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

Convenience stores should play a very integral part in their communities. They should be in support of the community by bringing people together and providing convenience for their day-to-day needs—be it gas, a hot cup of coffee or a cold fountain drink. They also can support community activities by engaging in community activities and donating to community events. For example, we donated drinks to 200 people in our community who were getting together to eradicate drug abuse from our community. The community members really appreciated our effort and were able to see that our c-store is there as a part of the community and not just a place of business.

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

For me, NACS has been very instrumental in bridging the gap between the world of politics and its impacts on our industry. For someone like me, who is impacted by what happens in the political arena, it is vitally important for me to fight on that front. NACS has given me a platform to voice my concerns directly to my political representatives and talk about the issues that are hindering me from growing my business.

What federal legislative or regulatory issues keep you up at night?

There are several issues, but the one that stands out is credit card fees looting and pillaging the convenience store industry. Back when I first started in this industry, credit card fees were very nominal. Now, they are in the top three expense categories for our businesses. I can formulate a strategy to maneuver around many other growing expenses in my business, but the credit card fees are one expense that I feel very helpless about.

What c-store product could you not live without?

Hot, fresh thin crust pizza with jalapeños, pineapple and olives. If my wife would let me, I would eat that seven days a week!