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

The convenience store is a major support system within its community, having a wide range of influence on various aspects of daily life. At quick glance, stores provide jobs for residents, fuel and electric for transportation, sustenance for living and social support for community members. In both times of normalcy and uncertainty, the convenience store proves to be an essential and critical factor in the lives of community members.

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

Currently, activists, protesters and allies are shining a spotlight on many American policies that are being deemed unfair, outdated or broken. Politicians and lawmakers are listening to the public now more than ever before, and in order to remain a critical support system for our communities, it is crucial for our industry to be represented in all policy changing discussions that would have an impact on stores. Industry regulations have proven to change rapidly in the past, so being engaged politically ensures our industry’s needs are heard in the political realm. The results are not always immediate but can be seen in the areas of swipe fees, the PACT Act and EMV timing.

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

To me, the most uncertain area impacting the convenience store industry going into the 2020 election is the environmental regulation agenda. All fuel retailers and fuel wholesalers should be keeping themselves informed and up to date on this topic.

What c-store product could you not live without?

In our market, I cannot go more than a few days without grabbing a slice of our buffalo chicken pizza and washing it down with a made-to-order frozen lemonade.