Donnie Rhoads
Donnie Rhoads, Director of Business Development
The Convenience Group, LLC
Donnie Rhoads is Director of Business Development at The Convenience Group, LLC. Based in Southwest Washington, TCG is a collection of community stores that both reflect and serve their individual neighborhoods.
Donnie works to streamline store operations and oversee initiatives for growth, especially when it comes to the implementation of new technology. He is also an avid Seahawks fan and loves to cook.
Donald Rhoads
Donald Rhoads, President/CEO
The Convenience Group, LLC
COMPANY: The Convenience Group, LLC owns and operates 6 convenience stores and franchises 3 convenience stores in Southwest Washington state. The chain was awarded 2018 and 2024 Washington State Retailer of the Year by the Washington Food Industry and Independent Grocers Association.
DON’S BACKGROUND BUSINESS: Don is the owner and CEO of The Convenience Group, LLC and has led the company in strategic growth, planning and establishment of long-term goals and policies, and building the company’s asset portfolio. Don began his convenience store career in 1989 as President of the Quick Shop Minit Mart, a 65-unit convenience store chain located in Vancouver, Washington. Don is past Chairman of National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Chairman of NACS Political Engagement Committee and serves on the NACS Executive Committee, which provides strategic direction and financial oversight to the association. Don is past President and founding member of Washington Association of Neighborhood Stores.
EDUCATION: St. Mary’s College; Western Washington University; National Development Council; NACS Financial Leadership Program, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; NACS Marketing Leadership Program, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, NACS Innovation Leadership Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and NACS Executive Leadership Program at Dyson Cornell College of Business.
FAMILY: Don and Jennifer have two children.
ACTIVITIES: Family, travel and outdoor activities.
Laura Renger
Laura Renger, Executive Director
CalETC
Laura Renger is the Executive Director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC). In this role, Laura leads the dedicated team of CalETC professionals responsible for all aspects of the organization’s legislative and regulatory advocacy. Together with the CalETC board and members, CalETC supports and advocates for the transition to a zero-emission transportation future to spur economic growth, fuel diversity and energy independence, contribute to clean air, and combat climate change. CalETC is a non-profit association committed to the successful introduction and large-scale deployment of all forms of electric transportation. The CalETC Board of Directors includes representatives from: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Pacific Gas and Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Public Power Authority, and the Northern California Power Agency. In addition to electric utilities, the CalETC membership includes major automakers, manufacturers of zero-emission trucks and buses, electric vehicle charging providers, autonomous electric vehicle fleet operators, and other industry leaders supporting transportation electrification.
Prior to CalETC, Laura developed extensive knowledge of transportation electrification and state energy policy during her 15-year career at Southern California Edison, where she most recently served as the Director of Electrification and Customer Services Policy. In this role, Laura provided the strategic leadership necessary to advance efficient electrification while maintaining affordability and providing beneficial energy programs to customers. Laura previously served as the Director of the Edison International President and CEO’s Office, supporting matters coming before the Edison International Managing Committee as well as activities at Edison International and its subsidiaries, SCE and Edison Energy Group.
Before her position with Edison International, Laura led the Air & Climate Policy team at SCE, where she was responsible for the utility’s regulatory and legislative policy concerning air quality, climate change, and transportation electrification. During this time Laura also served as the Vice Chair of CALSTART and CalETC board member.
Laura is a current board member of the Coalition for Clean Air and also serves as the Secretary of the Los Alamitos High School Football Booster Club.
Claudio Reboredo
Claudio Reboredo, Partner - Owner
FGC Fuels Marketing
Claudio Reboredo, a seasoned international executive and entrepreneur, straddles diverse worlds as a consultant, speaker, and key industry figure. Currently, he holds the pivotal role of Relationship Partner for LATAM at NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores, USA).
Claudio's international prowess is evident in his 30+ years of experience within a multinational corporation, spanning varied stints across the UK, Colombia, Mexico, and the US. His expertise lies in navigating diverse industries like retail, oil and gas, and technology, having held leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations.
Beyond corporate walls, Claudio leverages his acumen to guide prominent companies in Latin America through his consulting firm Core Crowd (www.corecrowd.net).
He is also the co-founder of FGC Fuels Marketing (www.fgc.company), a fuel wholesale and retail powerhouse in Argentina. FGC was the first Latin American business to win the NACS Convenience Retailer of the Year Award in 2023. We have also been recognized as Argentina's best retailer by Shell International and ranked second globally in the "The Best Foodvenience Store in the World 2024" competition.
