Refuel Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Refuel has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and finance.

Driving growth across multiple states, Refuel is dedicated to operational excellence in fuel distribution and convenience retail, prioritizing customer satisfaction and market expansion.

Leadership Roles at Refuel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tk Patel
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Travis Smith
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - John Rier
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Julijana Henry
  • 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 and operational execution. Patel's leadership guides the company's expansion across central North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas, ensuring alignment with market demands in both retail fuel distribution and convenience store operations. This executive role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and enhancing in-store customer experiences to drive revenue growth and market share. Patel's strategic vision focuses on sustainable business practices and identifying new opportunities for operational efficiency. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of accountability and performance across all business units. Tk Patel ensures that Refuel maintains its competitive edge through continuous adaptation to industry trends and consumer preferences, solidifying the company's position as a leading operator in its key markets.

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

    Travis Smith, the Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Refuel, collaborates on defining and executing the company's strategic direction. Smith's foundational involvement in establishing Refuel underpins the company's expansion throughout central North Carolina and its operations in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership position involves driving initiatives that enhance both the wholesale fuel distribution network and the retail convenience store offerings. Smith's focus includes cultivating strategic partnerships and exploring new market penetration strategies. The Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder role requires close collaboration with other senior leaders to ensure cohesive business development and operational synergy. Travis Smith's contributions are critical to maintaining Refuel's growth trajectory and its commitment to delivering value to customers and stakeholders across its diverse operating regions.
    Travis Smith

    John Rier - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    John Rier, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Refuel, shares responsibility for the company's strategic vision and operational oversight. Rier's executive leadership is pivotal in managing Refuel's extensive network, which spans central North Carolina and extends into South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This role involves directing efforts to improve the efficiency of fuel distribution channels and elevate the customer experience within convenience stores. Rier actively engages in developing long-term growth plans and ensuring operational excellence across all company locations. The Co-Chief Executive Officer position necessitates close coordination with functional departments to achieve unified business objectives. John Rier's leadership ensures Refuel consistently meets its performance targets and adapts to evolving market dynamics, reinforcing its standing in the retail and wholesale fuel sectors.
    John Rier

    Julijana Henry - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Julijana Henry, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Refuel, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Henry's oversight encompasses managing the company's fiscal health, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for operations in central North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This critical executive role involves optimizing capital allocation, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across all business segments. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer works closely with other C-suite leaders to support growth initiatives and enhance profitability. Julijana Henry's financial acumen is essential for driving sustainable business performance and securing the company's long-term financial stability in the competitive fuel distribution and retail market.

    Justin Mitchell - Chief Technology Officer

    Justin Mitchell, the Chief Technology Officer at Refuel, architects and oversees the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Mitchell's responsibilities include implementing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency for both fuel distribution and convenience store operations across central North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This executive role involves managing IT systems, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics to support strategic decision-making and improve customer engagement. The Chief Technology Officer drives the adoption of new technologies that streamline supply chain management and personalize the in-store experience. Justin Mitchell ensures that Refuel's technological capabilities remain cutting-edge, supporting scalable growth and maintaining a competitive advantage in the dynamic retail and fuel distribution landscape.
    Justin Mitchell

    Laura Patin - Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Laura Patin, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Refuel, spearheads critical strategic initiatives and provides operational support to executive leadership. Patin's role involves managing cross-functional projects that drive business improvements and expansion efforts throughout central North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This position requires close collaboration with all departments to ensure project success and alignment with the company's overall strategic objectives. The Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff facilitates communication and coordination among executive teams, enhancing organizational efficiency. Laura Patin's contributions are vital in executing key business plans and optimizing operational workflows to support Refuel's continued growth in the fuel distribution and convenience store sectors.

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    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 6 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, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer.