Matthew McKinney

Modern Mogul Matthew

“I think it was mostly my understanding of an egg-based economy.

Junior Matthew McKinney, does not let his last name define him. The name McKinney is well known all throughout Gretna, as the McKinney’s grocery store has been a cornerstone of convenience and good service in Gretna for over two decades, however McKinney attaches more to the name during his time here at Gretna High.

McKinney is a part of Student Council, National Honor Society, and German National Honor Society, which all require high GPA and strict discipline, but he is not all business. McKinney has played hockey outside of the school ever since he was a boy of four or five. However, for the school he participates in intramural basketball where he is claimed to make multiple nice three-pointers. Needless to say McKinney is a common name around the school, and when it is spoken it is not in reference to the store. McKinney attributes his involvement in highschool to himself, he states that he has sought out all he has accomplished on his own volition without the influence of his family.

“I think I joined them to make myself a better person and help improve my

resume.” McKinney said. “Be a hard worker, stay disciplined, and think before you act.”

Originally a connection between McKinney, and McKinney’s seemed obvious however besides the fact that McKinney is currently employed at McKinney’s there does not seem like much of a correlation between the man and the store. Bob McKinney, owner of McKinney’s sees his grandson at hockey games and occasionally family dinners, However, McKinney is not very present when it comes to financial dealings within the store. McKinney’s offered movie rentals in the past but McKinney was quite dismayed when his free movie rental pass was revoked.

“I was broken hearted from this because I got to rent movies for free. This was probably six or seven years ago. My guess is it wasn’t profitable to keep buying new releases.” Mathew said. “On long road trips I got a dvd player, watch a couple movies, so that was pretty upsetting.” McKinney is glad to have the job he does, and most of his groceries do come from McKinney’s, for convenience and to support the family business, but that is where the connections end.

“Id say when I was younger, it was a bigger deal.” McKinney said. “I’d say most people would put two and two together, I wouldn’t say I enjoy the attention because it doesn’t really make a difference to me. Maybe if it was someone cool like Brett Favre.”

Even so, McKinney does have future careers in mind such as dentistry or psychology, and he has thought about trying to own his own practice. Seeing the accomplishments of his grandfather and mother has caused the thought to pass through is mind more than once. He does think that if he chooses to pursue his own practice he would have a slight advantage over possible competition. In fact his family business is not the only experience he has under his belt, In the sixth grade, McKinney ran an extremely successful pet shop during his time in Eggopolis; however, he does not attribute this feat to anyone but his own genius.

“I think it was mostly my understanding of an egg-based economy.” McKinney said.

Reserved and professional McKinney only left with this, “I love my dogs, Maggie and Ace, I love Maggie more than Ace though.”