Hi, I’m Brandy Roberts, the General Manager at the Chaffee Rhodes. I joined Rhodes in February 2018 following my 13-year employment at Red Lobster in Cape Girardeau. My former Red Lobster manager, Mary Henson, recruited me to join Rhodes. Mary made the same career change as me and is currently a District Manager over six Rhodes locations.
My upward movement at Rhodes has been quick. I already knew the importance of customer service and had a guest-first mentality before joining the company. I also had experience in training and developing many team members while at Red Lobster. All of these skills and experiences helped me move from Operations Manager at the Rhodes on South Mount Auburn Road to the General Manager in Chaffee very quickly. I never had this same chance to grow at Red Lobster and never felt as if I would reach my full potential there like I do here.
Before joining Rhodes, I thought of it only as being a gas station, but a clean and friendly one at that. I quickly realized how much more there is to Rhodes. It’s a fast-paced environment, which I thrive in. We focus so much on cleanliness and set high standards for ourselves to deliver to our guests. Our guests and teams are the most important parts of our business. In the words of PAJCO Vice President of Operations and Business Development, Brent Anderson, it’s not WHAT we do but WHO we do it with.” I carry that message with me everyday to lead my team. It’s part of the reason I love this company so much! I never thought I could get attached to so many people while working in a convenience store, but I have. They have all become family to me. They know my name, and I know them and their families. So, thank you Chaffee, you are all my favorite customers!
My impression of Rhodes has changed so much since being hired three years ago. Before my first day, I didn’t know what to expect or if I was making the right career decision for myself. Once I started, I fell in love. I have never woken up and thought, “I don’t want to go to work today.” I love seeing my team and guests. They have become family to me. This is also a family-oriented company that makes me feel valued and appreciated. For that reason, my favorite core value at Rhodes is “Empower all well-trained team members.” My goal is to train my team to be the best they can possibly be. The more focus and dedication that I put into my team allows them to grow more and succeed. Nothing makes me prouder than to see one of my team members grow into another position within my location or another one.
I not only recommend that anyone consider joining our team but also have a piece of advice to share. Make every day the best you can. Get to know your guests and make your workdays fun so it never feels like work.
Rhodes provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Rhodes complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training. Rhodes expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference and the ability of Rhodes employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.