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Scholarship Winners, 2017

Congratulations to this year’s Delta Sonic Scholarship Program winners! Our 65 award recipients received prizes ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 based on tenure. 

Delta Sonic is proud to support its team members in furthering their education and achieving their career goals. Keep an eye on our social media pages throughout the fall as we highlight some of our winners. 

David Archer (Transit): Florida State University – Real Estate, Finance

Katelyn Ayler (Boulevard): SUNY College at Buffalo – Business

Jenna Beck (Transit): Canisius College – Marketing, Finance

Luke Caruso (Fairmount): Le Moyne College – Accounting

Marissa Catanzaro (Transit): SUNY University at Buffalo – Biological Sciences

Robert Celinski (Naperville): College of DuPage – Automotive Engineering

Joelle Cianciosa (Walden): Mercyhurst University – Fashion Merchandising

Nicholas Coleman (Salina): Le Moyne College – Accounting

Amy Coria (Glenwood): University of Minnesota: Morris – Elementary Education

Nicholas Cox (West Seneca): Le Moyne College – Chemistry

Peter Cummings (Glenwood): Governors State University – Film

Eboni Davis (Glenwood): Clark Atlanta University – Social Work

Mitchell DePaolo (Delaware): Canisius College – Finance, Economics

Nicholas Doermer (Fairmount): Utica College – Cybersecurity

Manish Duggal (Dewitt): Syracuse University – Biology

Margaret Dunn (Fairmount): Onondaga Community College – Computer Forensics

Jaylin Dupree-Brown (Glenwood): Morehouse College – Finance

Robert Eisenmenger (West Seneca): SUNY University at Buffalo – Communication

Olivia Fitzpatrick (Transit): SUNY University at Buffalo – Accounting

Juan Gonzalez (Melrose Park): University of Iowa – Computer Science

Olivia Gonzalez (Joliet): Lewis University – Business Administration

Margaret Graser (Boulevard): SUNY Empire State College – Psychology

Rachel Hartter (Henrietta): SUNY College at Oswego – Accounting

Hannah Heffernan (Penfield): SUNY College at Geneseo – Chemistry

Dawson Heft (West Seneca): Erie Community College – Automotive Technology

Jay Hernandez (Joliet): Lewis University – Exercise Science

Tara Hurley (Transit): Hofstra University – Business Management

Dwight Jackson (Main Street): SUNY University at Buffalo – Juris Doctorate – Law School

Jackelyn Jimenez (Palatine): Harper College – Business, Human Resources

Jessica Kaczor (Walden): D’Youville College - Physician Assistant

Kaitlin Kasprzyk (Transit): SUNY College at Fredonia – Accounting and Finance

Miranda Kassman (Boulevard): Daemen College – Childhood/Special Education

Emily Kozlowski (Walden): Erie Coummunity College – Dental Hygiene

Victoria Kwitkowski (West Seneca): SUNY University at Buffalo

Megan Lewis (Main Street): Canisius College – School Counseling

Catherine MacCarthy (Webster): Hofstra University – Global Studies/Pre-Law

Taylor Mager (Niagara Falls): Niagara University – Criminal Justice

Josue Martinez (Melrose Park): Undecided – Pre-Med

Ann Metzinger (Corporate): Bryant & Stratton College – Human Resources Management

Javion Mounts (Henrietta): Norfolk State University – Nursing

Nadine Panella (Henrietta): Monroe Community College – Dental Hygiene

Danielle Parisi (Boulevard): St. John Fisher College – Nursing

Richard Patti (Transit): SUNY University at Buffalo – Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology

Joshua Pitruzzella (Niagara Falls): Niagara University – Biochemistry

Joshua Pohlman (West Seneca): Canisius College – Communications

Alyssa Ratajczak (Boulevard): Daemen College – Physician Assistant

Lizette Rios (Melrose Park): Triton College – Pre-Engineering

Salvatore Rizzo (Orchard Park): Northeastern University – Doctorate of Pharmacy

Kimberly Roberts (Boulevard): D’Youville College – Occupational Therapy

Jordan Roeder (Boulevard): SUNY University at Buffalo – Anthropology, Classics

Julie Sciolino (Transit): SUNY College at Brockport – Communications

Nicole Sciolino (Transit): SUNY University at buffalo – Accounting

Kelsey Shanahan (Henrietta): Finger Lakes Community College – Criminology

Nicholas Sonnacchio (Fairmount): SUNY Polytechnic Institute – Computer Science

Thomas Straub (Dewitt): SUNY College at Buffalo – Chemical Engineering

Tiana Swank (Greece): Johnson C. Smith University – Biology

Joelle Szuniewicz (Walden): SUNY Univerisyt at Buffalo – Health and Human Services

