Featured Discussion: Let’s Talk Politics: A Candid Discussion with James Carville
Join political icon James Carville and Matt Morgan, deputy chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence, for an unfiltered examination of what effects political division will have on both parties in 2025 and beyond. This discussion will dissect the strengths, failures and internal contradictions of Democrats and Republicans alike, offering Carville’s entertaining analysis of what both parties get right, get wrong and refuse to acknowledge about themselves. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into historical events that shaped the political landscape we navigate today.
James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville is America’s best-known political consultant. His long list of electoral successes evidences a knack for steering overlooked campaigns to unexpected landslide victories and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners.
His winning streak began in 1986, when he managed the gubernatorial victory of Robert Casey in Pennsylvania. In 1987, Carville helped guide Wallace Wilkinson to the governor’s seat in Kentucky. Carville continued his winning streak with a win in New Jersey with Frank Lautenberg elected to the US Senate. He next managed the successful 1990 gubernatorial campaign of Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller, including a tough primary win over Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, and in 1991, Carville – who had already become prominent in many political circles – drew national attention when he led Senator Harris Wofford from 40 points behind in the polls to an upset landslide victory over former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. But his most prominent victory was in 1992 when he helped William Jefferson Clinton win the Presidency.
In recent years, Carville has not been a paid political consultant for many domestic politicians or candidates, instead focusing on campaigns in more than 23 countries around the globe stretching from the continents of South America to Europe to Africa and most recently Asia.
James Carville is also a best-selling author, actor, producer, talk-show host, speaker and restaurateur. His titles include We’re Still Right, They’re Still Wrong: The Democrats’ Case for 2016, Love & War: Twenty Years, Three Presidents, Two Daughters and One Louisiana Home; It’s The Middle Class Stupid!; All’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President (with wife Mary Matalin); We’re Right, They’re Wrong: A Handbook for Spirited Progressives; And the Horse He Rode In On: The People vs. Kenneth Starr; Buck Up, Suck Up…and Come Back When You Foul Up; Had Enough? A Handbook for Fighting Back; Stickin’: The Case for Loyalty; his children’s book, Lu and the Swamp Ghost; and 2006’s Take it Back, 40 More Years: How the Democrats will Rule the Next Generation.
Along with pollster Stanley Greenberg, Carville founded Democracy Corps, an independent, non-profit polling organization dedicated to making government more responsive to the American people. He now co-hosts the weekly Politicon podcast Politics War Room with journalist Al Hunt.
Carville also serves as a fellow at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication and lives in New Orleans with his wife Mary Matalin.
Closing Keynote: A Conversation With Oscar Munoz
Oscar Munoz, former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines, sits down with PEI President Jason Blake to discuss how Munoz and his team took the airline from dead last behind its competitors to a truly “United” company with top-tier operational performance, strong returns to shareholders and ascending levels of customer satisfaction. Munoz shares how putting employees first serves the best interests of customers, shareholders and the future of the modern corporation.
Oscar Munoz, former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines, has led an accomplished career, spanning senior financial positions at Coca-Cola, Pepsico, AT&T, and US West. He also served as President and COO of North American rail-based transportation supplier CSX Corp. He is a board director at Salesforce, CBRE, TelevisaUnivision, and Archer Aviation, the Pentagon’s Defense Business Board, the University of Southern California, and the Brookings Institution; he is also an independent trustee for Fidelity and a CNBC Contributor.
A first-generation college graduate with degrees from the University of Southern California and Pepperdine, he was twice honored by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of its ‘100 Most Influential Hispanics’, honoring his journey as an immigrant who is the first person of Hispanic heritage to run a U.S. airline.
He is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling memoir, Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and its Employees in the Friendly Skies.
