River City Six: Bruce Kenkel
LaRue Distributing, Inc. (www.laruecoffee.com) is a family-owned business founded in 1972 by Verlyn L’Heureux. LaRue offers fresh roasted coffee under its own private label and for multiple other businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores, and institutional coffee services. LaRue had expanded throughout six states and increased its product line to over 230 products including non-carbonated beverages, cappuccino products, snacks, and paper supplies.
Today, LaRue services over 10,000 customers in seven states via route sales representatives. Route personnel provide product delivery and equipment maintenance on a routine, scheduled basis to meet each customer’s individual needs. LaRue also ships nationwide from its 30,000-square-foot warehouse facility. Bruce Kenkel is the VP of Sales and Marketing at LaRue.
Tell us a little about your business.
LaRue continues to offer a full line of coffee, tea, cappuccino, juice, and frozen drinks along with paper and break room products for businesses. LaRue has 19 warehouses and 29 delivery routes across the Midwest.
How did you get started in the business?
LaRue was one of my clients when I owned Phones Plus, a wireless provider. After working at Cox Communications and Brightstar, I was a business consultant and worked with LaRue on a couple of projects which enticed me to want to become a permanent part of the LaRue team. I joined the company in May 2016.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
While introducing new technology and updating product lines, ensuring business sales goals and quality standards are achieved can be a real challenge.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I have worked with many wonderful people over the years. It is rewarding to help and mentor friends and colleagues to achieve both their personal and professional goals.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m married to Jennifer Mulholland and we have three children. Alex is a senior at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Rachel is a sophomore at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and Mason is a junior at Elkhorn South High School.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Relax on our deck, work out, bike or grill out with friends and family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
One of my most happy places is in a tractor or other equipment at my parents’ farm.
What are you the most proud of?
My family. I’m part of a huge group of fantastic people who love to have fun.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Make someone smile, be generous with your gifts, and always be kind.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Caring.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
That’s hard to narrow down. I love all music, especially the 80’s rock and county.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The power to heal.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The American Cancer Society; I lost my first wife to cancer and my father and father-in-law are currently undergoing treatment.
What is your favorite movie?
I enjoy watching action or comedy genres.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille, they serve fantastic wings!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Contact me at (800) 658-4498 Ext. 123 or at bruce.kenkel@laruecoffee.com. Feel free to access our website at www.laruecoffee.com.
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