Conor Vaughn (Salina): SUNY College at Oswego – Biology

Landon Veney (Salina): University of Massachusetts Amherst – Biology

Daniel Verrall (Boulevard): Canisius College – Accounting and Finance

Grace Windschitl (Transit): St. John Fisher College – Childhood Education

Zachary Wojcik (Airport): Rochester Institute of Technology – Mechanical Engineering

Juan Zambrano (Crestwood): Illinois Institute of Technology – Civil Engineering

Alexandra Zielinski (Peach Street): Allegheny College – Neuroscience

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Check out the new East Main!

Early 2017 saw a lot of changes at our East Main location in Rochester, NY. The updated site features a much larger Convenience Store, modern gas islands, roomier wash lanes, and a refreshed break room. Thank you to everyone who helped make this renovation a success!

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We’ve hit a new milestone as a company – our first 50-year service anniversary!

Meet Brian Acquard. As Brian jokes, “(he) came with the building at West Seneca”. It was the late sixties and his dad’s two friends owned a small robo-wash. Brian was working there part-time, assisting with various tasks around the location.  

When Ron Benderson purchased the car wash, Brian suddenly found himself without a job. Brian was actively job-hunting when he received a call from Ron, asking if he would be willing to come down and help with some of the machinery that they had purchased.

“I said, ‘No!’ And when Ron asked why not, I said I needed a job, that I was trying to buy my first car. So he says, ‘Yeah, okay, well, we’ll hire ya.’”

Brian laughs at the memory. Even then, he didn’t plan on being at the carwash long. He was in medical school at Niagara University. But when life circumstances forced him to change his plans, Brian began viewing his career at Delta Sonic differently. He found satisfaction in working hands-on with various projects at the new company.

“(Back then, there was) no gas, no stores, no details or oil lubes. Just had two car washes to begin with. Kind of like a family-run, mom and pop operation. No computers, just really simple. It’s unbelievable now. We’re one of the top car washes. It’s gotten so big. “

“I had a couple guys who taught me everything I know,” Brian says. “Don DiCarlo, he was the first Head of Maintenance, and Ron Robinson, who passed away. Those guys taught me all about electricity and plumbing, how to weld, how to use a cutting torch, how to do concrete work. The Mechanics used to do everything. We’d do the concrete work, plumbing, everything. We even planted the bushes in front of the car wash! I tried to pass that onto the new guys. I’ve trained a lot of employees over the years. “

Brian learned so much during his career that he was eventually able to build his own cottage. He did all the work himself and enjoys spending time there with his children. Professionally, he advanced to the rank of Mechanic Supervisor for the Western NY market. Today, he assists in the Warehouse with parts purchasing.

For new employees just starting out, Brian says, “You can make a career here. Work hard, show up to work every day. That’s hard for some people nowadays.” Brian laughs. “You just gotta have the right attitude. That and a good work ethic, and you can make a career out of it.”

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July 28 has been looming in Wayne Fry’s mind for the past few months. After 32 years and 10 months, that Friday will be his final day as a District Manager at Delta Sonic. On Saturday, July 29, his retirement begins.

Wayne started his career at a Manager Trainee at Main Street before transferring to McKinley a few months later. McKinley was followed by ten years at Delaware, during which time Wayne was promoted to a location supervisor. Next, he took over the Boulevard location, where he remained for ten years.

As a Supervisor, Wayne set volume records that stood for years. Not only did he achieve the highest-volume day and year, but he also beat those records himself many times. “It wasn’t me, though,” Wayne insists. “It’s always about Team. I don’t want praise for those things. I couldn’t have done those things on my own.”

