One thing Lacy had in abundance was drive. “Honestly, I have always had that passion in me, that chip on my shoulder,” he said. “It has definitely always been something that I have had to overcome, to always be better and better and better. It took me time to figure out what I wanted to do, but ultimately it worked out.” Having to learn the c-store business from the ground up was another hurdle he overcame with determination. “Going through training definitely prepared me,” he recalled. “My location is open 24 hours, so it’s a little bit more difficult; a 24-hour c-store is definitely more challenging.” The 2,000-square-foot location in east Las Vegas has also had to contend with the labor shortages and supply-chain issues that have plagued the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But today, business is looking up. “Customer counts are up, and sales are improving quickly, but truly the best days are those that I share with the employees,” he said. “A good team truly makes a night-and-day difference.”
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CSTORE DECISIONS •
August 2021
PAVING THE WAY
Lacy is intent on helping pave the way for other aspiring business owners in the community, especially minorities and women. His primary message is not to let lack of investors, prior experience or expertise stand in the way. And he is determined to help others overcome the obstacles he faced when he embarked on his business. “It was really difficult for me because I did not have the resources in terms of people around me that I could ask, say, how to purchase a business like this,” he noted. “What are the steps? How can I do it? That’s why I hope to be a resource for others.” His message to other young entrepreneurs interested in the c-store industry is to keep going after your goal. “Don’t be scared because of lack of knowledge,” Lacy said. “You should be able to put your best foot forward, and if you want it, the information is there. You’ve just got to go for it.”
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