Both worked their way through the organization from store level into executive leadership positions. Suel became VP of Meat Operations in 1976 and remained until his retirement in 1989. Ruel was appointed to the board of directors in 1980 and served as president of the company from 1983 until 2000. Ruel served as Chairman of the Board from 1988 until 1994 and now continues to serve as Chairman Emeritus. Ruel retired from full-time employment with the company in 2000.

Since his retirement in 1989, Suel continues to manage the company vehicle fleet and devotes time to equestrian interests. The brothers have also carried on the community service tradition started by Ervin. The Bowling Green Boys and Girls Club was founded by Ervin Houchens with Ruel and Suel continuing to serve the youth of the community. Suel continues to serve on the board of the Ervin G. Houchens Foundation and the Bowling Green Boys and Girls Club.

Ruel and his wife, Nell, live in Glasgow, Kentucky. Suel and his wife Virginia live in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Both Ruel and Suel have devoted their entire careers to serving the consumer food shopping needs of Kentucky families. KGA members across the state recognize and honor Ruel and Suel Houchens as two of the first three inductees into the Kentucky Grocers Hall of Fame in 2005.

Houchens Industries, founded in 1917 by Irvin Houchens in rural Kentucky, today employs over 10,000 people in 17 states, and is the largest 100% employee owned company in the United States. With interests in Grocery, Convenience stores, Insurance, Recycling, Web Based management, Manufacturing, Construction, Tanning Supplies, Cigarette Manufacturing and other industrial applications, Houchens Industries now conducts business in all 50 states in the nation. Providing the necessities of life to its employee owners and its customers, Houchens Industries continues to seek growth and development for its future
employee owners.