WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Kum & Go LC, which has been on a new-store-opening spree recently, said that Linda Folden has been promoted to director of projects within the real estate department. The chain has more than 430 convenience stores in 12 states—Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming and Wisconsin. In recent weeks, the company has opened new locations in Owasso, Okla. (2 stores); Stillwater, Okla.; Omaha; Greeley, Colo.; and Elk Point, S.D.
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go said last August [image-nocss] that its business plan calls for an increase in the number of c-stores in its core markets, while developing more and better efficiencies in its infrastructure as well as creating a stronger asset base. It is also building larger-format stores than in the past. It put some of its smaller-format stores in noncore markets up for sale at that time.
In her new role, Folden will provide operational and project leadership that supports the company's real-estate initiatives and will administer analytical guidance and support to the real-estate team. She will also assist with CRM software management and property tax management, as well as oversee new property projects and facilitate strategic decision making on various other projects.
Folden has been with Kum & Go for almost 28 years and served four years in the accounting department, 11 years in payroll and benefits, and the last 13 years in operations. She most recently held the position of vice president of senior cost analyst in operations.
"Linda personifies the values and culture of Kum & Go. She is moving into a critical role as we build Kum & Go stores at a record pace," said Kyle Krause, president and CEO of Kum & Go. "She is just the person to assist the real-estate team and help us achieve our objective of being the No. 1 convenient retailer."
Meanwhile, Sheila Neleman has been promoted to benefits manager within the "Grow People" department, which is what Kum & Go calls its human resources department. Also, Gary Main has been promoted to compensation and payroll manager.
In addition to a wide selection of products, Kum & Go c-stores provide customers with a proprietary mix of products under the Hiland brand name. Other proprietary product offerings include Java Ridge Premium Coffee, Napa Creek and Sea Ridge wines, Go Fresh Market sandwiches, Nuclear energy drinks and Nutri2O nutraceutical waters.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.