Chase Begor

“More than once, Couche-Tard had doubled and even quadrupled in size, overnight. Its acquisitions both in Canada and in the United States had allowed it to develop a unique mode of operation that was simultaneously decentralized and integrated. The business had also thrived because its management team consisted of four men who had built it with their own hands—quite literally—and they had personally experienced what it’s like to run a small store, with the successes and failures that this entailed. Each setback had brought their group closer together. Each challenge had made them stronger, more efficient, more impressive.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire

“president. “He refused. He said his room was good enough. He also pointed out that Richard and I would be the ones negotiating the next day, and he wanted us to be well-rested for our mission. He also told me, ‘I would never pay that much for a room. It’s the shareholders who would have to foot the bill.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire

“it has no headquarters. The concept is verboten at Couche-Tard, because it suggests hierarchical superiority, a vertical line of decision-making authority that the founders reject. At Couche-Tard, says Alain Bouchard, “we are egoless.” The company’s administrative offices are “service centres,” a term meant to reflect the organizational philosophy of the group. The staff working there is at the service of the stores, and not vice versa.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire

“started with the number of vehicles driving to the site each day. Then he examined the number of residents who lived around the location, in expanding concentric circles to which he assigned a decreasing value according to distance. He also assessed the demographic makeup of the population, the average age, the number of children and the ethnic makup, knowing from experience that some groups are less likely to shop at convenience stores.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire