Director / VP of Operations, Food Operations, and Acquisitions Integration Professional
Experience in Company-Owned Convenience Store Operations
Brings extensive experience in company-operated convenience retail, having progressed through district, regional, and executive leadership roles. Has managed store portfolios ranging from 14 to over 100 locations, with full accountability for personnel performance, day-to-day operations, and profit and loss results.
In regional leadership, responsibilities expanded to include strategic planning, corporate alignment, and financial performance improvement. Has led multiple departments beyond store operations, including fuel distribution, maintenance, safety, and warehousing. Proven success executing loyalty programs, enhancing promotional processes, and improving overall customer engagement and retention.
Qualifications for Managing a Network of Branded Dealers
Has supported branded and unbranded dealer networks by overseeing fuel distribution operations serving 15–20 dealer accounts. Ensured consistent supply, brand integrity, and high service levels through active coordination with logistics, supply partners, and dealer contacts.
Also managed bulk fuel operations supporting internal and external customers in various industries. Demonstrated strong operational control and planning capabilities in high-demand, logistically complex environments.
Development of District Managers and Dealer Representatives
Implemented a standardized store visit cadence for field leadership and developed a comprehensive operational checklist covering key performance indicators such as cleanliness, merchandising, service quality, and compliance. Created a task and time management system to help store teams focus on high-impact activities. These tools enhanced field accountability, improved execution, and supported consistent development of field leaders.
Largest Dealer Portfolio and Branded Program Experience
Managed a portfolio of 15–20 dealer accounts representing significant volume, supported by fuel delivery operations. Also oversaw a bulk fuel business that serviced both retail and industrial clients. Familiar with branded program standards and compliance requirements, ensuring consistent representation and execution at the store level.
Use of Data, Research, and Analytical Tools
Relies heavily on P&L reports, retail analytics software, and data visualization platforms to guide decision-making. Identified and corrected operational issues—such as a spike in food waste—by using data tools and on-site audits to drive behavioral change and improve gross profit.
Change Management Strategy Example
Developed and implemented a tiered labor model to address staffing inefficiencies. Key components included stakeholder engagement, pilot testing, team training, and peer-led support systems. Through consistent communication and weekly follow-ups, the plan was successfully adopted and resulted in measurable labor cost improvements without sacrificing service levels.
General Approach to Change Management
Applies a structured, transparent approach that emphasizes communication, leadership alignment, team education, and sustainable support tools. Focuses on empowering teams to adopt new systems through clarity and preparation.
Growth of Wholesale Fuels Portfolio
Contributed to strategic additions to the wholesale fuels portfolio by targeting high-value, sustainable partnerships. While not focused on volume for its own sake, prioritized operational efficiency and reliability. Initiated planning to build a more proactive growth model through market analysis and proposed expansion of dedicated sales resources.
Technology and POS System Proficiency
Highly experienced with back-office and POS systems, including advanced proficiency in retail data platforms. These tools supported the rollout of smart checkout systems, mobile ordering, and a reimagined loyalty program—enhancing the customer experience and expanding sales channels.
Major IT System Upgrades
Led company-wide POS and back-office software conversions, coordinating cross-functional teams and external consultants. Developed training materials, executed structured rollouts, and created a peer support system to smooth adoption. Also implemented a maintenance system upgrade that shifted the team from reactive service calls to proactive asset management.
Strategic Leadership Example
Developed an operational process to improve daily execution and time management at the store level. Introduced a four-step cycle—Plan, Delegate, Chip In, and Follow Up—that helped store leaders prioritize critical tasks and build accountability. The system drove measurable improvements in store conditions, service quality, and overall performance.
CRM Utilization
Leveraged app-based customer data to create targeted marketing campaigns and re-engagement strategies. Used personalized offers to boost basket size and store visits, increasing customer retention and enhancing loyalty program effectiveness.
Entrepreneurial Market Expansion
Identified a new customer segment through partnership with a fuel discount platform, resulting in a substantial increase in diesel fuel volume. Negotiated more favorable transaction terms and used the platform to drive both fuel and inside store sales. Expanded offerings to serve professional drivers, enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat visits.
Cross-Department Collaboration
Co-led the redesign of the new hire onboarding program by partnering with operations, finance, merchandising, safety, and HR. Delivered a standardized training experience that improved readiness, reduced early turnover, and aligned store-level performance with organizational expectations.
Achieving Aggressive Sales Targets
Launched a commissary kitchen model to support foodservice sales growth across stores without in-house kitchens. Developed production processes, delivery schedules, and contingency planning to ensure consistency and scalability. The initiative led to a 38% category sales increase and improved customer experience across the network.
Category Management, Vendor Negotiation, and Promotions
Worked closely with category and marketing teams to refine execution strategies, improve planogram compliance, and expand key categories. Negotiated vendor partnerships that added revenue without upfront capital investment. Supported the launch of a loyalty program that exceeded customer adoption targets and drove repeat visits.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Labor Turnover: Identified that most attrition occurred within the first 90 days and responded with a structured onboarding program. Reduced turnover by 38%, improved engagement, and lowered hiring costs.
Evolving Customer Expectations: Introduced digital ordering platforms, loyalty tools, and smart checkout technologies to meet modern consumer demands. Developed operational practices to support these platforms, resulting in stronger adoption and improved customer satisfaction.
Coaching and Consultative Leadership Example
Worked with an underperforming District Manager to develop and execute a 90-day improvement plan. Used targeted store visits, KPI tracking, and leadership coaching to improve results. The initiative led to improved sales, cleanliness, and customer service scores across the district and helped transition the manager into a proactive leadership role.
Ongoing Professional Development
Supplemented formal education with leadership seminars, industry conferences, and self-directed learning. Applied principles from management literature and participated in forums to stay informed on emerging trends and best practices.
Reasons for Leaving Previous Roles
Departures were based on seeking roles with greater responsibility, improved work-life balance, or as a result of leadership changes and organizational restructuring.
Qualifications to Lead Retail and Dealer Operations
Offers more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in convenience retail, grocery, and fuel operations. Has led portfolios exceeding 100 locations and overseen diverse business units. Brings a data-driven, people-focused approach to driving performance, managing change, and executing strategy.
Demonstrates a track record of launching scalable systems, improving customer-facing programs, and enhancing dealer and distribution partnerships. Prioritizes team development, clear communication, and operational consistency—creating high-performance cultures that deliver results.