Founder & CEO – Steve McKinley: Redefining Convenience for Urban Living

Steve McKinley is the visionary force behind Urban Value Corner Store (UVCS), a rapidly growing retail concept that’s transforming how people living in high-density communities access everyday essentials. With over 30 years of experience in large-scale retail, McKinley is channeling his expertise into creating neighborhood stores that serve as a true amenity, right where residents live.

From Big-Box Roots to Corner Store Innovation

Steve’s deep retail roots were established in leadership roles at major chains like Dollar General, Circuit City, Rent-A-Center, and OfficeMax. There, he managed operations spanning thousands of stores and generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.

This corporate experience provided a masterclass in the complexities of retail—from supply chain and staffing to product selection and customer experience. More importantly, it honed his understanding of what makes a store not just efficient, but genuinely valued by the community it serves.

CEO/Founder Steve McKinley

The Spark: A Simple Need, A Powerful Concept

The idea for Urban Value Corner Store emerged from a direct need. When Steve’s son told him about a vacant retail space in a large DFW apartment community, he saw more than a lease opportunity. He saw a solution to a common frustration: the lack of clean, convenient, and well-stocked options for residents to grab milk, a snack, or household essentials.

By listening to developers and potential residents, Steve transformed this insight into action. Within six months, the first UVCS opened in McKinney, Texas, and the concept quickly began to expand.

The Urban Value Difference: More Than Just a Store

So, what sets an Urban Value Corner Store apart? It’s our focused approach to convenience:

●     Curated, Not Cluttered: We skip the overwhelming aisles. Instead, we carefully select around 900 core products that match what our local residents actually want. Our selection evolves based on direct feedback—if you ask for it, we’ll do our best to stock it.

●     Service as an Amenity: We’re designed to be part of your community. Our stores are clean, bright, and organized. Our team gets to know you by name, making your stop feel personal and welcoming.

●     Flexible by Design: Whether it’s a full-service store or a 24/7 self-service "SMART Store Cooler," our formats adapt to fit the unique space and needs of each property. We turn underutilized areas into high-value amenities.

●     A Partner for Property Developers: For developers, UVCS is a powerful differentiator. A quality corner store on-site is a deciding factor for many renters, directly boosting occupancy and resident satisfaction.

Growth, Vision, and The Road Ahead

Urban Value is on the move. With over a dozen locations thriving across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we're now introducing innovative formats like our autonomous "SMART Store Coolers" to serve mid-size communities.

While we navigate the same challenges as all retailers—supply chain, inflation, labor—our core philosophy guides us: "Complexity kills execution." We stay agile, focused, and deeply connected to what our residents need.

Steve’s vision is to elevate urban living, one transaction at a time. Urban Value is built on a bigger idea: that a corner store should foster walkability and community. This focus on responsive, professional service is what makes apartment living with UVCS more attractive and convenient.

Industry Recognition & Impact

Our innovative model has captured the attention of industry leaders like the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), which has highlighted UVCS as a "game-changing" apartment amenity. Steve regularly shares his insights on retail innovation and the future of urban living at industry forums.

Looking Forward

Under Steve McKinley’s leadership, Urban Value Corner Store is poised for continued growth. We're expanding not just geographically, but also through new technologies, deeper developer partnerships, and formats that bring next-level convenience directly to your doorstep. In an era where people crave local, personalized, and quality service, the UVCS model is perfectly positioned to meet the demands of modern urban life.