Kocolene Development Corporation has humble beginnings, but has grown to be a diversified powerhouse in the Midwest. The company was founded in 1938 by Carrie Myers, the grandmother of the organization’s current chairman Gary Myers. Today, Kocolene owns and operates Smokers Host Discount Tobacco Stores; Fast Max Service Stations; Komac, an environmental services company; as well as Ranger Enterprises, a warehousing, trucking and logistics company. Kocolene, an employee-owned company, has a focused and motivated leadership team that evaluates business drivers and adapts resources to take advantage of market opportunities to better ensure long-term success. The forward thinking leadership team recently conducted a S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the various business divisions. The results led Kocolene to work with Bose McKinney & Evans LLP and Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. on the sale of 14 of its Fast Max fuel/convenience stores.
The sale of these assets has allowed Kocolene to pursue new investment opportunities in the Midwest. Highly skilled in finance, logistics, information technology and human resources, the company is motivated to acquire companies outside of retail that have demonstrated market success, but need strategic guidance to grow. “Our leadership team can provide stability and expertise, which are needed for success, to growing companies going through transition,” stated Kevin Johnson, chief executive officer of Kocolene.
What started with a woman with a dream and a drive to succeed has grown into a diversified company that honors its roots by seeking opportunities to grow.
Recent Comments