be a lot of entry level, not overly educated employees.

[Az Gardener]

From Lucky to Smart Leadership lessons from Quick Trip by Chester Cadieux

It is also a funny read and the title is right on. One of the first quotes I highlighted was.

"The fist store was awful, the second would have been good if they had not closed the road 8 days after we opened but the 3rd store saved us."

Made me feel better about my operation. I have planned a little better and am probably ahead of the where they were at the same time frame.

[JKOOPERS]

i used to work for a co that took care of all them in about a 30 mile radius in st louis mo. the co still has qt to this day, ever since them came here. by far the best gas station in America. few of my friends worked there when i was younger and they pay pretty good. every time you go into one of their stores someone is cleaning something.

[Az Gardener]

Here is a good quote for that cocky guy who wants to be the lead-man or more but can't even do his own job correctly.

"Back in the 80's A night shift employee complained he could not develop his management skills because there was no one to manage. My response was the first great lesson in life is learning to manage yourself".

Might be all for a week or so I have to write my newsletter and get billing out. Still looking for that QT employee.

[PTP]

I am not a QT employee but the best employee that I ever had was a QT assistant manager who hated his job. To be fair though, he seemed to be locked into a kind of a no win situation that had more to do with personal relationships within the company than the company itself.

I agree with you, QT does a fine job of running their stores.