CCWC mag Sept-Oct 2020_web

Proudly Canadian
Bayside Travel Centre, Afton Station, Nova Scotia
Many Canadians have fond memories
of family travels across Canada by car
and making a Husky travel centre a destination
stop, says Mike Santry, business
development manager for Husky’s retail
and commercial businesses. Santry recalls
that “here in Canada – it’s Husky,”
was, at one time, the company slogan.
Husky’s team has a reputation as
trusted, knowledgeable advisors to
branded dealers, says Santry. “When the
branded dealer succeeds, we succeed.”
And thanks to a recent agreement
with Imperial, Husky can also represent
the Esso brand, and does so exclusively
in the truck transport business, further
contributing to opportunities.
“We’re proud to represent the Esso
brand, which also has deep roots in
Canada,” says Santry. “The fact that
experienced Husky personnel can support
two major, recognizable brands
provides a level of trust and comfort
that you don’t always find in business
relationships. Potential branded dealers
are aware that there’s strength and opportunity
in either brand.”
Although the world is navigating in
unprecedented times as the COVID-19
pandemic continues to impact lives and
businesses, Husky continues to emphasize
the importance of communication
with its network, even if that means
some adjustments are required.
“First and foremost, health and safety
Silver Creek Travel Centre, Hope, British Columbia – interior.
“We’re proud to represent the Esso
brand, which also has deep roots in
Canada,” says Santry.
is at the forefront of our minds,” says
Skulsky. “As a result, we’ve modified
the way we do business but we’re still
finding effective ways to communicate.
We’ve built a solid reputation with our
branded dealers and we can still be productive
and collaborative with our dealers
even if we can’t meet face-to-face.”
Santry says getting to know people
has been a key element to his personal
success and it has been challenging during
the pandemic to not be able to sit
across a table from people to learn more
about them.
“We’ve adapted with more regular
touchpoints by teleconference
and Skype meetings,” he says. “We’ve
developed a cadence with weekly meetings
with all stakeholders: construction,
operations, training and marketing. And,
for any new branded dealer, we include
Husky’s subject matter experts, for instance,
the manager of our loyalty program
or a category manager specializing
in merchandising, to help with the onboarding
process.”
Santry continues to strongly believe in
the importance of getting to know the
people across the business in order to
leverage their strengths to help branded
dealers succeed.
“I have been with Husky for close to
two decades. I’ve enjoyed many different
roles and maintained close connection
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