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Rahim Budhwani, CEO
Encore

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Ben Burds, Managing Partner
Kunoco Food Mart

Ben Burds, Managing Partner of Kunoco Food Marts (a four store c-store chain in St. Lawrence County, NY). Our company also includes a fuel delivery business for wholesale and retail clients.

Rachel Eickert, Operator
The Corner Store

Rachel Eickert is a convenience store operator and entrepreneur from Southeastern Ohio. She operates The Corner Store, where she focuses on strong foodservice, excellent customer experience, and community connection. Rachel is passionate about the future of independent convenience retail and enjoys collaborating with other operators to share ideas and grow the industry

Steve Estepp, President
Estepp Energy|Estepp's

Steve Estepp grew up in the gas station business while working for his dad and has witnessed firsthand many of the changes that have occurred in the industry over the past 30 years. He attended the University of Richmond (Va.), where he received his undergraduate degree in Accounting in 1998. (Side note he worked weekends at a Shell service station there his freshman year.) While completing his degree, Steve worked part time his senior year for the public accounting firm KPMG and two more years after graduation, specializing in auditing. In 2000, Steve returned to the family business, during which time he obtained his MBA from the University of Kentucky with a concentration in accounting and finance. In 2010, Steve became 100% owner of Estepp's Friendly Shell and set the company on a path toward strategic growth and diversification. In 2012, Steve founded Estepp Energy which acquired an existing Shell wholesale distributor. Since then, Steve has grown both the retail and wholesale sides of the business. Estepp's Friendly Shell operates 11 convenience stores and is a franchise with Subway, Little Caesars, The UPS Store, and Hot Head Burritos. Estepp Energy supplies fuel to about 100 branded locations and operates its own fleet of trucks to transport the fuel.

Peter Juzenas, Vice President
fireside MARKET

I’m a proven leader that is known in the industry as a Customer, Strategy, Loyalty, Marketing, Operations and Change Management Expert. In all previous roles I’ve shown a consistent track record of great results by making data-led decisions and using my ability to creatively and dynamically solve problems. My entire career has been based around understanding and elevating the customer experience (internal & external) to drive KPIs. A key to those results has been my ability to develop top talent, leverage strong cross functional partnerships and influence across various levels of leadership.

In my role with fireside MARKET at Potawatomi Ventures I am leading their newest business. Fireside MARKET is the newest convenience store brand in the WI area, and it's ready to rapidly grow. We opened our first location in Slinger, WI in Fall, 2025, and now we are preparing to open other locations. Fireside MARKET is a food first convenience store that provides the ultimate guest experience while making everything easier for your busy life. From the premium, made to order food, to the "best in class" guest service to an incredible building to the best team members around...you will love the experience at fireside. I'm beyond honored to be leading this business and can't wait to see where we take it!

Prior to this role I was with Kohl's for 15 years. I loved my time at Kohl's and the career challenges it always presented. In my last role, I successfully led the acquisition and execution of the Kohl’s Card and Rewards programs, ensuring alignment and consistent communication across all levels of Store, Marketing, and Corporate leadership. I spearheaded the testing and launch of several new versions of the Loyalty program. This included launching the latest version of the Rewards program, Loyalty in Sephora shops, a new value prop of the private label credit card, and launching the co-branded credit card. Since 2021, I increased loyalty enrollments by over 400% year over year and increased Rewards transactions at POC from 55% to 80%. This was testament to my strategic vision and execution capability. All this was accomplished while always meeting financial goals and budgets.

I was able to accomplish all this because of the way I built and developed my teams. From 2021-2024, my org had the top engagement results in the company because I always delivered an experience for my teams where development, inclusion, idea sharing, fun and diversity were always paramount. Nobody builds and engages teams better than I do.

Steve Kimmes, Owner
Country Stores of Iowa

Christian King, President - Owner
KNC Holdings, Inc.

Christian P. King is a New York–based business owner, real estate investor, and executive, best known as the President and CEO of KNC Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Albany, New York.
With a career spanning more than three decades, King has played a central role in building KNC Holdings into a diversified holding and operating company with interests in retail, real estate, and automotive services. Under his leadership, the company has developed and operates a network of convenience retail locations and service businesses across New York’s Capital Region, including partnerships with major national brands such as Mobil, Subway, Dunkin’, and Pizza Hut. The company also owns and operates its proprietary Clean2o Touch-Free Car Wash brand and maintains a wholesale distribution operation focused on car wash products and related supplies.

