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What started as a longtime local gas station has grown into a fiercely independent, service-driven business under the leadership of Shane Langford. Since buying the former Greenville Marathon in June 2015, Langford has transformed the store at 2013 Luverne Highway into “Shane’s” — a name that represents local ownership, trusted service and community values.

“I worked in Montgomery for 25 years… I was [really] unhappy with it, but I did it for a long time,” Langford said. “I knew I had to figure out something and I just made an offer to the former owner, Mr. Robert.”

That offer turned into a ten-year back-and-forth exchange before Langford purchased the store nearly a decade ago. Since taking over, Langford said his mission has been clear: convenience and customer service.

“We are a convenience and a service. That’s the two things… The service is the one thing we have control of,” he said. “We understand that in Greenville, people make a choice to come in here. There’s too many choices near here so if our service fails, people won’t come. 

“And It’s not just what we say to people, it’s not that we say, ‘Hey, how are you? Thank you and come again,’ but it’s how we make them feel that matters.”

That focus on customer experience has earned the business a loyal following and Langford credits his team — particularly a group of four women — for the store’s success.

“Right now, I have four ladies that work here that could go manage a convenience store blindfolded,” he said. “They take care of me, and I take care of them.”

Diane Weaver, the store’s manager, has been part of that team since the beginning of Langford’s ownership. She echoed his commitment to a family-like work environment.

“It’s family,” Weaver said. “We’re just an awesome team because I couldn’t do what I do without those girls out there… and one thing I will say about Shane, and it’s definitely a positive, is that he always has our back.”

One of Langford’s biggest decisions came recently when he cut ties with the Marathon brand, choosing to run the store as an unbranded, independent operation. 

“You sign a contract with a big corporation… and then they start telling you what you can and can’t do at the store you pay for,” Langford said. “They’re corporate bullies.”

Langford called the moment he left the branding agreement “like walking out of an iron gate,” and says it’s a return to small-town service. 

“When you come shop with me, you’re spending your money here in Greenville with a local business,” Langford said. “And I don’t have some big corporations telling me how to act. I know how to appreciate people. I know how to help customers, and I know how to treat employees. We’ve just got a good thing here..”

Weaver summed up the team’s sentiment in three words: “Oh, happy day.” She added, “We counted it down. We’re so excited… it’s just better for all of us.”