Israel Getzel
Israel Getzel, VP of Operations
Gastrak Operators LLC
Israel Getzel is an accomplished operations executive with more than 30 years of experience leading businesses across convenience stores, fuel retail, hospitality, food service, catering, purchasing, accounting, and team management. He currently serves in senior operations leadership with Gastrak Operators / Malana Hotels, where he oversees multi-location operations, revenue growth, cost control, quality standards, safety procedures, vendor relationships, purchasing strategies, and financial performance across U.S. locations.
Known for his strong analytical judgment, negotiation skills, and relationship-focused leadership style, Israel has built a record of success in business development, contract negotiations, budgeting, sales and marketing initiatives, vendor evaluation, POS and back-office system implementation, and operational turnarounds. His background also includes executive and ownership roles in restaurant management, kosher catering, and food and beverage concessions, giving him a practical understanding of both corporate operations and customer-facing service environments.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Israel is recognized as an effective communicator who works well with diverse teams, vendors, and clients. He brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to improving processes, strengthening teams, controlling expenses, and supporting sustainable business growth.
Steve Estepp
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.
Rachel Eickert
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
Ben Burds
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.
