Justin Howells' relationship with Target began over two decades ago, starting as a part-time employee during his college years in San Diego. Originally, this role was intended merely as a temporary means to cover educational expenses and earn extra money, rather than the foundation of a lifelong career.
Throughout the 23 years that followed, Howells' professional path evolved considerably as he balanced life changes, including marriage and raising children, alongside increasing responsibilities within the company. His career trajectory has been marked by experiences across numerous facets of retail operations, including leading existing stores and participating in the launch of new locations. Today, as group vice president overseeing Target's stores in the Pacific Northwest — a position he has held for two years — Howells reflects on the elements that have contributed to his longevity and success within the company.
Central to Howells' enduring commitment is the sense of camaraderie and family-like culture fostered within individual stores. He notes, "It's like a small family in every building, and it's why I have stayed with the company as long as I have." This atmosphere is supported by an organizational culture that prioritizes development, encouraging employees to learn, grow, and improve within their roles.
Howells highlights the importance of leadership that allows time for team members to master their skills. "Sometimes that takes time, but I've always appreciated an environment that allows me to learn from my mistakes as well as be good at what I'm currently working on," he explains. Throughout his career, he has experienced management that extends concern beyond job performance, focusing also on individual personal development.
This holistic approach is evident in how Howells and his teams engage in ongoing conversations about employees' ambitions and life goals. He attributes much of the organizational stability he has witnessed within his teams to this sincere interest in supporting personal and professional aspirations. "We try to spend a lot of time talking to our team about what they want to achieve in their lives, and I think that's what has created such a stable structure within the teams I've worked for. It's the reason I stay," he says.
In addition to the interpersonal and developmental aspects of the work environment, Howells expresses genuine enthusiasm for retail work itself. He enjoys hands-on tasks such as stocking shelves and labeling, finding satisfaction in the detailed and practical nature of these duties. He recognizes that different individuals find fulfillment in different roles, explaining, "Other people might love to travel to other countries or be a teacher, but we need people for different things. I'm the person to help you find Tide and toothpaste."
Respect is a foundational value for Howells. He maintains a practice of completing tasks regardless of their simplicity, such as picking up trash or cleaning the parking lot, reflecting the belief that "Nobody is too good to do the job in front of you." This mindset facilitates learning opportunities from all colleagues, fostering mutual respect across various positions.
Open communication about career goals is another key element in Howells' philosophy. Beginning as a team member responsible for restocking shelves during college, he proactively expressed his aspirations to take on more significant roles, such as team leader, executive team leader, and eventually store director. Sharing ambitions is, according to Howells, crucial for professional advancement.
Moreover, he advises ongoing investment in relationships with coworkers, highlighting the importance of teamwork in career progression. Although no longer engaged in the day-to-day task of shelf stocking, he acknowledges the indispensable role of his teams across multiple stores in fulfilling operational needs. Howells remains mindful that future leaders may currently be performing these foundational roles, emphasizing the open availability of growth opportunities within the company.
He notes, "We keep the door open to everybody in case they might be interested in doing more. They might have started because they thought, 'Hey, this is a good way for me to pay for books or bus money, but there's more for me in this company.'" The range of possibilities for advancement, Howells asserts, is extensive for those motivated to pursue them.