Chase Begor

“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

“Without customers, a balance sheet is meaningless. That’s why Bouchard agreed to pay a premium when he was acquiring an existing store. He wasn’t buying just an inventory and some displays; he was buying a location and a customer base that had established habits—a concept referred to as “goodwill.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire

“As soon as a suitable location was found for a franchise, he was given two weeks to design the store, paint it, install coolers, shelves and counters and arrange merchandise. Nothing could get in the way of him attending opening day for each store, which always took place on a weekend. “I loved that moment. You could feel the excitement of everyone waiting outside before the doors opened.” The energy was that much higher when Perrette promised a complimentary milk jug to the first 500 clients and granted specials on other products, to promote the full range of their offerings.”
― Guy Gendron, Daring to succed: Couche-tard & Circle K convenience store empire