What role do you think convenience stores should play in their communities?

Convenience stores symbolize a community’s unique identity and serve a legitimate need. We do this with our neighborhood store character, diverse products and services, customer service, local job creation, support of community initiatives and charitable giving. We never forget that we’re in the people business—a core value is to foster personal relationships and trust with our customers and community stakeholders.

As a Political Engagement and Legislative Committee member, what does NACS political engagement mean to you and what benefits have you experienced from being politically engaged?

NACS political engagement has placed me on the frontline with my retail and supplier partners to influence key industry issues that affect our industry. Grassroots engagement has allowed me to build relationships with my members of Congress that otherwise would be difficult to achieve. I’m proud to be involved in this political process with the talented NACS government relations team and fellow members of my industry.

What federal legislative or regulatory issue keeps you up at night?

Our industry continues to transform itself with a number of exciting initiatives. I appreciate that NACS has done much of the heavy lifting in this arena. That said, federal government will continue to micro-manage our business model, so our industry must remain vigilant. One issue that keeps me up at night is the anticipation of removing cannabis from Schedule 1 status. Another is the FDA removing final hurdles to allow CBD products in our stores. Both are huge opportunities to create an exciting and profitable industry channel.

What is your favorite c-store treat?

Any craft beer from Crux Fermentation Project (a Bend, Oregon, brewer). And yep, fried gizzards … when you can find them.