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Cover Story
40 Under 40
Kalen Frese, 33 Foodservice Director
Company: Warrenton Oil Co. (FastLane) Headquarters: Warrenton, Mo. Number of Stores: 35 Years with the Company: 1.5
Ryan Fuelling, 34
President and Chief Financial Officer Company: Parent Petroleum Inc. (The PRIDE Stores) Headquarters: Saint Charles, Ill. Number of Stores: 12 Years with the Company: 1.5
Annie Gauthier, 35 Chief Financial Officer and Co-Owner
Company: St. Romain Oil Inc. dba Y-Not Stop Headquarters: Mansura, La. Number of Stores: 15 Years with the Company: 13 32 Convenience Store Decisions December 2018
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2019 is shaping up to be a productive one for Kalen Frese, foodservice director for the FastLane convenience store chain, part of Warrenton Oil Co. Today he’s responsible for sales, profitability and management of all prepared food in the company’s c-stores—including 13 deli locations—a Dairy Queen and a 24-hour diner. Among the foodservices initiatives that Frese hopes to tackle in the coming year are a more in-depth food safety training program, improved limited time offers and to introduce made-to-order food programs to its “non-deli” locations. When it comes to good foodservice, the need to effectively compete has only intensified in the convenience channel, he said. “Everyone has stepped up their games so much, not only in c-stores, but in quick-service restaurants as well, that we really have to stay focused and innovate to retain current customers and attract new ones,” Frese said. When Frese isn’t developing foodservice programs, he revels in following the St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers and spending time with his family. At work, he’s a fan of dedicated team members—a valued commodity. “Not only do we struggle to find candidates period, we really struggle to find quality candidates that are willing to work with food,” Frese said. As president and chief financial officer, Ryan Fuelling leads the operational and strategic direction of the company’s distribution business, with financial responsibility and oversight across the broader enterprise that is Parent Petroleum Inc. Parent operates The PRIDE Stores, its convenience chain, with three additional sites scheduled to come on line between late 2018 and early 2019. The company’s newest location, to open later this year, will be the first new-build gas station in the U.S. to offer the Amoco brand, since BP’s reintroduction of the brand earlier this year. The PRIDE Stores also appeals to consumers through its three proprietary food concepts: Urban Counter, Taco Urbano and The PRIDE Café. Fuelling said such progress begins with a straightforward premise. “For me, it’s about striking a balance between the preservation of our founder’s legacy, while positioning the organization for continued success,” Fuelling said. “Our people—employees and customers—are at the core of everything we do.” It includes finding innovative ways to cater to ever-changing consumer preferences, maintaining pace with technological advancement and navigating shifts in regulatory compliance. “As young leaders, it is incumbent upon us to establish a culture of collaboration and thought-leadership within our organizations, and in tandem with our industry partners, in an effort to overcome these obstacles,” he said. Family-run businesses remain the backbone of the convenience store industry, even though this important business pool has been shrinking through consolidation the last serval years. With 15 c-stores and counting, St. Romain Oil, operator of the Y-Not Stop convenience chain, a family operation, is pushing back by expanding its operational footprint and growing a loyal customer base. Sharing the helm is Annie Gauthier, who’s responsible for the company’s finance and accounting, risk management, HR, and culture and strategic development. Of course steering any retail operation in today’s economy is as challenging as ever, considering the complexities that the current climate presents. Gauthier said the biggest issue facing c-stores in her region remains a tight labor market. Looking forward, Y-Not Stop is looking at few initiatives to launch in 2018 including proprietary gift cards and charge cards, “Make It Right” customer care program, computer-assisted ordering and a scholarship program. With all the moving parts that young executives must get their arms around, two remain vital, she said. “Time and energy management,” Gauthier said. “There are so many shiny new initiatives in our exciting industry that it can seem overwhelming without a clear focus and good systems to help maintain balance.”
cstoredecisions.com
11/20/18 7:08 AM