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Ruralco’s Methven store manager, Mel Sowden, and Rakaia store manager, Maree Smith, have decades of combined experience across the business, with both moving through the ranks prior to taking on leadership roles.

For Maree her move into a management role came about after Rakaia’s first store manager, Raewyn Maw (featured in the last edition of Real Farmer), left to go on maternity leave. “I started with Ruralco on 1 March 2004 as a salesperson, and after four months when Raewyn went on maternity leave, I became the manager and I’ve been in the role ever since.”

As time went on, the Rakaia store outgrew the space it occupied at the old jam factory, and when the house next door come up for sale, Ruralco purchased the site. The house was relocated within the Rakaia township, and the site was developed. “In 2008 we were able to move into a purpose-built complex, which also included additional spaces rented out to other tenants.”

Mel’s appointment to the manager’s role took a little longer, but she also started in a salesperson role. “I started in Methven in March 2011, and I was the “junior” member of the team. At that time there were only three of us in the store. After three years, the Methven store manager position became available, so I nervously put my name forward and to my surprise, I got the job!”

So, what encourages the pair to continue working for Ruralco after all of this time? “It sounds corny, but it’s the people – both internally and externally. I love the caring family culture of the business and I always feel that Ruralco has my back,” says Mel.

It’s a sentiment shared by Maree. “I love working at Ruralco. It’s a nice working environment and it’s great to be part of the Ruralco family. I also know just about everyone that comes through the door. I knew most of the customers from working for 14 years at the pub in Rakaia before joining Ruralco. It used to be a bit of a standing joke that it was good to see them in daylight.”

Working in the smaller stores also provides plenty of diversity. “There’s always something different to do in this role. One day I might be out in a paddock and then the next I’ll be wrapping presents in gift and homeware. It’s the variety of the role that I love,” says Maree.

Both managers also love the career development journey they are on. “I have been fortunate to be able to progress from a junior role to store manager. Ruralco has provided ongoing leadership training that I have found extremely valuable and is helping me with my aspirations for the future. Having a leadership team that believes in and supports you as I have, is priceless and I cannot thank them enough,” says Mel.

As well as progressing as a manager, Maree says she also really enjoys the opportunities to be part of other groups within the business. “I especially enjoy my roles on the health and safety and wellness committees.”

Mel and Maree both agree the people are their favourite part of their jobs. “Mostly I still love the people; both interacting with customers and the Ruralco team. Many have become friends, not just customers or teammates,” says Maree. They also love working within their teams, seeing them grow and develop. “This makes me extremely proud!” says Mel.

When asked what the Ruralco Way means to them, they agree that it’s about working and supporting each other to achieve great results for all stakeholders, and doing whatever they possibly can to go above and beyond together. It’s about treating others the way that you want to be treated in everyday life, they say.