COVER STORY
Joe Burke
Mike & Brad Call
The Coca-Cola Co.
Maverik Inc.
He was the first supplier executive inducted into the CSNews Hall of Fame
The cousins transformed Maverik into “Adventure’s First Stop”
In 2003, Joe Burke became the first individual inducted into the supplier wing of the CSNews Hall of Fame. Before that, only supplier companies were recognized. The long-time retail industry affairs executive for The Coca-Cola Co. began his career at the beverage giant in 1978. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with the support of the company, and often spoke about how he would rise at 3 a.m. to study before going to work. Shortly before retiring in 2013 after three decades of leadership and service to Coca-Cola, Burke was honored with the Food Marketing Institute’s William H. Albers Award in recognition of his retail industry relations in the supplier community. “In his 34 years at Coca-Cola, Joe has been not only a tremendous leader for our business, but also a tireless advocate for food retailers across North America. With his dedication, vision and commitment to working with partners, he has left a lasting mark,” said Coca-Cola Americas President Steve Cahillane.
Maverik founder Reuel Call’s grandsons, Mike and Brad Call, created more than a tagline when they dubbed the family’s Salt Lake City-based company “Adventure’s First Stop.” Together, the cousins created a culture and a way of life that touches every part of the organization from its headquarters — which the company refers to as Base Camp — to its now 300-plus Maverik convenience stores across 11 western states. The tagline communicates Maverik’s goal of being a destination for its active, adventure-oriented core customers. “We’ve created a company that thinks strategically, not functionally. That’s why we are so funky in so many ways,” Brad, who served as vice president of adventure culture, told CSNews about the retailer’s adventure theme. To that wit, Mike wasn’t president; he was chief adventure guide. With large, food-forward stores, Maverik’s high-energy Adventure’s First Stop brand has created millions of raving fans throughout the Intermountain West region with its premium BonFire food — made fresh in-store every day — and exclusive products such as fresh-made, gourmet burritos, sandwiches, pizza, cookies, coffee blends from around the world, and more.
Jim Cox
Joseph DePinto
CITGO Petroleum Corp.
7-Eleven Inc.
He’s ushered in positive change for independent operators
He’s driven the chain’s growth and innovation for more than a decade
For more than 38 years, Jim Cox has held various executive leadership positions in the c-store industry — working for powerhouses like 7-Eleven Inc. and Circle K, to supporting thousands of independent operators in the field with CITGO Petroleum Corp. As retail development manager for CITGO, Cox leads the CITGO Retailing Institute. He supports roughly 5,000 CITGO independent operators — on location, listening, learning and “doing” more than just talking. He’s a passionate believer in the continued future of independent operators in the c-store industry. At Circle K, Cox spent 14 years as a regional vice president, division president and marketing director, among other important posts, with responsibility for 550 Circle K stores in the Southeast. Said one of his supporters, “He is the definition of what confident, yet humble should look like. With all the expertise and experiences Jim has, you never hear him boast.”
54 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m
As the longtime CEO of 7-Eleven Inc., Joseph DePinto has served as a leader not just of his own company, but the convenience store industry as a whole. During his tenure, Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven has chased major growth, with DePinto overseeing the chain’s biggest acquisition in its history when it purchased approximately 1,030 Sunoco convenience stores. Known for always having an eye on the future, DePinto embraces cutting-edge technology and services, which includes everything from useful partnerships with third parties — such as KeyMe self-service locksmith kiosks and Amazon Lockers — to drone delivery. While some retailers plan for the last mile, DePinto focuses on the last block, and in 2018 told CSNews that “we’ve only scratched the surface.” His push for innovation also includes growth in fresh food, and the opening of a lab store and testing ground. DePinto was the 2017 retailer inductee into the CSNews Hall of Fame and he’s been honored as an “Industry Titan” by the Women’s Foodservice Forum for his efforts in driving gender equity.