With nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, there is always opportunity for our team members to advance or experience new places and people. Many of our current leaders – nearly 70% – have been promoted within the company and are passionate about helping team members reach their career goals with mentorship, training and development.
Hear from Erin Spruce about how she put her career growth into high-gear with a dedication to learning, love for working with people, drive to always improve and the support of several leaders and team members that believed in her from the beginning.
Erin Spruce, General Manager at Store #609 in Eloy, Arizona:
“This is an amazing company. Since day one I have always felt very welcomed and appreciated.
I started at Store #593 in 2019 in Tucson, Arizona, and was hired on by Angela Noble, the store TCGM. I started my job just looking for part-time work. However, on my first day as a cashier, I realized this is more than just a job, this was a family that I walked into.
Everyone was so nice and encouraging and it motivated me to keep learning more. Most importantly, I was excited to come to work. I started as a cashier on the overnight shift, and I was taught inside maintenance as well. I noticed quickly how important processes are and how I could help make this team better.
After a few months, I was asked if I was interested in becoming a lead cashier on second shift, and I eagerly accepted. I enjoyed the environment on second shift as well. The customers were so fun and my fellow team members took me under their wings and really showed me everything they could possibly think of.
I wasn’t completely satisfied though. Not with the job but, in the fact that I knew I could learn more. Management was so supportive and other team members were so encouraging. At this point, I reached out to my TCGM and expressed to her my career aspirations with Pilot. She was very encouraging and accepted under one condition: I had to switch to morning shift so I could work closely with her. Of course, I was so excited and quickly accepted.
This is when my career seriously went into high gear. Angie is an amazing boss and a solid operator. If it weren’t for her confidence in me, I don’t know if I would be the GM of my own store today. She pushed me to do more than I thought I could, and I am so grateful. In August 2020, I was blessed with the opportunity to be promoted to AGMT. I am very thankful to Manny Rodriguez for believing in me, pushed me to do better, and allowing me my promotion. The AGMT training was great. It gave me the opportunity to learn in an environment that was solid.
Just five months later, I was offered my own store – Store #609 in Eloy, Arizona. Still to this day, I am taken back by the amount of support I had from every single employee I have worked with but most importantly that of Manny. He really can pinpoint what people are good at and make it a success for the team!
I have always worked in customer service and sales, so I have a very strong sense of that work environment. My grandparents were professional drivers for 20 years, so I had a deep understanding of what drivers go through on a day-to-day basis. Also, quite simply, I just love people! I love being around so many different people. I learn so much from my guests about life in general, and it is such a joy.
It has been such a fun ride so far and I don’t ever want it to end. Again, I am truly thankful for all of the support from guests, team members, management, and even people from the Support Center. I am here with a determination of making my store the best it can be. I am here to stay!”
