Kurt Weigel, Weigel Stores Inc.

This director of recruiting draws upon his former teaching career to better the family business

Kurt Weigel is continuing the family tradition as director of recruiting for Weigel Stores Inc., which operates a dairy and 56 Wiegel's convenience stores in the Knoxville, Tenn., area. Weigel's, which started out as a single-store operation in 1931 and now employs 500 people, celebrated its 80th anniversary this past summer. After graduating from Samford University with a bachelor's degree in English and public speaking, Weigel taught English and social studies and coached basketball, soccer and track. Eventually, he joined Weigel's as part of the third generation of family man-agement. Now in his seventh year with the company, he maintains a hands-on role in recruiting, human resources and operations. He also helps with Weigel's Family Christmas, an annual charity event for underprivileged children. Married to Carolyn for 10 years, Weigel has two children of his own: Karley, age 6, and Abby, 4.

What is your favorite place to visit?

Jackson Hole, Wyo.

If you could be another person for a day, who would you be and why?

Cal Ripken Jr. He taught me the importance of humility.

Fill in the blank. Fast food is:

Greasy, but heavenly.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hamburgers or Weigel's Bun on the Run breakfast biscuits — I'm addicted!

What fictional character would you like to spend a week with?

Hong Kong Phooey, an animated superhero dog from the Saturday morning cartoons of my childhood.

What was the last thing to make you laugh out loud?

Watching a Chevy Chase movie.

What do you do when you are stressed out?

Attempt to play golf.

What is your favorite c-store item?

Corn dogs — from Weigel's, of course!