Dive Brief:
- Stinker Stores President and CEO Nate Brazier announced via LinkedIn on Tuesday that he is stepping down from the convenience retailer.
- Brazier, who assumed leadership of Stinker two years ago, noted that he is taking time to focus on his family “and reflect on what’s next.” His last day with Stinker was last Friday, a company spokesperson said in a statement.
- Stinker’s Owner and Chairperson Nancy Jones is stepping into Brazier’s role while the company works through a transition plan, the spokesperson said.
Dive Insight:
Although Brazier has only been Stinkers’ top executive for two years, he has been one of the most prominent faces of the company since joining in 2020. He often participated in industry events and had a significant part in Stinker’s ongoing plan to remodel many of its c-stores to feel more like — and compete with — QSRs.
It’s not clear who will be leading Stinker — which has nearly 100 locations in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming — in the wake of his exit.
“Leading this organization has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career,” Brazier said in his post. “Over the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional team of people who care deeply about our guests, our communities, and each other. Together we strengthened operations, expanded our footprint, built an outstanding leadership team, and continued building on a remarkable legacy.”
Brazier joined Stinker in April 2020 as vice president before being named president and chief operating officer a year later, according to his LinkedIn bio. In May 2024, he succeeded Stinker’s owner and former CEO Charley Jones in the company’s top position. Jones passed away three months later.
Prior to joining Stinker, Brazier spent over six years as executive director of regional operations for Maverik, according to his LinkedIn bio. He also held several positions, including field consultant and area franchise director, during three and half years with 7-Eleven.
“What I’m most proud of, however, is the culture we built together — one grounded in collaboration, accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to doing the right thing,” Brazier said in his post. “Great businesses are built by great people, and I’ve been fortunate to work with many of the best.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information from a Stinker Stores spokesperson.
