Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference to Unveil Steps to Business Success

Stan Sheetz has seen it all in the convenience store business. He’s worked in sales and maintenance, as a truck driver and store manager. Born into the convenience store company that bears the family name, he left it for a time, and now serves as chairman of the board for Sheetz Inc.

Sheetz will share his story of Finding and Celebrating Success: What I Have Learned Along the Way at the Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference sponsored by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The 16th annual conference will be held on Thursday, June 5, on campus and will feature:

  • A choice of 15 different breakout session workshops
  • A “Meet the Expert” luncheon with a business owner, marketing guru or technology coordinator at each table
  • A business-building trade show
  • Sheetz’s keynote.

The event is intended for entrepreneurs who are just starting as well as those looking to grow their companies, said Dr. Mary McKinney, director of the SBDC.

“Sheetz exemplifies what our region’s entrepreneurs aspire to become: a company that is growing, has a competitive edge, keeps up to date with technology, all while taking care of its employees,” McKinney said. “Especially because of its roots in Western Pennsylvania, Sheetz LLC serves as a role model for all entrepreneurs—beginning and accomplished—and we are delighted that Stan Sheetz will share his story and road to success at this key event.”

Although Sheetz was born into the family business, he has managed to grow it aggressively into 467 stores across the Mid-Atlantic region. Along the way, the company has maintained a highly motivated and passionate employee base, and experienced financial success.

Ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina, the company is considered among the top 60 in the Forbes 500 list of private companies.

The daylong event opens with registration, breakfast and networking at 8 a.m., followed by a panel discussion of secrets to success, the break-out sessions, keynote and trade show.

To learn more about the conference or to register, visit www.duq.edu/sbdc or call 412.396.1633.