North Charleston, South Carolina-based Refuel Operating Co. LLC has promoted co-presidents Travis Smith and Jon Rier to co-CEOs, effective July 1. The convenience-store and retail fuel operator said Mark Jordan, founder and current CEO, will step into the role of chairman of the board.
“This is a moment of great pride for me,” Jordan said. “Travis and Jon have been exceptional leaders and visionaries for Refuel, and I have deeply valued their partnership as we have established Refuel as one of the preeminent, customer-focused retail and convenience platforms in the country.”
Since taking on the co-president roles in January 2024, Jordan said Smith and Rier have delivered outstanding results, and their leadership has been instrumental in driving Refuel's success.
“Their elevation to co-CEOs reflects the confidence we all have in their abilities and their commitment to continuing to build an extraordinary company focused on providing customers fresh food, convenience and fast and friendly service,” Jordan said. “I am excited to continue supporting them as chairman and look forward to all I know is ahead for Refuel.”
- Refuel Operating Co. LLC is No. 38 on on CSP’s2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
In a joint statement Smith and Rier said they look forward to continuing to grow the business.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mark for his trust, mentorship and vision in building Refuel into the industry leader it is today,” they said. “Our mission remains focused on serving our customers, delivering operational excellence, empowering our people, and building a company we're all proud to be part of.”
Smith (pictured above) partnered with Jordan in 2016 and co-founded FR Refuel with First Reserve, a global private equity investment firm focusing on the energy and industrial value chains. He previously worked at Susser Holdings Corp. and Sunoco, Dallas, and started his career at the law firm of Locke Lord, LLP. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 2002, and graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law in 2005.
Rier (pictured above) joined Refuel in 2019 as CFO. Prior to joining the company, Rier spent 14 years with RaceTrac Petroleum in various leadership roles, including senior director of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and business analytics, senior director of fuel transportation and assistant treasurer. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
“We're thrilled to see Travis and Jon step into the co-CEO roles,” said Neil Wizel and Gary Reaves, managing partners of First Reserve. “They have each played a critical role in Refuel's tremendous growth story in recent years and together bring complementary strengths, deep industry knowledge and a strong partnership-driven approach. Mark's leadership and foresight have positioned Refuel for long-term success, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we support Travis, Jon and the entire Refuel team through this exciting next chapter.”
Refuel has a history of growth through acquisition. Most recently, it acquired eight Mississippi c-stores. In 2024, Refuel's store count grew by three locations. In 2023, Refuel acquired eight convenience stores through two separate deals. In 2022, Refuel made several acquisitions, including two CEFCO stores from Fikes Wholesale Inc and the assets of Embark Energy.
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