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GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — As a leader on Dollar General’s real estate team, Melissa Heisse shapes the retailer’s economic impact on communities across the United States.
“We are committed to being good stewards of our stores throughout their entire life cycle, recognizing that our work directly impacts the well-being of the thousands of communities that DG serves,” says Heisse, a 26-year veteran of DG now employed as vice president of lease administration.
“Looking forward, my primary goal also happens to be my biggest challenge, which is to effectively balance the risk and reward equation to ensure we are protecting the company while maintaining a constant drumbeat of innovation,” she says. “For instance, when implementing a new store design element as part of our remodel program, we need to ensure it complies with lease terms and local regulations while also supporting DG’s innovative vision. This requires careful analysis and open communication with landlords to find mutually beneficial solutions. My team constantly strives to mitigate risk while ensuring we don’t stifle innovation or progress.”
Heisse aims to empower her leadership team through a coaching approach that encourages members to leverage their expertise to make strategic, informed decisions. “I work to guide them with thought-provoking questions because I value their feedback and recommendations, and it is my hope that this fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels confident and heard.”
The team is managing a multi-year project to transition DG store rent payments from paper checks to electronic transfers, a complex undertaking requiring extensive research, meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration. “The lessons learned from this project will be invaluable as we continue to optimize our processes and support DG’s growth,” Heisse says.
