Small towns thrive on the stability of their family-owned businesses. In Grand Meadow, Glynn’s Motor Mart is one of them. With owner Jeremi Glynn at the helm, the gas station and convenience store at the corner of Minnesota Highway 16 and Mower County Road 8 has embraced tastes and trends for almost three decades.
Adaption is Key
Glynn purchased the business in 1994, and from day one, he has navigated the ever-changing landscape of fuel prices, snack trends, and the daily rhythm of a community staple.
In the early years, Glynn recalls selling gas for as low as 89 cents, a far cry from the unpredictability seen today.
“Back then, if it went up half a cent overnight on the markets, that was a ton. Now it swings 10, 15 cents on any given day, so that’s different,” he says.
Glynn’s Motor Mart has evolved over the years. From dismissing energy drinks as a passing fad to now boasting an extensive selection, Glynn learned that adaptation is key. He still remembers questioning the trend with one of his soft drink company representatives.
“And they said, ‘remember bottled water?’” Glynn recalls.
The store’s food offerings have also expanded. Daily offerings include Piccadilly Pizza, burgers, chicken, barbequed ribs, shredded pork and other items. But the bestseller for as long as Glynn can remember is ham and cheese sandwiches.
“Who would have thought, something so simple. And I’m sure we haven’t changed the recipe in 30 years,” he says.
But he’s also open to trying new things and letting customers decide if a new product is worth keeping.
“You find something, people like it, you keep it, if they don’t, you get rid of it. It’s trial and error,” he says.
Recently, Glynn added three new flavors of Body Armor drinks to his offerings. If they sell, Glynn will keep them in his lineup.
Reliable Team
While Glynn spends a lot of time behind the cash register himself and employs around 10 part-time workers, he can also rely on his long-time manager Melanie Iverson, who has been with Glynn for more than 20 years. He also gets a kick out of employing generations of the same family.
“We’ve had a ton of workers come through. Kids that started back when we started the business, some of their kids have worked here,” Glynn says. “I’ve always thought I should write down all the people we’ve had here over the years.”
Recent Changes
Recent changes saw the gas station transition from Shell to Marathon, a move motivated by a better deal Glynn could get from Marathon and the company’s willingness to help pay for some much-needed renovations. That included a new canopy, pumps and concrete.
“It really was a no brainer,” Glynn says.
Next up is a new roof in the spring.
Glynn says he could have opted to become an unbranded gas station, but he acknowledged that there are advantages to being part of a big brand.
“People recognize it. There is advertising out there,” he says while also confirming that it’s the convenience store side of his business, rather than fuel sales, that make his bottom line.
He adds that he sets his fuel prices at the pump by observing what other gas stations in the area charge to remain competitive.
Making Connections
From the routine of early mornings to the joy of interacting with the community, Glynn also finds fulfillment in the connections he has forged over the years. As the only gas station in town, he has become a familiar face.
“I like seeing 99% of the people,” he chuckles. “The hard part is people come in and want to talk and it’s busy.”
When to Go
Glynn’s Motor Mart is open Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
With a full range of services, which also include propane tanks, ice, phone chargers and free WiFi, Glynn sticks to a simple philosophy.
“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it. Smiles are free.” he says.
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