2010
Kentucky Convenience Store of the Year Award
recipient Jeff Holbrook (Short Stop Food Mart)
FRANKFORT,
KY, NOVEMBER 02, 2010: The Kentucky Association of
Convenience stores in conjunction with the Kentucky Grocers
Association (KGA/KACS) have named Jeff Holbrook, President and
CEO of Louisville-based Short Stop Food Marts, the 2010 Kentucky
Convenience Store of the Year Award recipient.
The
award was presented to Holbrook during the 2010 KGA/KACS Annual
Meeting and Industry Awards Dinner held Saturday October 30,
2010 at the French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick, IN. The
award recipient is determined by the KGA/KACS Board of Directors
and based on an individual's outstanding contribution to their
family, community, and the good of the convenience store and
convenience distribution industries in Kentucky. The Kentucky
Convenience Store of the Year Award was established in 2008
as a separate association award recognizing the convenience
store industry in Kentucky.
Each
of Holbrook's three sons - Jeff, Matt, and Jason - told event
attendees of how their father's steady mentoring and lessons
about treating people with honesty and fairness provided the
fundamental lessons now contributing to their own success in
the business world.
2010
KGA/KACS Chairman of the Board Tom Litzler said, "Jeff
has always been the leader the KGA/KACS board turns to with
questions about our bylaws and how our organization actually
conducts business. Whether we're tackling difficult association
financial decisions or the best way to handle a tough industry
decision, Jeff is always ready to provide his wisdom and knowledge."
In
his acceptance remarks, Holbrook told the audience about the
importance of having mentors in life. Citing his father Orell
Holbrook, KGA Grocer of the Year in 1985, Holbrook said, "My
father taught me about honesty, integrity, and fair dealing
in business." My father-in-law Phil McCardwell, also served
as a mentor in teaching the importance of giving back to the
community you serve in exchange for what success your business
enjoys.
Born
in Letcher County Kentucky, Jeff grew up in Louisville where
his parents and grandparents moved after World War II to establish
themselves in the grocery business. Over the years his father,
Orell Holbrook, established four supermarkets, later becoming
Key Market and Gateway Supermarkets serviced by a local wholesale
company known as the Creasey Company.
At
an early age Jeff worked alongside his Dad bagging customer's
groceries, stocking wooden shelves, and sweeping concrete floors.
Graduating
from Seneca High School in Louisville, he attended Transylvania
College in Lexington, Kentucky and then transferred back home
attending the University Of Louisville School of Business majoring
in Business Administration.
Working
for the KG Food Corporation (K Mart) and his Dad while in college,
he still found time to date and marry his high school sweetheart,
the former Pam McCardwell. Jeff and Pam recently celebrated
their 46th wedding anniversary.
After
college, Jeff worked for his Dad starting as Produce Manager
working his way up to Store Manager. After several attempts
to expand his Dad's supermarket business, Jeff believed the
road to survival for the small independent supermarket operator
was to grow through a new store phenomenon known as convenience
stores. Over the next several years, under the umbrella of the
supermarket corporation, Jeff established a franchise which
allowed individuals to open and run a store under his guidance
with the name of the new Short Stop Food Marts, Inc.
By
1978, the Short Stop Food Marts were growing and Jeff purchased
the Short Stop stores from his Dad. Jeff continued to grow the
operation opening 28 stores throughout the years. As Jeff looked
to retirement, he began reducing the number of stores until
his son Matt decided to join his Dad and continue the Short
Stop Food Mart legacy. Jeff looks forward to retirement, as
Matt continues to grow the family business.
Jeff
has been involved in his community and in civic affairs over
the years. Jeff is an active member of Southeast Christian Church
and has served as a Deacon and Finance Committee Chairman for
former churches. Having an interest in young people, Jeff has
been an Institutional Representative for the Boy Scouts of America,
served on the Board of Trustees for Brooklawn Children's Home
in Louisville, is a Lifetime Member of Optimist International
and was recognized as a "Distinguished" Club President.
He has chaired numerous committees and served as a Lieutenant
Governor for the Kentucky-West Virginia District of Optimist
International.
Along
with his civic involvement Jeff has seen and accepted opportunities
to give back to the community through his business. One of the
significant ways Short Stop has been involved in the past is
through an annual golf tournament to benefit Muscular Dystrophy.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is another organization that
Short Stop has supported.
Jeff
has been, and continues to be dedicated to the concerns of the
Kentucky Grocers & Convenience Stores Association. He joined
the board of the Kentucky Grocer's Association at a young age
and has been involved in many capacities over his numerous terms
of office, including Chairman of the Board.
Jeff
and Pam are the proud parents of three incredible sons, Jeff,
affectionately known as JP, Matt and Jason, three wonderful
daughters-in-law, and ten precious grandchildren.
Along
with cheering on their grandchildren with their sports endeavors,
Jeff and Pam are avid University of Louisville football and
basketball fans. Jeff's other interests include downhill snow
skiing and model railroading.
About
the Kentucky Grocers Association & Kentucky Association
of convenience Stores (KGA/KACS):
Founded in 1941, the Kentucky Grocers Association and Kentucky
Association of Convenience Stores is a joint statewide trade
association representing approximately 550 member companies
operating in a retail food and convenience marketplace of approximately
1,900 locations across Kentucky. Membership includes retailers,
wholesalers, distributors, and related suppliers to the grocery,
supermarket, and convenience store industries.
About
Short Stop Food Marts:
Established as a company in 1978, Short Stop Food Marts operates
12 retail food & fuel locations in the Metro Louisville
area.