Tanner Krause, CEO of Kum & Go, is among this year’s Forty Under 40 being honored by the Des Moines Business Record.
This is the Business Record’s 24th annual list honoring 40 local business leaders, who are chosen by past award winners and who have “demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement,” the publication said.
Among reasons for why Krause, 35, was chosen, the Business Record noted he became senior vice president of human resources for Kum & Go at age 28 “and immediately led changes to improve the quality of life for its associates, including eliminating degree requirements and drug testing, and converting more than 2,000 of the company’s 5,000 employees from part-time to full-time.”
At age 30, Krause was named president and led new strategic plan and brand transformation for the business, resulting in the CEO position at 33.
“He consistently uses his power and platform to improve the quality of life for those who need it most, both in his business and in his volunteer work,” the publication said.
- Kum & Go is No. 22 on CSP’s 2023 Top 40 update to the 2022 Top 202 ranking of convenience store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2023 Top 202 in June.
In a Q&A with the Business Record, Krause said his goals as CEO are to lead Kum & Go to zero dependency on fossil fuels. “Doing so will ensure our multigenerational success,” he said.
Regarding goals for his community involvement, Krause said, “Whether at Kum & Go or in my volunteer work, I push for greater economic opportunity in America. At work, that means improving the quality of life for America's service industry. Outside of work, that means helping children break cyclical poverty, helping racial minorities have a fairer chance and improving access to higher education.”
When asked what drives him, Krause said, “I have a simple belief that if you work 40 hours a week in the richest country in the world, you should be able to support yourself. Unfortunately, the American economy isn't set up that way. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we've made in this space while recognizing we still have a ways to go.”
The publication profiled each honoree in the March 24 edition of the Business Record and recognized at an event March 30.
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