In addition to his corporate leadership, King has been actively involved in real estate investment, with a portfolio focused primarily on commercial and industrial properties throughout the Albany–Schenectady–Troy region. Public records indicate long-standing activity in property acquisition, development, and financing, often through affiliated entities.

King’s business footprint extends across multiple corporations and ventures, many headquartered at KNC’s Albany offices, reflecting a vertically integrated approach to operations, real estate, and retail services.
Known for his entrepreneurial approach and regional focus, Christian P. King has established a strong presence in the Capital Region’s retail and service economy, combining operational management with strategic investment to drive long-term growth.

Dennis McCartney, Director of Operations
Landhope Farms

Dennis McCartney is a seasoned operations, marketing, and community relations professional with more than two decades of leadership experience in retail convenience, foodservice, and organizational development. He currently serves as Director of Operations for Landhope Farms, where he oversees multi-location operations, strategic initiatives, employee development, branding, and customer experience across one of Southern Chester County’s most recognizable independent convenience retailers. His background combines hands-on operational leadership with a strong passion for creative marketing, team culture, and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Dennis has built a reputation for driving innovation while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and operational excellence. He has led numerous successful marketing campaigns, foodservice initiatives, and business growth strategies, while also mentoring management teams and fostering workplace cultures centered on accountability, positivity, and continuous improvement.

Dennis began his career at a small Sunoco Mini Market in Berea, Ohio as a third shift cashier. Through perseverance and continuing education, he worked this way through store management, district management, regional merchandising management and finally into the corporate marketing department at Sunoco Aplus as the Category Manager for retail and prepared foods. He has now been the Director of Operations at Landhope Farms for nearly 14 years, where he is a change agent, rainmaker and firefighter (not literally).

Dennis wears many hats in the organization and likes it that way. Overseeing the finance department and project manager, Dennis also solely manages the marketing, procurement, category management, vendor relationship management and overall stewardship of the brand. Dennis finds great enjoyment in the autonomy given him by ownership to make Landhope Farms the best it can be. That effort, and that of his team, recently earned Landhope Farms the title of Grand Prize Winner in the 2026 Outstanding Independent Operators Award from Convenience Store News.

In addition to his corporate leadership role, Dennis serves as President of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, where he advocates for local businesses and community collaboration throughout the region. Under his leadership, the Chamber has expanded member engagement and launched successful community-focused events, including the Oxford Harvest Festival, which quickly became a signature regional attraction.

Dennis is especially passionate about building strong community partnerships and supporting local nonprofit organizations. He has helped spearhead charitable initiatives involving food insecurity relief, local fundraising campaigns, and business-community collaboration efforts. Known for his high-energy leadership style, creativity, and relationship-building abilities, Dennis is committed to creating positive experiences for customers, employees, businesses, and the broader community alike.

Steve McKinley, CEO/Founder
Urban Value Corner Store

Steve McKinley is the CEO and Founder of Urban Value Corner Store (UVCS), a Dallas-based company redefining how convenience retail integrates into residential communities. Since launching UVCS, Steve has led the development of a new amenity category—bringing full-service corner stores and autonomous SMART Store Coolers directly into multifamily and single-family environments to enhance the resident experience. With a clear focus on the belief that “Convenience Is the Amenity®,” Steve has guided UVCS through steady growth, building a portfolio of innovative retail solutions that serve both developers and residents. His approach combines operational discipline, curated product assortments, and technology-driven insights to create a daily-use amenity that drives occupancy, retention, and overall community value. A recognized voice in the convenience and multifamily industries, Steve has spoken at national conferences, including the NACS Show, where he emphasized the role of purpose-driven culture in operational performance. Under his leadership, UVCS was named a 2025 Outstanding Independents Award winner by Convenience Store News. Steve continues to lead UVCS with a forward-looking vision—building scalable retail platforms that meet the evolving expectations of modern communities while delivering measurable impact for property owners and residents alike.

