2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Lindsey Beaulac (Q&A)
Lindsey Beaulac
Store Manager
Quality Foods, Qualicum, B.C.
Pattison Food Group
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
I began my grocery career with Quality Foods in 2002, starting in the deli department. After a few months, I was considering relocating off Vancouver Island again, but my store manager at the time encouraged me to stay and transfer to the Qualicum location during the rebuild following a devastating fire. From the moment I arrived, I knew Quality Foods was where I wanted to build my career. Returning to my hometown and being part of an organization with deep roots, strong community connections and a true sense of family made me feel proud to belong. I knew I could commit to Quality Foods for the long term, and I have never looked back.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your current role, and how did you overcome it?
In 2021, Quality Foods came together with the Pattison Food Group. This transition involved the implementation of entirely new programs, point-of-sale systems, ordering platforms, product assortments, protocols and daily operational processes across the entire store. With a management team composed largely of individuals with 15 or more years of experience, adapting to these new tools presented a significant learning curve. Despite the challenges, the team embraced the change, supporting one another while remaining focused on delivering excellent customer service and upholding the core values of Quality Foods.
Can you share your proudest career moment?
Becoming the store manager in Qualicum—my hometown and home to the largest Quality Foods store. Stepping into this leadership role as a woman has been both a significant professional achievement and a source of great personal pride.
What’s your best quality, and how does this help you in your role?
My greatest strength is my deep dedication to the store, our staff and our customers. Their trust and support have played a significant role in my journey, and I would not be where I am today without them. I make it a priority to listen, to be present and to support my team whenever they need guidance or assistance. I approach every customer interaction with care and intention, striving to make each experience meaningful. Qualicum is a small town, where everyone truly is your neighbour, and I take great pride in fostering strong relationships built on respect, trust and community.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Simple: go for it, stay honest and be true to who you are. I would tell myself to have the confidence I carry today and to never hesitate to strive for more. At a younger age, I always felt capable of achieving greater things, but I lacked the confidence to fully pursue those ambitions. Learning to believe in myself and take risks made all the difference, and that confidence has allowed me to grow, lead and reach goals I once thought were out of reach.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, fishing, golfing and making the most of the outdoors.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.