WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- William A. Krause, a West Des Moines, Iowa, entrepreneur who built Kum & Go, the nation's fifth largest privately held convenience store chain, died Wednesday at 78. Krause passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family after battling cancer.
Born and raised in Eldora, Iowa, Krause graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism and public relations in 1957. Two years later, Krause formed a partnership with his father-in-law, the late T. S. Gentle, and together they pioneered a c-store concept where customers could purchase milk, bread and eggs in addition to gasoline. Formerly known as Krause Gentle Corp., the family-owned company opened its first store in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959.
Today, Kum & Go employs more than 4,600 associates and operates in 11 states with 423 stores.
After dedicating 44 years of vision and leadership to the company, Krause retired from Kum & Go on Dec. 31, 2003.
Krause was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, and his professional career is recognized as both dynamic and influential. In 2005, CSP magazine named Krause one of the Top Ten Most Influential CEOs, and in 2008, the publication named Krause the industry's Retail Leader of the Year.
(And click here to view the CSPTV segment honoring Krause, and see File Attachments below to view "Celebrating Bill Krause," the CSP magazine feature honoring him as Retail Leader of the Year.)
In accepting the RLOY honor, he said, “The question I’m sure I share with many of you ... is, 'How did you succeed?' I try to answer that with the fact I tried to know more about my business than anyone else. No. 2, I made every attempt to admit when I was wrong. No. 3, most importantly, [was the] supreme desire to make a change to improve on behalf of what I'd made my mistakes in."
His son echoed that ethic.
"Dad's influence in the industry and with his associates and customers built a strong foundation for the company that continues today. He had a huge passion for people, especially Kum & Go associates. His appreciation for people is a legacy we will continue to carry on every day," said Kyle J. Krause, CEO of Kum & Go.
"Dad was famous for the many heartfelt and touching letters he wrote to family, friends and Kum & Go associates," he said. "Many people have files of his letters they have kept throughout the years. He also was a very generous person to anyone in need, which is embodied in his dedication to philanthropic work. Dad leaves a legacy of 50-plus years devoted to a community commitment by sharing 10% of Kum & Go's profits with charitable and educational causes each year."
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad issued a statement upon learning of the passing of Krause:
"Bill Krause was a great Iowa entrepreneur. He built a successful family business that focuses on providing outstanding service to their customers. He was a manager for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and a loyal Hawkeye fan. He always had a smile on his face, an upbeat attitude and was fun to be around. He will be greatly missed."
And many industry voices praised Krause.
"Bill Krause had more energy and more interest than most humans. He cared very deeply about everything. He tried to do as much as he could with the time he had. He was a driven, hard-working, focused guy. He was the ultimate multi-tasker and a very creative guy," Bill Douglass, managing partner of W. Douglass Ltd. and founder of Douglass Distributing, told CSP Daily News.
"Today we lost an incredible leader, teacher, entrepreneur and inspiration. Mr. Krause was one of those rare individuals who had a deep and sincere love of people and could reach into your heart in a very meaningful way," Steve Kimmes, a former Kum & Go senior vice president who spent 25 years with Krause, told CSP Daily News. "His employees, current and past--associates as he preferred to call them--would walk through fire for him."
He added, "Spending time with Mr. Krause in Kum & Go stores observing him as he engaged his associates and customers was a priceless education. Thanks to Bill, we were blessed with experiences and adventures far beyond what many of us could have possibly dreamed. Mr. Krause gave each of us an opportunity to achieve, share and give to others. We will forever be grateful and will carry him with us always. God bless Mr. Krause and his family. Our prayers are with them."
Dawn M. Carlson, president of the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa, told CSP Daily News, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Krause family and all of the employees based in their West Des Moines office and across the Midwest. Mr. William Krause was an exceptional individual. He was an iconic entrepreneur and businessman, but never, ever forgot where he came from. His philanthropic generosity has benefited thousands of children and adults. It is a very sad for many because he touched so many lives. To his employees, he was more than a boss--he was a mentor, teacher, confidant and friend."
"All of his friends within the petroleum industry will miss him greatly," said Carlson
He served as chairman of the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa from 1977 to 1979, she said, and he remained an active supporter and leader in many aspects including chairing what began as a mutual insurance company owned by underground storage tank owners in Iowa.
Krause was noted for his love of the University of Iowa as a benefactor devoting his time and financial resources in the support of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Hancher Auditorium and the Iowa Opportunity Fund. He was a life member of the Kinnick Society, which recognizes the most generous annual contributors to UI athletics. He almost never missed an Iowa home football game and he was named Hawk of the Year by the Department of Athletics in 1993. His passion for Iowa football resulted in the lead gift for Kinnick renovation and the naming of the Krause Family Plaza.
He was also noted for his service on many philanthropic boards and community organizations. His generous support of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa will continue to empower and inspire young people through the W. A. Krause Center for Entrepreneurial Education. He received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the National Catholic Educational Association for his support of Catholic schools in the Des Moines area. Krause was also a recipient of the Civitas Award, the highest honor bestowed within the Dowling Catholic community for individual dedication and service to the school. His honors also include an Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Des Moines Business Record and designation as Iowa-Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year by national accounting firm Ernst & Young. The U.S. Small Business Administration honored him with the Iowa Entrepreneurial Success Award in 1994.
Krause is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Kevin W. (Mary) Krause of West Des Moines, Iowa; son Kyle J. (Sharon) Krause of Booneville, Iowa; daughter Kate (David) Prange of Chicago, Illinois; and 12 grandchildren: Ryan, A.J., Tanner, Morgan, Elliott, Bo, Oliver, Emily, Ellen, Connor, Amelia and Maeve. Memorial contributions may be directed to Dowling Catholic High School, Holy Family Catholic Schools and Above + Beyond Cancer.
CSP Daily News sends its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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