Kent is a single store owner and operator. After finishing high school he attended Cornell University for Retail Grocery Management.  He began his career with Safeway stores and enjoyed 20 years there where he rose through the ranks to store manager. He spent two years as an independent grocer before discovering the passion and enjoyment he finds operating a convenience store. He purchased his first store in 1997, joined NACS in 1999, and added a second store in 2005 in a neighboring town. After building that store up for four years Kent recently sold it and returned to a single store fleet. He thrives on marketing and sales growth and the implementation of innovative ideas. He received an award for “FRONT LINE LEADERSHIP” Royal Buying Group Member of the year for level A. 

Recently, Kent was entered into Ripley’s Believe it or Not for flying his lawn chair with helium party balloons more than 240 miles at altitudes of 16,000 ft. This marketing tool drew national attention to his gas station convenience store.