PEI Women Luncheon & Session: You do You(ish): How to Lead by Keeping it Real
Turnaround CEO Erin Hatzikostas cracked the code on how to exponentially grow a business while also making employees happier. Her strategy? Authenticity. And now it can be your secret weapon for building your business and a culture people are proud to work for. But authenticity isn’t what you might think it is—“be yourself”—that fluffy unicorn doo-doo definition that lights you up but then quickly lets you down. Erin will help you see that authenticity is actually about exposing who you are, when people least expect it, in the service of others (and that it takes work.)
Erin Hatzikostas is a former Corporate CEO turned Authenticity Aficionado. Often referred to as “The Mel Robbins for business,” Hatzikostas is an internationally recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. The CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, she is a global keynote speaker, author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and Differentiation Consultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.
Kickoff Breakfast Keynote: What’s Your MVP? Leadership Lessons from the Coach Who Inspired Ted Lasso
You may know him as the inspiration behind Jason Sudeikis’ beloved character Ted Lasso. But Donnie Campbell is much more than that. As a championship-winning coach, Donnie has decades of leadership wisdom to share. Coach Donnie goes beyond the feel-good fiction to deliver tangible lessons for leading with heart. He combines his personal stories of mentoring future stars with the triumphs and tribulations from his coaching days.
If the word “believe” resonates with you, it means that you are probably a diehard fan of the hit series Ted Lasso, which portrays a football coach from Kansas who is hired to be the head coach of the English Premier Soccer Leagues AFC Richmond. But did you know that there was a real inspiration behind this award-winning show?
Coach Donnie Campbell is a math teach and a high school basketball coach from Kansas who was plucked out of obscurity when Jason Sudeikis, the American actor and star of the 5-time Emmy Award winning show, revealed to Stephen Colbert on the late show that Campbell was in part the impetus for the lead character he plays with such wit and wisdom. It was back in the late 1990’s when Jason played basketball at Shawnee Mission West and Donnie was his coach. Little did Campbell know that all of the pearls of wisdom he was dropping on Jason and the team would appear years later and make an indelible impression on millions around the world. Today, Campbell has been busy making appearances on local and national television including ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s The Today Show. In addition to teaching, he is now speaking to organizations and companies about leadership and specifically, how important it is to instill strong values in the people you work with. He credits his leadership skills to his always positive attitude and to his mentors that prepared him for success both in the classroom and as a coach.
Campbell graduated from Lyons high school in 1980 and attended Kansas State University on a football scholarship and played basketball his freshman year. For the past 36 years, he has coached and taught math, but more importantly he has been building the confidence and character of the young men and women who have played for him.
10-Groups Breakfast/Session: Utilizing Key Metrics to Increase Profitability
In this session, Dick Stewart and Jason Blake will explore how companies can leverage key profitability metrics to identify operational inefficiencies and drive strategic improvements across their organization. Attendees will learn to interpret critical financial indicators from the PEI Profitability Report that directly impact the bottom line.
Dick Stewart is owner of Stewart Consulting, LLC, formed in 2007. He provides advisory services to C-Level executives. From 2000-2007, he was with SAP, Societas Europaea, as Executive Vice President and General Manager – SAP Consulting, serving as a member of the Global Management Board and the Global Senior Executive Team. Prior to that, he was with Grant Thornton International LLP, in a variety of roles, including Co-Chief Executive Officer; Co-Chief Operating Officer; Member, U.S. Board of Directors; Member, U.S. Executive Management Team; Regional Managing Partner – West Coast Region, Great Lakes Region; Managing Partner – Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago; and Domestic and International Client Partner.
Jason Blake is President of PEI. Before PEI, he was Executive Vice President and the Director of Finance at the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), and was also the Director of Operations for the AED Foundation. He is currently Vice-president of Community High School District 155 in Illinois. Blake has a Master’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago. He is an avid golfer and a 12-time finisher of the Ironman Triathlon.
Know Before You Enter: Confined Space Fundamentals
Confined spaces can pose serious risks in our industry. This session covers the essentials—how to identify confined spaces, assess hazards, and follow entry protocols.
