The Donald P. Lloyd Spirit of Independents award is presented to a member retailer who exemplifies the strength of character, mental fortitude and steadfast determination of the company’s founder. The award is presented to the recipient at the Associated Food Stores annual meeting.
The recipients of the 2026 Donald P. Lloyd Spirit of Independents award are Brent and Kent Foulger. In 1980, their parents, Blair and Norene Foulger, purchased Max’s Supermarket in Powell, Wyoming. Shortly after returning from their church missions, twin brothers Brent and Kent joined the business and helped build what would become a strong independent presence across Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin.
Their growth reflected both vision and hard work. In 1987, they acquired Wea Supermarket in Cody. In 1996, they built a modern 36,000-square-foot store in Powell, followed by a 26,000-square-foot location in Worland in 1999. They continued to invest in rural communities and later acquired stores in Thermopolis and Greybull. With every acquisition they retained all employees.
Brent and Kent continually looked forward and introduced innovations such as 24-hour shopping, expanded pharmacy services and customer loyalty programs. Their willingness to evolve while staying grounded in community values helped define independent grocery in the region.
Their leadership extended beyond their own stores. Brent served multiple terms on the Associated Food Stores board of directors including as vice-chair and contributed to the strength of the cooperative. Kent supported retail modernization efforts through industry involvement and professional associations. Together they were honored as Entrepreneurs of the Year in 1995 and received recognition from the Rocky Mountain Food Dealers Association.
Brent and Kent created stores where customers were known by name and employees were valued and supported. Through decades of early mornings, long days and constant change they remained committed to faith, family and community.
In recent years they successfully transitioned ownership to the third generation, Sha and Brandon Yule in Worland and Jason and Cassie Foulger in Powell, ensuring the legacy they built will continue for years to come.
For more than four decades Brent and Kent Foulger have demonstrated that independent grocers thrive through strength and service. Their impact is measured in both the stores they built and they communities they strengthened. Brent and Kent Foulger are the worthy recipients of the 2026 Donald P. Lloyd Spirit of Independents Award.
