In Hawaiian language and culture, ohana means family. Nineteen years ago when Johnmark Mageo joined ABC Stores in Honolulu as a stock associate, he didn’t know he would find his family, his home and a two-decade career at the convenience store. He’s now the company’s employee relations and government affairs manager, supporting ABC team members through evolving policies, compliance and workplace needs he said.

ABC Stores has more than 75 locations in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan and Las Vegas, along with affiliate stores and restaurants. Over the past 19 years, Johnmark said his roles at ABC have taught him “firsthand the value of leadership, responsibility and genuine Aloha.”

Why He Loves Working in Convenience

ABC Stores serves both our community and visitors from around the world. In this industry, you meet people from every walk of life, and every day gives you the chance to help someone. That’s what I love most; your effort directly shapes the experience and the results you create. For me, every day begins with people. I work with different departments to interpret new laws and stay connected with our stores to ensure policies work in real life. Whether uplifting teams through company messages or addressing difficult issues, the focus is always the same: treating everyone with dignity and respect.

What He Finds Most Fulfilling About His Job

It’s serving our people. Whatever I can do and accomplish for our people is what fulfills my role as an employee of ABC Stores. On the customer level, it’s the dedication to solving a dispute or escalating their issue to the right department. My favorite thing is gaining the trust of our people and customers.

A Memorable Moment at Work

Early in my management career, I showed up late to work and saw our COO standing at the front of the store. It was a moment that carried real weight given the expectations we hold as leaders. I braced for whatever consequence awaited me for being late, but instead he simply asked, “Is your family okay?” That moment changed me. It taught me that leadership is accountability with humanity, a lesson that guides how I support employees, resolve conflicts and uphold the culture we protect.

What He Would Tell Someone Considering a Job in Convenience

I’m living proof that there is real career growth in this job, having gone from a stock associate to management roles to now the employee relations and government affairs manager. This is a job where you will learn real life skills, like customer service, resilience, teamwork, leadership and problemsolving. In convenience, you will make a difference every single day. Even small interactions matter.