Our Team

Marketing and operations leader with over 40 years of management experience in convenience retailing. In-depth knowledge of every facet of the industry; ranging from brand creation to business integration methodology. Demonstrated abilities to plan, execute and innovate in a small and large company environment.

b2b SOLUTIONS, LLC, Lake Forest, Illinois
Full service consulting company for retailers and suppliers to convenience store firms.

Consulting Partner
Responsible for the identification of opportunities to align the client’s organization with the needs of their customers by defining, measuring and improving processes. Process Optimization is used to promote efficiency and innovation and facilitates integration with technology.

CIRCLE K / SSP, Corpus Christi, TX (2001 – 2005)
A $2.8 billion c-store / retail fuel company operating over 500 stores with wholesale fuel distribution to 400 dealer sites. The stores now operate under the Stripes convenience store brand.

Vice President of Marketing (2001 – 2005)
Responsible for marketing strategies, positioning, brand, advertising and category management for the chain.

• • Led the development of the Stripes convenience store brand, new store prototype and the update of the Laredo Taco Company foodservice
  • Negotiated supply chain agreements that provided an incremental one point in margin.
  • Directed the startup of two commissaries that delivered hot foods to 75 stores twice per day.
  • Introduced market basket analysis software to leverage transaction level insight.

TOSCO MARKETING COMPANY, Tempe, AZ (1988 – 2001)
The retail division of a $28 billion refiner operating 5200 sites with 2500 company operated stores marketed under the Circle K, 76 and BP brands.

Vice President of Strategic Marketing (1998 – 2001)
Responsible for marketing information systems development, marketing planning, contract management and identification of new business and process to ensure future growth.

• • Participated in the cross-functional development of a business integration model across all channels of trade. Process flow work included best practices for all facets of the business.
  • Provided marketing leadership in the development of decision support and category management software developed in a joint venture with Accenture.
  • Directed the development and management of the price book for 2500 stores.
  • Directed the development, testing and negotiation for self-distribution.
  • Led the E-Commerce initiatives with the creation of circlek.com and www.76.com.
  • Innovation included e-place internet café and the Convenience Portal – store of the future.

Vice President of Merchandising (1996 – 1997)
Provided leadership for revenue, margin and merchandising management for 2500 Circle K stores. Introduced formal category management disciplines to this $4 billion channel of trade. Led contract negotiations that contributed $48 million in incremental income.

Director of Business Development (1993 – 1995)
Member of the Office of the President directing Business Development Managers in their support and evaluation of the marketing teams in 12 operating divisions.

• • Provided the marketing evaluation and analysis for the potential acquisition of 660 NCS sites.
  • Directed the closure of Circle K’s proprietary movie rental business, removing a $1 million loss.
  • Progressive assignments ranging from Regional Director of Marketing for 1500 stores in 1988 to Director of Advertising for the Chain in 1992.

SHORE STOP, Belle Haven, VA (1982 – 1987)
A division of Kellam Distributing, Inc.; a wholesale fuel, heating oil and propane distributor. The retail division operated 65 stores in a 3 state, plus a 4 store auto parts chain with wholesale distribution.

President of Retail (1982 – 1987)
Responsible for operations, marketing, human resources, accounting, IT, real estate and construction.

• • Initial five year financial performance tracked at a5% return on investment.
  • Grew chain from 4 store start up to 65
  • Negotiated the acquisition of a 28 store
  • Established a real estate and construction program producing 18 new stores and 15
  • Store prototype produced 39% margin, 35% foodservice sales mix and 18% R.O.I.
  • Held positions of general manager and executive vice president prior to promotion to president.

THE LAWSON COMPANY, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (1980 – 1982)
A $300 million division of Sara Lee with 740 units in 4 states, plus a dairy plant, ice cream manufacturing facility, bakery and a grocery distribution center.

Director of Marketing (1980 – 1982)
Responsibilities included all store and manufacturing brand management, new concepts and an in-house advertising agency. Also directed the field services organization responsible for store product replenishment.

• • Developed a fresh in-store prepared hot sandwich program utilizing proprietary cooking methods.
  • Revitalized the “Big O” brand and extended the brand to create a new packaged juice line

MINI MART INC., Casper, Wyoming (1978 – 1980)
Operated 60 convenience stores in Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Vice President of Operations (1978 – 1980)
Profit and Loss and Human Resource Management responsibility and member of the Board of Directors. Superior financial performance positioned the company to grow from 22 sites to 60 in just 2 years.

MUNFORD INC. / MAJIK MARKETS, Atlanta, Georgia (1977 – 1978)
1200 convenience stores located in the Southeastern United States supported by a central distribution center.

Regional Sales Manager (1977 – 1978)

• • Responsible for Sales and Margin Management for 600 Stores in an 11 state area.
  • Initiated layout, in-stock and price book disciplines resulting in region wide double digit sales growth.

THE SOUTHLAND CORPORATION, Dallas, Texas (1967 – 1977)
7-Eleven Stores, leading convenience store and gasoline marketer with $7.5 billion  sales and 7,000 franchise/corporate stores in U.S. and Canada. Licensees worldwide.

Buyer/Merchandiser (1975 – 1977)
Responsible for category management for a select group of product categories for a 400 store division.

• • Held variety of operations and merchandising positions including Store Manager, Supervisor, Field Representative, District Manager, Sales Manager and Zone Manager from 1967 to 1975.

Social Sciences
Thomas Edison University, Trenton, New Jersey

Sociology
University of Akron, Akron, OH

National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)

Society for Human Resource Management

Convenience Retailing Conference – Faculty