Kym Howe, Kum & Go LC
Kum & Go's first female SVP loves retailing and technology
Kym Howe is a 15-year veteran of Kum & Go LC, and has always held the top technology position in the company, which is currently senior vice president of IT. As the company's first female senior vice president, and a member of Kum & Go's senior management team, she is challenged to not only keep the company on the forefront of technology, but also to play a key role in overall business strategy, innovation and optimization.
Kum & Go's IT department provides services to 450 convenience stores in 11 states, Solar Transport and Kum & Go corporate headquarters. Howe has three young children and just received her Executive MBA from the University of Iowa.
What is your favorite place to visit?
The obvious places come to mind: the Bahamas and the beautiful beaches of Mexico. However, I am also thinking of my house! It seems like I'm never there. Other than that, I really enjoy visiting other retailers when they'll have me. I learn a great deal and build great relationships.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Do you mean besides Kum & Go food? Then the next easy choice is sushi. I could eat it every day.
If you won the lottery, your first purchase would be â¦
I would hire a personal masseuse. Assuming I keep working after I win, I'll have the stress of the money and the stress of the job to deal with. I think one massage per day would do the trick.
If you were to change careers, what would you want to do?
I don't think I would consider changing. I love what I do! IT "geeks" are really becoming a thing of the past, so not only do I love hanging out with IT people both in our company and others, but I enjoy almost everyone I come in contact with. Bottom line is that both retail and IT are fun, so I just can't think of a better combination.
What c-store product do you like the most?
Right now I'm hooked on f'real mango smoothies.
What was the last movie you saw? What rating would you give it?
I just saw "Marmaduke" with the kids. Enough said!
What did you want to be when you were young?
What do you mean when I WAS young?
What gadget (i.e. BlackBerry) can't you live without? Why?
I love my iPhone! I just love all the apps and it keeps my kids busy when I need a break!
For comments, please contact Tammy Mastroberte Executive Editor, at [email protected].