Art Sodermark is Training Director and Lead Instructor for Platinum Engineering & Safety. He holds several training certifications including Certified Environmental Trainer, Certified Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Instructor, and American Safety & Health Institute Certified Trainer. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Safety Engineering, as well as his Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. In addition to his years of construction experience spanning residential, light commercial, to heavy industrial, Art also successfully fulfilled a 6-year term of active duty in the US Navy, where he served in the Naval Submarine Service as a Nuclear Operator and Lab Technician. Additionally, to help tie Art’s education and experience together, he continued to earn his State of Florida Building Contractor’s License. Art has worked with multiple PEI companies over the years and was instrumental in helping to develop the PEI Safety Audit and Safety Guidelines.
Energizing Industry Finances: Strategies for Successes for all Business Owners
In this session, Dick Stewart will share practical strategies from the PEI Profitability Report to help business owners better manage capital, improve cash flow, and plan for long-term growth.
Richard Stewart is a retired executive vice president of SAP, Societas Europaea, and former Co-CEO of Grant Thornton LLP. He is a graduate of Wichita State University, the University of Denver, and the Young Presidents Organization. He also serves as advisor to PEI’s Strategic Long-Range Planning Committee.
Are You Easy to Do Business With? Building Relationships for Business Success
In this engaging session, renowned sales culture expert Todd Cohen explores the power of relationship building in driving business success. Attendees will learn how to cultivate trust, communicate with clarity, and create authentic connections that make others want to collaborate.
Todd Cohen is the principal of Sales Leader LLC and author of two books on sales culture, “Everyone’s in Sales” and “Everyone’s In Sales: Stop Apologizing and Start Selling.” He is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and Philadelphia Business Journal, has written for dozens of trade and association magazines and has a monthly newsletter titled, Sales Culture Newsletter.
He is a frequent guest lecturer at area schools including Drexel University, Peirce College, Pennsylvania State University, St. Joseph’s University and Temple University. From 2010-2012, he served as the Sales Executive in Residence at Temple University Fox School of Business where he mentored students on entrepreneurship. Todd regularly coaches people in career transition teaching them how to sell themselves to get the position they want in Residence at Temple University Fox School of Business where he mentored students on entrepreneurship. Todd regularly coaches people in career transition teaching them how to sell themselves to get the position they want.
Prior to launching Sales Leader LLC, Todd coached and led dozens of sales teams to deliver more than $950 million in revenue for leading companies including Xerox, Gartner Group, Thomson-Reuters and LexisNexis. Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.
Peace of Mind Below Ground: The Power of Hydrostatic Monitoring in USTs
Discover how hydrostatic monitoring technology is transforming underground storage tank (UST) management. This session explores how continuous fluid-level monitoring enhances leak detection, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides operators with confidence in the integrity of their fuel systems.
Hannah Guerard is the Vice President of Fuel Handling Sales at Fiber Glass Systems, a business unit of NOV specializing in composite storage, containment, and piping solutions. She leads commercial strategy and growth across North America, bringing a customer-first approach that emphasizes partnership, reliability, and long-term value.
With an MBA from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, Hannah combines strategic insight with practical leadership to deliver innovative fuel-handling solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Hannah lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her family and enjoys running marathons, with a personal best of 2:53.
From Policy to Practice: EPA’s Update for an Evolving Industry
Curious about what’s next for the UST program? The EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks will share new priorities, national updates, and key challenges—but this session is more than just a briefing. Come ready to ask questions, offer input, and be part of a two-way conversation with EPA leadership.
Anthony (Tony) Raia has served as the Director of the US EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) Release Prevention Division since January 2017. The division is primarily responsible for implementing the 2015 federal UST and state program approval regulations, which includes providing technical assistance, developing regulatory compliance assistance tools and resources, and disseminating national guidance. Tony started his career at US EPA in 1998 working in several programs including the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), Brownfields, RCRA Corrective Action, and in the congressional & intergovernmental affairs department. Prior to EPA Tony served as an Officer in the US Army.