“I was driven to perform by Mike Filippi (his District Manager at the time) He encouraged friendly competition between me and Joe Potalivo at Transit. We were always trying to outdo the other,” Wayne says, smiling.

“Working here… being here has given me a great life.” Wayne says. He pauses and looks down at his hands for a moment before continuing. “There have been a lot of sacrifices. I worked a lot of hours in good weather and bad, but in the end it was all absolutely worth it.”

“I want to thank Ron Benderson for starting this company. He’s allowed so many people to build their lives here. Amanda Allen has become a great friend to me. And Bob Fischer. He’s been with me every step of the way. Besides, he hired me.” Wayne laughs. “He always jokes that I showed up in my leisure suit with a briefcase for my interview. Really, I was just the only person that day who didn’t show up wearing jeans or shorts. I had a suit jacket on or something.”

Wayne has worked with countless managers and employees over the past three decades. When asked if he had advice for team members just starting out, Wayne said, “If you work hard and have a great attitude, good things will happen to you. There are people out there who recognize that and work to grow it.”

More than anything, Wayne is looking forward to having free time in retirement. He hasn’t taken more than a week off in the past 32 years.

“I’ll be around, though,” Wayne says. “I’ve still gotta get my car washed, right?”

Congratulations on an exemplary career, Wayne! Enjoy your retirement – you will be missed!

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Lollypop Farm, the Human Society of Rochester, sprawls over 134 acres outside of Fairport, NY. They have been "committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs, and the prevention of cruelty" since 1873. Every year, they care for around 10,000 homeless pets including cats, dogs, small pets, horses, pigs, and other farm animals. 

Delta Sonic's donations and support over the years have assist Lollypop Farm continue their mission. We’re happy to be able to help such a wonderful organization!

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Your favorite snacks and drinks, all in one place! Stop by any Delta Sonic convenience store to load up on essentials for your summer party!

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Our Street Team was at the Human BuffaLove event on Sunday, June 25. Participants were strategically placed in red, white, and blue T-shirts to form a giant buffalo at Canalside while an aerial photo was taken!

Keep an eye out for our Street Team at upcoming events in Cheektowaga, NY and WIlliamsville, NY! 

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Meet Bill!

Bill, the Senior Manager at our location in West Seneca NY, is one of our longest-tenured employees. He started with the company forty years ago in 1977!

“Delta Sonic keeps changing and growing, but we keep getting smarter,” Bill explains. “The growing process is what kept me here. You never stop learning.”

In his forty years, Bill has seen the company continue to change and grow. “When I first started here,” he explains, “we had two gas pumps and a car wash. We wore jeans and T-shirts. Now we’ve got Brick Oven, Oil Changes, and Detail Shops. To watch all this come together, it’s just like, ‘Wow. I am glad to be a part of this.’”

Growing up with the company means fostering strong relationships with those he works with. Bill’s sister, Carol, works in the Convenience Stores and he has many friends at the company. “I’ve never been closer to a group of people than the Bendersons or the guys that have been with me all these years. The big thing is the way they treat their people, which is huge. I know I can depend on them. Just being a part of this is my honor.”

“I can’t believe it,” Bill says, smiling. “I’m so happy that all those years ago I made the right choice. And you know what? I still love coming here every day. I love what I do and being around these people."

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A donation made by Delta Sonic assisted the Erie County SPCA with completing its new headquarters in West Seneca, NY. Hundreds attended their Grand Opening ceremony on Saturday, May 13.

The new facility is built “with the current animal welfare standards in mind," according to Gina Browning, Chief Communications Officer . "We are able to provide more behavior modification, more treatments, more wildlife rehabilitation; that's the purpose of this building." 

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Meet Dale!

Dale is our Vice President of Fuel and Purchasing. He started his career at the Delta Sonic location on Transit Road in 1979. Within a few years, he had been promoted to a Supervisor and transferred to the Penfield location in Rochester, NY.

While the new position presented challenges, Dale used them to grow as a manager and a person. “Embrace the challenges and embrace the opportunities if you get them because you’ll learn a lot,” Dale says. “Even in your failures, you’ll learn a tremendous amount.”

