Outstanding Alumni - 1996
George Thelen
Bemidji State University Graduate 1964
Career and Professional Achievements
- President, CEO and director of Food-N-Fuel, Inc. which has a total of 104 stores across Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin.
- President and CEO of Thelen Oil Co, which is the parent company for 22 Food-N-Fuel convenience stores with the following businesses included or attached to his stores: two Laundromats, four car washes, 13 Hot Stuff Pizza Shoppes, nine Smash Hit Sub Shops, and two Chinese food outlets.
- Was director for Norwest Bank in Montevideo.
- Was director of Hot Stuff Food Systems in Sioux Falls, SD.
- Was director of Roger?s Petroleum in St. Louis Park, MN.
Community Service
- Elected to Montevideo School Board in 1980 until 1984.
- Has donated generously to many causes throughout the years including elementary reading programs, numerous college scholarships, Special Olympics, several health foundations, the ARTRAIN Arts Festival, and Minnesota Business Venture Summer Camps.
- Member of the Kiwanis Club.
- Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Personal Achievements/Awards
- Has three daughters and two grandchildren.
- Daughter Michelle works for family business as the advertising coordinator.
- Son-in-law works for the family business, supervising the Minnesota stores and operations.