Russ Brauksieck is an engineer and has spent his career working on environmental issues associated with underground and aboveground storage tanks. Russ joined EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks in February 2021 where he is focused on release prevention issues. Prior to joining EPA, Russ was with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation where he was involved with the prevention side of the underground and aboveground storage tank programs for over 35 years. Russ also had the opportunity to participate with the National Workgroup on Leak Detection Evaluations for 8 years and with the ASTSWMO Tanks subcommittee for 10 years.
Tim Smith is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks’ (OUST) Release Prevention Division. He is OUST’s point of contact on several federal UST regulatory requirements and national UST program-related issues. His duties include addressing issues related to release detection requirements, UST compliance inspector training, UST operator training, delivery prohibition, and emergency power generator UST systems. Tim is also OUST’s liaison with the Office of Enforcement and Compliance assistance and participates on several nationally recognized standards developing organizations such as the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and American Standards and Testing (ASTM) International. Tim joined EPA and has worked exclusively in OUST since November 1998.
The Wonderful World of UL Standards: What’s New and What’s Next
Join us for a presentation on the world of standards development. Gain insights into recent and forthcoming publications and future projects, discover the different ways you can participate in shaping industry standards, and engage in a dynamic Q&A session with standards developers.
Isabella Brodzinski is a Project Manager at UL Standards & Engagement. She graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems and Business in 2019 and joined ULSE in 2021. Her experience ranges from standards on fireplaces to IT cables, and she believes in educating all industries on the standards development process.
Johnny Hall is a Standards Project Specialist for UL Standards & Engagement, Johnny joined ULSE in 2023 and is the Project Manager for a number of Technical Committees that are covered by the Oil and Gas, Wire and Cable, Conduit/Boxes and Electric Utility Program at UL Standards & Engagement. As part of his role, he works with Technical Committees, Task Groups and Stakeholders to develop and maintain consensus-based standard documents. Johnny contributes to making the world a safer place through his work at UL Standards & Engagement.
Cybersecurity for the Future of the Energy Sector
Ciberseguridad para el futuro del sector energético
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it is a frontline concern for the energy handling industry worldwide. From protecting infrastructure and customer data to responding to evolving threats, companies must stay ahead of the curve. This session will break down today’s most pressing cyber risks, highlight real-world consequences of breaches, and outline practical steps you can take to strengthen your defenses.
This session will be presented in Spanish with translation available.
Carlos-Raul Sanchez is a technologist with 32 years of experience in network, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure security. Carlos specializes in simplifying complex business problems with a pragmatic application of technology. With master’s degrees in computer science, business administration, and a wide range of experience ranging from US Air Force, DOD contractor, and O&G IT security, he is known for securing critical infrastructure worldwide. He spent 15 years leading teams securing oil fields in the United States and offshore assets in the Gulf of Mexico, Western Africa, Brazil, and South China Sea. Now with Fortinet, he is the senior director of operational technology, providing solutions and education to companies seeking to improve their critical infrastructure security posture.
AI’s Growth Potential in Mobility and Retail and its Possible Effect on the Forecourt
Artificial Intelligence has been a buzzword for years—but is it finally moving from hype to real-world impact? This session explores how AI is being deployed in systems and business operations that could reshape forecourt technology, design, and strategy. We will examine how advancements in AI may influence driving, vehicles, and driver behavior—and what those shifts could mean for the future of the forecourt, retail experience, and the technology stack that supports them.
Karl Doenges is the Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI) Charging Analytics Program. Karl also represents the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) on the coming disruption in mobility and how that effects EV charging site hosts. In this role, Karl focuses on NACS’ EV charging infrastructure and EV-retail integration programs, autonomous vehicles and ride-hailing, TEI’s EV analytics programs and engaging the EV industry.
Previously, he was Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Business Development for Sweetwater Energy, President of Clean Fuel Distribution, Director of Global Marketing at Wagner and Brown, Ltd., consultant for fuel, energy and technology for various companies and Vice President of Marketing and Government Affairs for Gradiant Corporation.
