What role in the community do you think convenience stores should play?

Convenience stores, by their very nature, are central to the daily lives of their customers and the communities they serve. They are not just stops for fuel or last-minute groceries—they are neighborhood hubs where people can connect, find essential items at any hour and access services that might not be available elsewhere. We aim to be more than just a place to shop. We also strive to be a supportive neighbor—providing jobs, sourcing local products such as our own packaged milk and participating in community and charitable events. Our convenience stores are places where customers feel recognized and valued and where they can rely on us for more than just products—namely community engagement and support.

What does NACS political engagement mean to you, and what benefits have you experienced from being politically engaged?

NACS political engagement, to me, means having a voice in the shaping of policies that directly affect our industry and our ability to serve our communities effectively. It’s about advocacy, education and partnership—ensuring the unique challenges and opportunities facing the convenience store industry are recognized and addressed by policymakers. Being politically engaged has allowed us to contribute to discussions that affect our operations—from credit/debit card fee issues to regulations on fuel standards and tobacco sales to labor laws. The benefits are tangible. We’ve been able to influence positive changes, mitigate challenges before they become hurdles and ensure our industry’s needs are considered in legislative and regulatory processes. Being engaged has empowered us to better navigate the complex regulatory landscape and anticipate changes that could affect both our business and our customers.

What federal legislative or regulatory issues keep you up at night (with respect to the convenience store industry)?

Several federal legislative and regulatory issues are of concern, particularly those related to labor laws, fuel regulations and credit/debit card fee issues. The ongoing discussions around minimum wage increases and overtime rules could significantly affect our operational costs and staffing flexibility. Fuel regulations, including those related to renewable fuel standards and emissions, are also critical issues. Finally, the financial pressure our industry continues to face with credit card fees is at the forefront and is a key to providing value to our customers.

What c-store product could you not live without?

On a lighter note, the one c-store product I couldn’t live without has to be Weigel’s own locally produced milk. It’s a staple in my daily routine, a direct link to our roots as a dairy and a reminder of the importance of supporting local products and businesses. It also represents the quality and care we put into all our offerings—symbolizing our commitment to only providing the best to our community. Plus, it’s just incredibly fresh and delicious!