Company / Business: Sweeney Oil

Number of Stores: 4

Number of Employees: 70

Years in Existence: 33

1 – What made you choose CBE as your EPoS supplier?

CBE are a local company. At the time we were looking for an EPoS supplier, they had everything we required and suited our business. We have a very good relationship, and they have always given us the best innovations to help run our stores more efficiently.

2 – What are the main trends you are observing within your industry?

Cigarette sales have seen a huge increase. I would say a big contributing factor would be the stress associated with the current pandemic and lockdown. Margins are decreasing. There has been a huge increase in pre-price marked products being sold. It is also very hard to get staff at the minute.

3 – Can you describe what a typical working day looks like for you?

My normal working day begins at around 7 am. Every week I try to visit one of the stores each day and then spend a day in the office. I am responsible for the operation of our retail business, and this can bring its own challenges every day. (mostly Positive!)

4 – What do you love about your job?

I like work. I love the different challenges that each day brings. I love seeing the different trends and changes within our industry and incorporating them into our own stores.

5 – What do you feel is your greatest strength?

I would say my ability to communicate is a very strong trait that I hold. I would also like to think that I am a very good leader.

6 – How do you think your employees would describe you?

I suppose I could be described as firm, but very fair. I would never ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t do myself. I don’t think any of our staff would say they don’t like working for me.

7 – What job role within your company would you be terrible at?

I don’t like dealing with unnecessary controversy. Trying to resolve it can be a job in itself.

8 – What is the most heartwarming thing you have ever seen an employee do for a customer?

There have been so many throughout the years. One thing that we do here in Sweeney Oil is train our staff members to ‘provide a service’, it is the ethos of our company. During the winter months, we do training day sessions specifically around providing a quality service to our customers.

9 – How do you relax after a hard day at work?

Play golf, badly!! I would be a very big GAA fan. My sons play with the local GAA club here in Galway.

10 – Finally, if you could have lunch with one person, who would it be, and why?

I would have to say Paul McGinley. I have been in his company and he just has a great persona about him. He is a very shrewd operator and a good leader, as we saw from being the winning captain of the 2014 Ryder Cup.