Refuel Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Refuel has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, retail operations, financial management, technology, and marketing.

Focused on expanding fuel distribution and convenience store footprints, Refuel delivers essential retail services across North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence.

Leadership Roles at Refuel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tk Patel
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Travis Smith
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - John Rier
  • Chief Financial Officer - Derek Leskovic
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Julijana Henry
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Tim Rupp
  • Chief Technology Officer - Justin Mitchell
  • Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff - Laura Patin
  • Tk Patel - Chief Executive Officer

    Tk Patel, the Chief Executive Officer at Refuel, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. Overseeing the expansion of convenience store operations across the Southeast, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regional market demands and long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chain logistics and fostering partnerships with wholesale fuel providers to maintain competitive pricing. By optimizing store performance metrics, Tk Patel directly impacts the profitability of the entire organization. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure capital for new site acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of service across all locations. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward sustained market leadership in the competitive fuel and convenience retail sector.

    Travis Smith - Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Travis Smith, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Refuel, architects the foundational vision for the company's retail and wholesale fuel distribution network. Focusing on the strategic integration of new convenience store assets, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ensures that the brand maintains a consistent presence throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market opportunities and executing high-level business development initiatives to scale the organization. By fostering a culture of innovation, Travis Smith directly influences the operational efficiency of the entire retail portfolio. The Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder collaborates with other executive leaders to refine the company's value proposition and enhance customer engagement. Through persistent focus on long-term sustainability, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder secures the company's position as a premier provider of fuel and convenience goods in the regional market.
    Travis Smith

    John Rier - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    John Rier, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Refuel, manages the operational execution of the company's extensive fuel distribution and convenience store network. Overseeing the daily performance of retail sites across the Southeast, the Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures that all locations meet strict safety and service standards. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve margins and enhance the overall customer experience. By implementing data-driven management techniques, John Rier directly supports the company's growth trajectory in competitive markets. The Co-Chief Executive Officer coordinates with regional managers to address logistical challenges and optimize inventory turnover for both fuel and retail products. Through consistent monitoring of operational KPIs, the Co-Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the brand's service model. Ultimately, the Co-Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward operational excellence and increased market share within the regional retail landscape.
    John Rier

    Derek Leskovic - Chief Financial Officer

    Derek Leskovic, the Chief Financial Officer at Refuel, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the liquidity necessary for regional expansion. This leadership role involves conducting rigorous financial analysis to evaluate the profitability of new convenience store acquisitions and fuel distribution contracts. By implementing robust internal controls, Derek Leskovic directly protects the company's assets and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to forecast revenue trends and optimize cost structures across all operational territories. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's ability to invest in infrastructure and technology. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives the organization toward financial stability and long-term value creation for stakeholders.

    Julijana Henry - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Julijana Henry, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Refuel, directs the accounting and financial planning functions to ensure the company's fiscal integrity. Overseeing the preparation of financial statements and tax compliance, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial data accurately reflects the performance of the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. This leadership role involves managing cash flow and optimizing working capital to support the company's expansion efforts. By providing detailed financial insights, Julijana Henry directly assists the executive team in making informed investment decisions. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with external auditors and financial institutions to maintain strong credit relationships. Through the rigorous management of financial operations, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the company's overall growth and profitability. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal discipline and long-term financial health.

    Tim Rupp - Chief Marketing Officer

    Tim Rupp, the Chief Marketing Officer at Refuel, designs and executes comprehensive brand strategies to increase customer loyalty across the company's retail and fuel distribution network. Overseeing all promotional activities and digital engagement efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand remains top-of-mind for consumers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior data to tailor marketing campaigns that drive foot traffic to convenience stores. By leveraging targeted advertising and loyalty programs, Tim Rupp directly contributes to revenue growth and brand recognition. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with the operations team to align marketing initiatives with in-store product offerings and seasonal promotions. Through the development of a cohesive brand identity, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the company's market position. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures long-term customer retention through effective communication and strategic brand positioning.
    Tim Rupp

    Justin Mitchell - Chief Technology Officer

    Justin Mitchell, the Chief Technology Officer at Refuel, architects the digital infrastructure that supports the company's retail and fuel distribution operations. Overseeing the implementation of point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and data analytics platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technology solutions enhance operational efficiency. This leadership role involves securing the company's network against cyber threats while enabling seamless transactions across all convenience store locations. By integrating advanced software tools, Justin Mitchell directly improves the speed and accuracy of fuel distribution logistics. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to identify technological innovations that can provide a competitive advantage in the regional market. Through the continuous modernization of IT systems, the Chief Technology Officer supports the company's ability to scale operations effectively. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer drives digital transformation to maintain the company's technological edge in the retail sector.
    Justin Mitchell

    Laura Patin - Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Laura Patin, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Refuel, coordinates high-priority initiatives that align with the company's long-term growth objectives. Overseeing the execution of cross-functional projects, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that the executive team remains focused on critical business milestones. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between departments to streamline decision-making processes and improve organizational agility. By managing the flow of information to the CEO, Laura Patin directly supports the efficiency of the entire leadership team. The Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives across the company's regional operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Through the effective management of complex projects, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that the company achieves its strategic goals. Ultimately, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff drives organizational alignment and operational success.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Convenience Stores, Gas Stations & Liquor Stores

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Refuel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Refuel?
    Refuel is led by Tk Patel (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Travis Smith (Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder) and John Rier (Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Refuel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Refuel includes leaders such as Tk Patel (Chief Executive Officer), Travis Smith (Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), John Rier (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Refuel have?
    Refuel has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Refuel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Refuel includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer.