As the Store Manager for the Trotwood Lowe’s store, Michael Sturtz is responsible for managing 160 regular and seasonal employees, to which he brings superior leadership qualities. He says he really enjoys working for the company, particularly because of its comfortable atmosphere and supportive culture. Managing the Trotwood store provides him the additional motivation to succeed because of its traditionally high sales. But mostly Michael likes working here because he believes Trotwood is a great community with great people who have deep pride in their community.

“It’s appealing to me to be able to successfully conduct business here, particularly in this difficult economy,” says Michael. “Many of the Store Associates at the Trotwood location are long-standing employees and continuously display pride in their store and their community.”

Michael’s leadership experience has included getting his Lowe’s store directly involved with the City of Trotwood. They helped Parks & Recreation rebuild a park shelter damaged in last year’s windstorm. They work with Building Administration to help perform property maintenance for the less fortunate. And under his leadership Lowe’s is a continuing participant in the City’s Adopt-A-Roadway Program.

“I strongly encourage all Trotwood residents and businesses to get involved in making things better here, especially by following the example set by the City of Trotwood and its leaders,” says Michael. “It takes all of us to make Trotwood a better place to live and thrive.”

He is very interested in seeing what Trotwood’s future might hold. For instance, in the post-Salem Mall era what the community’s emerging identity might be, and how his store and its employees might help develop that new image.

Says Michael, “We are always looking for ways to assist the Trotwood community. We are directly involved in positively impacting the lives of individuals, especially women and children, and partner with such social service agencies as Habitat for Humanity.”

He currently resides in Bethel Township along with his wife and three young daughters, ages 5, 8, and 10. All are actively involved in soccer and cheerleading. His two eldest are also involved in Girl Scouts/Brownies and have been known to excel in spelling bees.

Michael explains how Lowe’s has been in existence for over 60 years, and that many of its top leadership have been with the company for over 30 years. This veteran leadership group carefully considers potential outcomes before making any decisions that impact peoples’ lives. He says it feels great to work for a company that really cares for its people.

He graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating he landed an Assistant Store Manager position with Finish Line in the Akron/Cleveland area, where he progressed to Store Manager within a year. From there he moved to Dilliard’s Department Store, again quickly rising through its ranks to Store Manager. Although at one point he considered pursuing a law degree, after further reflection Michael decided to remain in retail.

He then decided to apply for a store management position with Lowe’s through their Leadership Assessment program. Once he successfully completed that program he was chosen to participate in the Store Manager Training program. Upon his successful completion he was placed in a store to train under the leadership of other Store Managers. From there, he took the Store Manager exam and successfully graduated. Within three years he had been moved from the Canton, Ohio store where he was first hired, to the Sidney, Ohio store. In November 2008, he transferred to the Trotwood location as Store Manager.

Michael reported that the Trotwood store is always looking for great people to join their workforce. He says they may be looking to hire additional seasonal employees during the Christmas holiday. Lowe’s Currently has more than 1,675 stores in 50 states, Canada, and Mexico, and corporate is looking to open 75-90 new stores nationally in the near future.

The Trotwood Lowe’s store is located at 5349 Salem Avenue. Operating hours are: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Sunday. For more information please contact Store Manager Michael Sturtz at 854-8200, or visit www.lowes.com.