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

Convenience stores should be fully integrated in our community. We should sponsor local sports teams, work with local schools and be active partners in our cities that help with festivals and events. We are the quick go-to for our communities. We should provide that service better than anyone else and take pride in that. We should know our communities and what they need from us. It is our job to help eliminate the stigma of gas stations as dirty, dangerous and scary.

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

Being engaged with NACS has given me the opportunity to get face-to-face time with our federally elected leaders in my district. This has helped me develop personal relationships with them and increase my brand awareness with those leaders and their staff. When an issue arises, I now know who I should reach out to and let them know that their decision has an effect on my business. On a personal note, being politically engaged has also introduced me to other like-minded, passionate NACS members. As a small business owner, I always believed in associating with those who are at a level you aspire to be one day, and NACS has allowed me to do just that.

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

Minimum wage, vaping and tobacco regulations, minimum markup laws and as always, credit card fees.

What c-store product could you not live without?

Mama P’s HoHo Cake, of course, and Bang Energy Drinks.