Bruce Earhart, Handee Marts
This vice president of marketing embraces his musical side as he plays the blues
Bruce Earhart began his career in the steel industry when it was "the natural thing to do" for a native of Pittsburgh, but when his job closed up shop, he moved to Handee Marts Inc., a Master Franchise of 7-Eleven, and has been there ever since. Starting out as a single-store manager, Earhart quickly moved up in the ranks while earning his bachelor's degree in business, filling the roles of district manager, foodservice manager, buyer, category manager, director of marketing and finally, vice president of marketing. In his spare time, Earhart plays professional guitar on the weekends and enjoys fishing and the great outdoors. He and his wife Lisa, a fellow Handee Marts employee, have five children and four grandchildren. Although he finds the c-store industry "addicting," Earhart recently announced he would retire on June 30, 2012.
What is your favorite place to visit?
Any secluded lake or stream.
What fictional character would you like to spend a week with?
The amazing rooster, Foghorn Leghorn.
What hidden talent do you possess?
I don't know if this is hidden anymore, but I play guitar in a working blues band.
If you could be another person for a day, who would you be and why?
Eric Clapton. He is one of the best blues guitarists in the world. I would love to see what it feels like to perform in front of 50,000-plus people and blow them away.
What would you most like to change (about you, the world, etc.)?
If I could change anything about the world, it would be finding a cure for cancer. I'm pretty content in my own skin, so there is not much I would like to change about myself.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I don't have any — well, maybe ice cream.
What actor would play you in a movie about your life?
John Wayne.
What was the last thing that made you use foul language?
Cigarette price changes.
What is your favorite day of the week and why?
Friday. Work week is done and now it is time to play.