Four generations of a Hampton, Iowa family that built Kum & Go into a c-store empire — and sold it in 2023.
Kum & Go was founded in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959 by W. A. “Tony” Krause and his son Bill Krause. The chain was built across four generations of the family — Tony, then Bill, then Kyle, then Kyle's son Tanner.
Kyle Krause spent more than three decades growing Kum & Go into one of the largest privately held convenience-store chains in the country. In 2018 the company moved into the Renzo Piano–designed Krause Gateway Center in downtown Des Moines, and Tanner Krause became president.
Krause Group is privately held. The 2023 sale of Kum & Go and Solar Transport to Maverik was reported at a value near $2 billion. Personal family net worth is not publicly disclosed.
From a single Hampton store in 1959, the Krause family built Kum & Go into hundreds of stores and a familiar Iowa brand. In August 2023 they sold Kum & Go and the affiliated Solar Transport to Utah-based Maverik — ending 64 years of family ownership, and setting up the eventual retirement of the Kum & Go name.
Kum & Go is based in Des Moines, Iowa. Kum & Go sold to Maverik in 2023, ending 64 years of family ownership; Krause Group continues with other ventures
1959.
W. A. “Tony” Krause & Bill Krause — founded Kum & Go (1959)
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