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

C-stores are the core, always available stores in our communities—especially small family-owned stores like ours that directly support the community. I am a volunteer firefighter, and volunteer my time on boards and charitable activities in our community. Being a small business owner allows me the flexibility to do those things. We are there to provide great service, food and fuel to people who are going to and from work, activities and home.

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

I am politically engaged because it makes a difference for our business. The relationships that we develop help when legislative issues come up and the representatives know who we are when we call. It is also a great opportunity to build relationships with other members of the association.

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

I wonder what new regulation is going to tilt the scale so much that we can’t keep up. As a small family business, we don’t have big compliance departments so rules that make it difficult to do business could force us out. Credit card fees are also a big concern—especially with how much additional we’re paying in fees to collect and remit taxes for the state and federal governments.

What c-store product could you not live without?

Donuts and strawberry milk!