Dale was eventually promoted to a District Manager position and transferred to Chicago. As he transitioned into his new role, Ron Benderson told him, “I want you to run this like you would run your own business.” This philosophy has resonated with him ever since. Dale consistently demonstrates a sense of ownership in all that he does. It is visible in his passion and determination to achieve perfection.

Shortly after, Dale moved back to Buffalo to oversee the Detail Shops, which were, at the time, a recent addition to the company.

“When I started, there were five (Detail) shops. When I left (that role), there were sixteen,” Dale says proudly.

Dale switched careers one more time when the company placed a new emphasis on becoming the top fuel choice in the communities we serve. He immediately focused on learning everything about fuel and purchasing. Since then, Dale has helped us achieve this vision. Almost every Delta Sonic features fuel offerings and our two-mile guarantee differentiates us from other gas stations.

“Seeing what you planted bloom is what I enjoy the most about what I do,” Dale says. “You need to look at what you want to do, who you want to be, what you want to be noted for and stick to that. Stick to those values and those things that you hold. Remember that, to be a leader, you need to treat people how you want to be treated.”

Dale has served Delta Sonic for the past 38 years and takes pride in both his personal and professional success.  

Thank you for your service, Dale!

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Check out Delta Sonic’s booth at the Buffalo Auto Show! Our professional service catalog is always growing and expanding. Visit us online at deltasoniccarwash.com or stop by any any of our locations for more information!

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Meet the Man Behind the Signs!

Holidays at Delta Sonic wouldn’t be complete without our beautiful, festive signage. Meet Chris Vaughn, Sign Shop Manager, who brings these materials to life!

Chris has worked at Delta Sonic for 18 years. Originally, he was hired as part of the Building Maintenance team. When the company purchased a printer, they offered Chris the job of working it. After being shown the machine, he was given two days to figure out how it worked. Through trial and error, Chris succeeded and became a master of his craft.

“I think my job is important because I bring what (Advertising) creates to life,” he says. “Without advertising, our products and services don’t get out to the community. I am very proud of what I do,” he adds, smiling.

Chris’s typical day is busy, but the volume cranks up around this time of the year. Prepping for the holidays begins in late summer, when Chris orders all of the necessary materials. Last year, he created over 1,400 pieces of signage for the holiday promotion. This year, Chris was given a special task: to create a Christmas tree base for the Consumer Square display. It was too big to create using one piece of paper, so he printed thirty 4x8 sheets with labeled instructions for assembly. It was his largest project to date.

His favorite part about working for Delta Sonic is the challenge that every day presents. He rarely does the same thing every day and often has to pivot quickly to meet tight deadlines.

“Chris is very dedicated to what he has to do. He’s very good at meeting deadlines,” his Supervisor, Nick, says. “He’s a good employee and I like dedication over here. He gets angry if he doesn’t meet a deadline, which proves he’s a good employee.”

Great work, Chris! We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful signs that you’ve made this holiday season.

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All Delta Sonic locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so that our team members can spend time with their family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Delta Sonic is proud of its many veteran employees. Every year, we take the time to recognize the contributions of these individuals to our country and our company. Thank you, veterans!

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As we approach Veterans’ Day, we are taking the time to thank the many veterans and military service members who work at our locations.

Meet Adam Claybolt. Adamt works at our product distribution center in Buffalo, NY. Between 2007 and 2012, Adam served in the Army Infantry and was stationed in Fort Lewis WA and Fort Bliss TX. He deployed to Iraq in August of 2009 and returned in July, 2010. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Down. We’re proud to have people like Adam as part of our team! 

For more veteran spotlights, check out our Facebook page. 

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Thank you to the Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Town of Hamburg Police, and everyone who stopped by to have their car seats checked this weekend. Let's keep our children safe!

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Shakur has been working at our Airport location for almost three years. This year alone, he has been named Employee of the Month twice. His Supervisor says that, “Shakur comes to work every day with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He will do his best in any position and will change his schedule to help cover shifts.” Shakur is in his final year of school at Buffalo State College, where he is working on a degree in Criminal Justice. For now, Shakur is hoping to move up the ladder at Delta Sonic and become a sales manager. In his free time, Shakur practices karate. Keep up the awesome work, Shakur!