Clark Brands CEO Karl Goodhouse Passes Away

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Karl E. Goodhouse, founder and CEO of Clark Brands LLC, died at age 57 after a brief battle with cancer. As president and CEO, Goodhouse was responsible for the overall direction of Clark Brands during the last eight years. He took on the duties of guiding all sales and marketing efforts for Clark, as well.

Goodhouse, Clark’s original chief executive, recently urged Clark’s board to search for a suitable replacement, and the company has begun a search for a new CEO. Clark Brands, based in Naperville, licenses the Clark gasoline brand and the Four Corners Coffee brand to independent petroleum marketers and retailers.

“Karl demonstrated a unique vision and adept leadership during his tenure at Clark," said Paul Melnuk, chairman of the board for Clark Brands. “In an industry that has changed dramatically, Karl consistently and clearly expressed Clark’s mission – to create value for customers in every activity and provide outstanding service at every opportunity. These principles shape the culture of Clark Brands and are the legacy Karl left with us.”

Stacey Yimet, vice president, CFO and COO of Clark Brands, added: “Our team has been, and remains, energized by the passion with which Karl approached his role at Clark Brands. He will be missed by all of us at Clark and many of our customers, vendors and stakeholders with whom Karl had close relationships.”

Melnuk said their hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Goodhouse's wife, Cynthia, and his family during this trying time. “Our team has shown their depth and breadth while Karl was engaged in his battle with cancer and we have confidence that the company will continue to grow and prosper while our search is conducted,” he said.