My name is Daniel Seabaugh. I’m the General Manager of Rhodes on North Sprigg in Cape Girardeau, MO. I started working for PAJCO (the company that owns Rhodes, Imo’s Pizza restaurants and Rally’s Drive-Ins) in February of 2020. Prior to accepting a GM position, I was an Operations Manager who floated to multiple locations a week. I love giving high fives to employees and customers. I also love making people smile. My aim is to create an environment where people feel appreciated and valued.
Before arriving at PAJCO, I attended College of the Ozarks where I learned the value of hard work. Every full-time student at C of O is required to work 15 hours a week on campus to help cover tuition. In addition to my campus job, I worked at Starbucks and Dollar General. My wife and I moved to Denver, CO. after graduation where I received a Master’s degree in Leadership from Denver Seminary. While in Colorado, I accepted my first management position at Waterway Carwash, a business staffed primarily by high-school students. I quickly learned the importance of authenticity, patience, and relationships in leadership. Those skills proved extremely valuable when I accepted my next management position at Trader Joe’s, the fun-loving grocery store that has weird products and cool people. I stayed with TJ’s for 3 years and worked in management in Fort Collins, CO and Kansas City, MO before moving home to Cape Girardeau.
I had zero impressions of Rhodes before joining the team. I certainly never thought a convenience store could be a viable career option. When I interviewed for the job, I was honest about my desire to be in local church ministry. Rhodes was basically a temporary spot for me. After spending a year and a half working at Rhodes, I may never leave. I believe Rhodes is Southeast Missouri’s best kept job secret. If you want a job where you feel valued, heard, and empowered to be the best form of yourself, you have found your people. Rhodes is not only a place to work; it’s a place to belong.
I found Rhodes after meeting my now District Manager, Matt Boxdorfer. If you know Matt, you’ll know he’s the funniest and most genuine person around. He never tried to sell me with cliché remarks about the company. He told me exactly what to expect. He’s a great boss. He understands how I’m wired and leads me accordingly. Honestly, I’ve never been happier with a boss (he didn’t pay me to say that, but I do accept donations for compliments, Matt).
Since arriving at Rhodes, I have fallen in love with so many things. The incentives are amazing! I can eat a meal every day and drink as much coffee as humanly possible. I’ve had the opportunity to join numerous Rhodes sponsored events, such as St. Louis Cardinal games, bowling nights, banquet dinners, Cape Splash swim days, and learning seminars. The company invests a great deal in the growth and happiness of their employees. At Rhodes, people truly matter. It’s not just something they say. The owners are personable and present. When they come to the store, they engage the team in conversation and show real interest in their lives. I could go on and on.
My wife also loves the company. It has supported us not only financially, but emotionally. We have five daughters at home (a sixth on the way!). We rarely feel like our family suffers because of the stress or requirements of the job. Family and work-life balance is the best I’ve seen in any company. When life happens, as it inevitably will, I never feel forced to make a decision between job and family.
So many great people work for this company. Marquis Brookins, the General Manager at Momma Rhodes (North Kingshighway, Cape), is an incredible trainer. He taught me so much when I first started. Brent Anderson, the Vice President of Operations, always has something insightful to say about leadership. Stephanie Powell, the Help Desk Manager, is full of energy and makes solving problems fun. She has a sign on her desk that says, “good vibes only,” which is all you get from her when you call about a problem. I have an amazing team at my store. A few people I’ve relied heavily on recently are Brandie Carter (Restaurant Manager) and her team, Michelle Dixon (Team Leader), Nick Bradshaw (Operations Manager), Curtis Jackson (Overnight Team Lead), Neda Lotfi (Customer Service Representative), and Reece Wolf (Customer Service Representative). I could not do what I do without the crew I have. It truly takes a village.
One goal I hope to reach at Rhodes is becoming the company chaplain (such a position doesn’t exist, but hey, I’ll keep dreaming). If I can’t reach that position, I’d like to be in a position where I can further encourage our people and help create culture. Many things are right about the culture already. My goal, however, would be to push the limits on caring for people, both employees and customers.
If you’re reading this and are looking for a rewarding career, something more than a job, something you can look back on with gratitude, look no further than Rhodes. I guarantee you will be shocked by the possibilities of working at a “gas station.” Rhodes is so much more. Not only do they own and operate Rhodes, Rally’s Drive Ins, and IMO’s Pizza restaurants, they will invest in you and seek your well-being. Seriously, apply today!
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.