Weekly Trends & Innovative Insights for Convenience Store Owners.
Happy New Year

5 Things I’m Grateful For as We Head Into 2026

They say time flies when you’re discovering new things, and looking back at this year, that couldn’t be more true. Running The 5 For has always been a passion project for me, but it’s the community that has turned it into something truly special.

Before I dive into the first lists of 2026, I wanted to hit pause and share a personal “thank you” to everyone who makes this work worthwhile. Whether you’ve been with me since my very first post or you just joined the journey this week, here are five things on my mind this New Year:

  • Your Curiosity: I am constantly inspired by your drive to learn. Thank you for being the kind of readers who never stop asking “what’s next?” and for proving that there is still a deep hunger for curated, quality information.
  • Our Conversations: I’ve truly enjoyed the emails, the DMs, and the comments you’ve sent my way. Your feedback hasn’t just been encouraging—it has directly shaped the way I hunt for stories and products.
  • The Growth: This year, The 5 For reached more screens than ever before. I don’t take the space I occupy in your inbox or your daily routine lightly; it’s a privilege I’m grateful for every day.
  • A Shared Philosophy: In a world of infinite noise, I’m so glad I found a group of people who value the “less is more” approach. Thank you for trusting me to filter the world down to the five things that actually matter.
  • What’s Coming Next: I am more energized than ever for 2026. I have big plans to explore new niches, dive deeper into the topics you love, and refine my curation to bring you even more value.

The Wish: My wish for you is that 2026 is a year of discovery, clarity, and just the right amount of everything. I can’t wait to share my next “five” with you.

Happy New Year!

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I’m Kevin


I’m a convenience store specialist with a unique background. For over sixteen years, I was a chef, giving me a deep understanding of the food service side of the business. My passion for convenience store brand development was born from seeing the unique challenges C-store owners and managers face every day.

That’s why I created The5For, a blog dedicated to sharing practical, real-world strategies for C-store success. My goal is to help you streamline C-store operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase your profit margin. Here, you’ll find clear, actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level.

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