Faheem Jamal, director of retail operations, Chestnut Market, is set to kick off the opening session of the CStore Momentum conference with a look at how Chestnut Market has grown to where it is today. Chestnut Market is this year’s host chain for the CStore Momentum conference, which takes place Aug. 19-21 at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, N.Y.
CStore Momentum is an event specifically for convenience retail professionals in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. The event combines leadership development, peer-to-peer networking and industry education, giving attendees practical strategies they can apply within their organizations while building relationships with fellow emerging leaders from across the country.
During the opening session, Jamal will introduce several highlights that attendees will experience during the educational sessions and store tours later in the week.
Jamal will also take the stage for the educational session, “Behind the Curtain with Chestnut Market,”where he will be joined by Chestnut Market General Manager Rick Theilig. Jamal and Theilig share a preview of the company’s direction moving forward and discuss the chain’s operational initiatives, including its Retail Is Detail program.
CStore Decisions caught up with Jamal to learn more about his experience, lessons learned and advice for young executives.
CStore Decisions (CSD): You’ve been recognized as a rising leader in convenience retail. Looking back, what experiences or mentors had the biggest influence on your leadership style?
Faheem Jamal (FJ): I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, especially my father, my Uncle Sam, Rick Theilig and Mohammad “MK” Hossain. Each of them has influenced me in different ways, but they all shared the same core principles: lead with integrity, hold yourself accountable and never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Those lessons have shaped my leadership style. I believe in being present, listening to our teams, leading by example and creating opportunities for others to grow. Every decision I make is guided by the belief that when you invest in your people and earn their trust, the business will follow.
CSD: Chestnut Market has grown significantly over the years. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned while helping guide that growth from an operations perspective?
FJ: Growth only works when you stay committed to the fundamentals.
As we’ve expanded, we’ve focused on maintaining consistent standards, investing in our people and building processes that can scale without losing what makes Chestnut special. Growth should strengthen your culture, not change it.
CSD: Your team often talks about the idea that “Retail is Detail.” What does that phrase mean to you personally and how has it shaped the way you lead people and run stores?
FJ: To me, “Retail is Detail” means every interaction and every decision matters. Clean stores, stocked shelves and friendly service don’t happen by accident. When you consistently focus on the details, customers notice. It’s a mindset I encourage every leader to embrace because the small things create lasting impressions.
CSD: The convenience industry is changing rapidly with technology, loyalty programs, self-checkout and evolving customer expectations. What excites you most about where the industry is headed?
FJ: Technology is giving us more opportunities than ever to improve both the customer and team-member experience. Whether it’s loyalty, data driven decisions or operational tools, innovation allows us to work smarter while keeping people at the center. The future is about using technology to enhance, not replace, great service.
CSD: For the young professionals and emerging leaders reading this, what career advice do you wish someone had given you when you were first starting out?
FJ: I was fortunate to have great mentors from the beginning, so I received a lot of valuable advice early on. I’d also encourage young leaders to seek out mentors, ask for feedback and be willing to take on challenges outside their comfort zone. Growth doesn’t happen by staying comfortable. If you consistently show up, work hard and put the team first, the opportunities will come.
CSD: Why should young executives attend CStore Momentum?
FJ: CStore Momentum is an opportunity to learn from peers who are facing many of the same challenges and opportunities. The sessions offer practical insights, but just as valuable are the relationships you build. The connections you make here can become trusted resources and lasting friendships throughout your career. Retailers can register at CStoreMomentum.com. Supplier companies must sponsor to attend.