Ryan Razowsky, President
Rmarts LLC

VP of Convenience Retail, Horizon Group

Ryan is President of Rmarts LLC, a company that specializes in operating fuel and convenience stores throughout the Chicagoland area. As a third-generation owner/operator, he has focused his attention on efficient day-to-day operations, forward-thinking leadership and the acquisition of new business. Ryan has thirteen years of experience in the field of successful property and personnel management for a portfolio of Shell, Mobil and Citgo branded locations. Ryan spearheaded the acquisition of 10 high-volume fuel and convenience stores from World Fuels Services in 2017. Ryan graduated from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a degree in Economics. He is an active member in the YPO Chicagoland chapter and is on the executive committee of the Ravinia Festival Associates Board.

Tom Rebain, VP - Strategy and Business Operations
Verifone

Reformed Finance and Accounting Executive of 25 years now leading Strategy and Operations for our Commander Payments growth initiative serving the Unbranded Fuel and Convenience Market.

Scott Sawant, V.P. of Convenience Retail
HRA Group

VP of Convenience Retail, Horizon Group

Scott Sawant is a seasoned convenience retail executive known for building powerful vendor partnerships, accelerating sales growth, and leading high performing teams across the Southeast. As VP of Convenience Retail at Horizon Group—part of the Horizon Retailers Association supporting thousands of independent and multi unit convenience stores across the region—Scott plays a central role in driving value for retailers through strong supplier alignment, operational execution, and strategic program development. [hraga.com]

With deep expertise in vendor relationships, contract negotiation, logistics, distribution management, and P&L analysis, Scott has a proven track record of turning category insights into actionable growth strategies. He leads large, cross functional Foodservice and Grocery teams, overseeing everything from merchandising and marketing initiatives to full scale retail program execution.

Scott excels in client management, serving as the primary point of contact for key partners, strengthening long term relationships, addressing operational needs, and delivering solutions that increase in store sales performance. His ability to identify revenue opportunities, pitch new products and services, negotiate agreements, and shift market share from competitors has made him a trusted leader among both retailers and major CPG partners.

A strong driver of new business development, Scott consistently prospects, networks, and engages new customers—leveraging tradeshows, industry events, and direct outreach to generate high value leads. He coordinates complex projects with internal teams, provides actionable reporting on market trends and sales performance, and ensures flawless execution of client programs from concept to rollout.

Scott’s hands on leadership extends to team development, where he trains and supports new sales professionals while fostering a culture of accountability and customer first service. His disciplined approach to operational reporting—including GAP and backorder management—ensures stores receive the right products at the right time, helping retailers optimize assortment and maintain strong inventory health.

Driven, strategic, and relentlessly relationship focused, Scott continues to advance HRA Group’s mission of empowering convenience retailers through innovative solutions, stronger vendor connections, and meaningful marketplace support,

Jared Scheeler, CEO
The Hub Convenience Stores, Inc

Jared Scheeler is the CEO of Dickinson, ND based The Hub Convenience Stores. The Hub consists of five locations in the energy-rich Bakken Oil Region of western North Dakota. Established in 2015, The Hub is a future-focused retailer with an emphasis on foodservice and technology. Boasting large store footprints and a unique branding package, The Hub is poised for accelerated growth.

Scheeler was born and raised in Dickinson, ND. Upon graduating high school he attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. While attending college, he took a part-time job at Bobby & Steve's Auto World's flagship convenience supercenter in downtown Minneapolis and fell in love with convenience retailing. Jared worked for Bobby & Steve's for fifteen years before he and his family moved back home to start The Hub.

Jared and his wife, DeAnn, are in an active stage of their lives as their four children (Abby, Annabel, Jack, and Molly) are working their way through the busy years of their schooling. DeAnn serves as the Director of Mission Advancement for Trinity Catholic Schools in Dickinson, while Jared moonlights as the head coach of the girls basketball team at Trinity High School.

Jonathan Tang, President
Tang Mart, LLC

Jonathan Tang is the owner and operator of Tang Mart. Tang Mart founded in 2013, operates 5 stores in Northeast Alabama. Jonathan also works with Ira Phillips, Inc a small fuel distributor/wholesaler founded in 1938 that serves customers in the commercial, agricultural and cardlock space.

Jonathan is married to his lovely wife Kate since 2007 and has one teenage son Xavier. He enjoys coaching soccer, grilling on the Big Green Egg, Craft Beer (Possibly while Grilling) and watching Auburn / Atlanta Sports Teams.