NEW YORK – Now in its fourth year on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list, convenience retailer Sheetz has climbed from the 87th spot in 2017, to 66 in this year’s ranking.

Great Place to Work, which facilities Fortune’s list, says that Sheetz is one of America’s fastest-growing, family-owned and operated convenience retailers with stores across six states. Unique benefits and advancement opportunities reflect the company’s genuine concern for employees’ well-being—a respect that extends across the counter through “Total Customer Focus.”

Some of the unique aspects about Sheetz and its employee benefits include:

• Above-Average Pay: In January 2016, Sheetz announced a $15-million wage increase for its store employees.
• Full-Time Hours: In 2016, we Sheetz shifted more of its store employees from part-time to full-time work.
• Vacation and Personal Days: After a store employee has worked full-time for Sheetz for a year, they earn a one-week paid vacation plus four personal days a year.
• Employee Bonuses: Every Sheetz employee is eligible to receive a quarterly bonus. The Sheetz family firmly believes that every employee should share in the company’s success. Every year, 35%–40% of pre-tax profits are paid out in bonuses for all employees. In 2016, Sheetz paid $53 million dollars in bonus to employees.
• Benefits: Health-care coverage includes medical, dental, vision care, prescriptions and disability insurance. Sheetz’s three wellness centers provide free on-site care, screenings and health coaching to employees and eligible dependents. For those without access to the wellness centers, Virtual Health allows them to interact with a doctor by smartphone or computer. Sheetz’s 401(k) retirement savings plan matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, and employees are fully vested upon enrollment. Part-time employees receive full benefits when they work 30 or more hours a week.
• Employee Stock Ownership: After working for Sheetz one year, employees become company shareholders through the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP). Each year, Sheetz awards company stock based on years of service and salary level. Employees are 100% vested after three years of service.
• Upward Mobility Opportunities: Company training allows people in entry-level hourly positions to move up and become supervisors, assistant managers and store managers. In fact, 72% of the store managers started off as salespeople, and 86% of those managers were promoted from within. In a typical year, the company transitions about 50 store employees to supporting roles.
• Educational Opportunities: To encourage employees to earn a degree, the College Tuition Reimbursement program offers $750 per semester ($1,500 per year) to anyone working toward an associate, bachelor’s or master's degree. Graduate-level course work is fully covered, based on the employee’s position and career plan. Sheetz also partners with 26 colleges and universities to arrange tuition discounts of up to 50% off for its employees.
• Free Drinks and Discounts: All store employees get free coffee, tea and fountain drinks while they’re on the clock, and they receive half off prepared foods during working hours and receive 10% off everything in the store, whether they’re on or off the clock. Non-store employees receive the 10% discount at any time.
  In related news, for the sixth year in a row, Mars Inc. has been named to the 2018 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Mars ranked No. 83 on the list, which is based on survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture.

"Whether it's our unique approach to business or our strong, principles-led culture, this recognition is a celebration of our Associates' success around the U.S.," said Tracey Massey, president, Americas, Mars Wrigley Confectionery. "We are proud to have earned our place on this list once again, and remain committed to continuing to create an environment that fosters growth, respect and inclusivity."

Known for its investment in associate development, Mars provides a wide range of benefits and growth opportunities, such as allowing associates to experiment in different roles across business functions and offering pet-friendly offices and a robust personal development program and resources. Mars prioritizes a healthy, fulfilling life for associates with programs like parental leave and adoption assistance, while offering associates the opportunity to give their time and talents to organize, lead and recruit other volunteers through the Mars Volunteer Program.