A sought-after speaker at industry events, Claudio imparts insights on strategy and leadership. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, his career began in executive education, where he created SIMx (corecrowd.net/simx), a "business war" simulation model for mastering the intricacies of retail.
Claudio's literary debut, "El cuento del Liderazgo”, delves into inspiring stories to unveil the essence of true leadership.
He further lends his expertise as an advisor to the NACS International Board of Directors and the NACS LATAM committee, having previously served on the Coca Cola Retailing Research Council for Latin America.
Darren Rebelez
Darren Rebelez, Chairman, President and CEO
Casey's General Stores
Darren Rebelez is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casey’s (NASDAQ: CASY), a FORTUNE 500 company operating over 2,600 convenience stores throughout the Midwest and South. As CEO of the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, Rebelez offers a wealth of experience from his career as a senior executive in the convenience, restaurant and fuel industries.
Under Rebelez’ leadership, Casey’s has undergone a remarkable transformation, including several significant milestones: a brand modernization/reimaging, closing several significant acquisitions (including the largest in the company’s history), a digital transformation including the first rewards platform that currently boasts over 7.5 million members, launching a new e-commerce platform, relaunching the company's private brand business, and
publishing the company’s first ESG report.
Prior to Casey’s, Rebelez served as the President of IHOP Restaurants, a unit of Dine Brands Global, Inc.. While leading IHOP, the company grew to become the largest full service restaurant brand in the USA. Previous to IHOP, Rebelez worked at 7-Eleven, the world’s largest convenience store chain, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before 7-Eleven, Darren held numerous leadership roles within ExxonMobil Corporation.
Preceding his civilian career, Darren was an Army Ranger and Gulf War veteran. A native of San Diego, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Area Studies. He went on to also earn an MBA from the University of Houston.
In addition to his role at Casey’s, Darren serves on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), and as an advisory board member for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
Tom Rebain
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.
Ryan Razowsky
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.
Robert Razowsky
Robert Razowsky, CEO
Rmarts LLC
Robert Razowsky, Convenience Retailer, CEO of Rmarts LLC, Managing Director of Royal Performance Group, Member of the NACS Board or Directors.
With over 40 years of experience in the convenience retail industry, Robert Razowsky is a seasoned leader and strategic visionary. As the CEO of Rmarts and Managing Director of Royal Performance Group, Robert Razowsky has demonstrated a consistent tract record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
A dedicated board member of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Robert Razowsky is committed to advancing the industry’s standards and promotions collaboration across the sector. With a strong foundation in Marketing, Robert Razowsky earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University and has leveraged this expertise to build and lead successful teams, optimize business operations, and exceed customer expectations.
Robert Razowsky’s career is defined by a passion for delivering value to both customers and stakeholders, positioning Rmarts and Royal Performance Group key players in the convenience retail landscape.
Anthony Raimato
Anthony Raimato, Store Technology Engineering Lead
Wawa Inc
Anthony Raimato has been with Wawa for 13 years and spent most of his time working with POS systems in all aspects from support to engineering deployments and enhancements. Anthony has spent time working with partners for settlement, mobile integrations, ordering applications, and operations partners to simplify store operations and provide new customer features into stores.
While Anthony is proud of the work his team has performed historically, he is most excited about the future of convenience store technology and how technology can further enhance customer and associate experience within stores.
Daniel Quest
Daniel Quest, SVP Convenience
METRO AG
Daniel brings over 20 years of extensive experience in steering UK symbol groups, during which he has held a variety of leadership roles and has been responsible for overseeing the operations of two prominent UK brands, Budgens and Cost Cutters.
His professional journey has allowed him to develop a deep expertise in areas such as concept development, the establishment of robust franchise partnerships, and the execution of rapid growth programs. In addition to these strategic initiatives, he has also managed several critical business functions—including sales, property management, supply chain coordination, store development, and space planning—ensuring operational excellence across the board.
Currently, Daniel works as a key member of the executive team at Metro AG, a globally recognized wholesale food retailer. Metro AG is renowned for its significant market presence, with earnings exceeding €30 million and operations spanning more than 33 countries, supported by a workforce of over 85,000 employees.
In his role as Senior Vice President of the Convenience team, Daniel is charged with leading the development and implementation of innovative convenience franchise strategies across 9 countries. In this capacity, he effectively oversees a rapidly expanding network of over 7,000 stores, driving the company’s growth and ensuring that its franchise model remains competitive and well-positioned for future success.