CSP asked this year’s Category Manager of the Year finalists this question: If you’re stuck on a desert island, what three convenience-store items do you want with you? Here’s what some of these c-store insiders shared:
I'm going to say water, pretzels and Advil.
Leslie Crews, center store category manager, The Spinx Co.
I would get a bunch of 1-gallon jugs so I could make a raft and get off the island, and it gives me water to drink.
Charlie Iszard, center store manager, CrossAmerica Partners LP
I would have to take a lighter, because I'm going to need a fire. I’m going to take a bag of Reese’s Animal Crackers—I need some indulgence in my life. And I’m going to take a Monster zero. It’s going to be a nice night. I’m going to sit by the fire and enjoy it.
Brad Connell, senior category manager of center store, bp/Thorntons
A lighter, knife and our newest launch, an iPhone!
Savannah Johnson, food category manager, Pilot Co.
From my background in the military, where survival was something drummed into our heads: A lighter, a chef’s knife and probably a bag of 55-gallon Hefty bags.
Ben Lucky, senior category manager, foodservice, Wills Group/Dash In
A Fastrac loaded baked potato pizza, a Farmhouse Premium Snacks Chocolately Overload and a fountain soda Diet Coke.
Kate Weisman, category manager, roller grill, fruit and floral, franchise brands, EG America
Coffee, Doritos Ranch, bottled water.
Jim Rastetter, category manager, dispensed beverages, GPM Investments
Soft jerky, cheesy chips and a 300-mg caffeine energy drink.
Jarrod Morrill, category manager, foodservice and dispensed beverages, Parkland USA
Cold brew, 7-Select Spicy Jalapeno Kettle Chips and Big Bite Pizza!
Drew Whitefield, category manager, hot and iced coffee, 7-Eleven
Casey’s New Orleans Kettle Chips, Casey’s Peppered Beef Jerky, and Casey’s UP Electrolyte Water.
Sarah Blodgett, fuel category manager, Casey’s General Stores
The largest bag of beef jerky. Celsius energy drink. Largest bottle of water. I can at least extend my time on that island hopefully a little longer.
Alex Kupper, senior category specialist, bp/Thorntons
Lighter to start fire, jerky as it is high in protein, case of water as you need hydration.
Michael Tirey, marketing manager, U.S. Franchise, Circle K
Teriyaki Jerky, a bunch of scratch offs and a lot of really good craft beer
Kraig Knudsen, senior category manager, tobacco, Circle K
Bottled water, some alcohol drink TBD and Doritos.
Shane Mabry, category manager for beer, wine and spirits, GPM Investments
Modelo, Ruffles and orange Gatorade.
Mike Orwat, beverage category manager, G&M Oil Co.
12-pack of Michelob Ultra, case of Jack Link’s beef jerky and Pepto Bismol.
Tim Schuster, category manager for beer, wine, liquor and lottery, Murphy USA
A pocket lighter for outdoor hunting/camping, sunscreen and gallon of water.
DeeDon Bates, category manager for beer, wine and spirits, Yesway
Water, RTD coffee and meat snacks.
Joseph Brumfield, senior category manager for beer/packaged beverages, La Lomita Inc.
Body Armor Water, Maverik’s M.O.A.B. burrito and Lays Jalapeno Ranch chips!
Aubrey Thornock, senior category manager for cigarettes, tobacco and kratom, Maverik