In this month’s cover story, we heard from Good Oil CEO Nikki Earp and President Wyatt Good, third-generation members of the family business who now helm the company started by their grandparents. Like many next-generation leaders, they became acquainted with their family’s c-store business at a very young age and wore numerous hats as they climbed the ranks, starting at the bottom rung. The cousins credit their parents, the second-generation of the business, for setting them up for success.
I hear time and again that succession planning and preparing the next generation to lead remains one of the most difficult challenges in family-owned businesses, and too often companies struggle as leadership transitions from one generation to the next. What sets Good Oil apart is the intentional effort its second generation made to prepare the incoming generation to lead.
“Get those processes and policies in place that help guide everybody to avoid any type of conflict or rub points that may arise,” Good advised. “Get those things in place ahead of time, so everybody knows the expectations.”
It’s never too early to start.
Right now, tomorrow’s convenience retail leaders, whether they’re category managers, marketing operations or technology executives, or future CEOs; are already starting to make an impact. As they take on greater responsibility within their organizations, they are facing a rapidly evolving industry shaped by new technologies, changing consumer expectations and increased competition that far exceed what previous generations had to navigate. On top of that they’re managing the usual pressures, hurdles and opportunities that are unique to the early years of one’s career.
Creating Momentum
To help rising executives navigate these challenges and accelerate their professional growth, CStore Decisions launched CStore Momentum — a conference created 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.
The 2026 CStore Momentum conference will take place Aug. 19-21 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, N.Y., in partnership with Chestnut Market. Chestnut Market is an innovative convenience retailer, operating approximately 75 stores throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut while supplying fuel to roughly 230 locations across the Tri-State region.
Since introducing its new brand identity in 2020, Chestnut Market has focused on elevating the customer experience through innovative store design, technology investments and foodservice development. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to see those initiatives in action through educational sessions and store tours, including a visit to the company’s acclaimed “The Hutch” location on the Hutchinson River Parkway, where attendees can sample Chestnut’s foodservice menu.
During the event, attendees will hear from Chestnut Market leaders Faheem Jamal, director of retail operations and a second-generation leader; and Rick Theilig, general manager, who will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations and the strategy behind its renowned Retail Is Detail program, as well as a look back at the company’s history and goals moving forward.
Jason Read, director of store operations at Wawa, will provide a keynote address, drawing on his more than 30 years of retail leadership experience to offer practical strategies for leading teams, advancing careers and finding both professional success and personal fulfillment. His session will provide attendees with actionable takeaways to help them stand out within their organizations and grow their leadership potential.
Technology innovation will be a key focus of the agenda, with insights from Jackie Halas, vice president of business IT at Global Partners; Dana Moloney, chief operating officer of Warrenton Oil; and Abigail Cerra, director of marketing, loyalty and communications at Chestnut Market. Together, they will discuss the technologies reshaping convenience retail and how operators can leverage them to enhance efficiency, customer engagement and growth.
Foodservice also will take center stage as Farris Jamal, director of merchandising at Chestnut Market; James Fry, foodservice director at Dandy Mini Marts; and Jeffrey Russell, foodservice director at Crosby’s, explore emerging consumer preferences, innovative menu strategies and the evolving role of foodservice in convenience retail.
Beyond the educational sessions, attendees will participate in leadership-focused roundtable discussions, and network with peers during receptions and breaks.
C-store chains that invest in opportunities like CStore Momentum demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and employee retention while developing confident, capable leaders who can help drive long-term business success. C-store retailers can learn more and register at here. Supplier companies must sponsor to attend.