Karl also worked in the United States International Trade Administration, establishing the energy exporting team – coordinating the federal agencies engaged in energy and exports.
Karl is a member of the State Bar of Texas, served on the U.S. District Export Council for the U.S. Department of Commerce, is an international business graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.
Securing Your Company’s Future: Cybersecurity Threats and Insurance Solutions
Join Chris Monroe of Monroe & Monroe Insurance for a practical look at how cyber threats impact energy businesses—and how the right insurance strategy can protect your operations, reputation, and bottom line.
Chris Monroe is Managing Director at Monroe & Monroe Insurance, A Hilb Group Company. He has expertise is developing national insurance programs for industries that are perceived to be high-risk. He has specialized in commercial property & casualty insurance, environmental insurance, and risk management for 35 years.
Helping or Hindering? Shaping Environments Where Talent Thrives
Great leaders intentionally invest time in developing the best versions of each of their direct reports. This session explores how to build a strategic plan for each person that empowers your team to thrive in their current positions while preparing them for future roles and responsibilities. Learn how to identify growth and developmental opportunities, align development with organizational goals, and create a culture where people are inspired to become the best version of themselves—now and in the future.
Reid Wilson is a high-impact HR Executive who delivers transformational, large-scale organizational and cultural change and improves bottom-line results through collaboration, servant leadership, championing people and progressive strategic thought. He identifies and develops top talent and sets new standards for excellence. As a versatile and dedicated coach/mentor and clear communicator, he hones actionable strategies and leads programs that advance organizational growth and profitability.
He is the Chief Human Resources Officer at D&H United Fueling Solutions and prior to joining he was the Dealer Principal for Briggs JCB. He held full P&L accountability while steering change initiatives, leveling up talent, implementing process improvements and elevating company-wide standards. He was also appointed President of North America ASV Dealer Advisory Council ensuring 180+ North American ASV dealers were successful in partnership with ASV as an Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Prior to these transformational roles, Reid served as Vice President of HR, Safety, Facilities and Environmental at Briggs Equipment. Before joining the private sector in 2013, Reid spent 17 years at the JCPenney Company, where he served in HR and Operational leadership roles where he had broad HR generalist assignments and deep HR specialty assignments in recruiting, training and compensation as well as operational roles in merchandising, and sales. Here, he built home office capabilities and effectiveness by creating a strong pipeline of talent at all levels. He also acted as an HR business partner for two start-up digital ventures. Reid implemented succession planning, refocused operations on customers and introduced bonus and incentive programs for 1200 locations in all states and supporting 150k employees.
Reid’s MS in HR Management from the University of Texas, Arlington and BA in Chemistry from West Virginia University is supplemented by a Senior Professional Human Resources designation from HRCI. His contributions proved integral in earning the ranks as the # 1 JCB Dealer in North America in 2022 and # 1 ASV Multi Location Dealer in North America in 2021.
Reid resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, 13-year-old daughter and 10-year old son.
Fundamentals of Steel Underground Storage Tanks
Considering a new steel underground storage tank for your next project? This session will walk you through the entire process—from selecting the right tank and designing for your site, to understanding fabrication, corrosion protection, delivery, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Putting Recommended Practices into Action: Diving into Safety and Compliance of Underground Storage Tanks
In this session, Ben Thomas, President of UST Training, will share real-world examples of how to implement recommended practices that enhance safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline documentation for underground storage tanks. Attendees will gain practical insights into how RP900 can be applied to strengthen operations and drive measurable results in their organizations.
Ben Thomas, President of UST Training, has over 35 years of experience explaining, training, and motivating UST professionals about UST compliance and fueling safety nationwide. Ben promoted RP 900 long before it became a nationally recognized standard and is on the PEI RP 900 committee as well as the PEI board. Ben is always looking for a new and innovative ways to understand, perform, and track safe UST inspections.
Learning from the Numbers: An Economist’s View on Industry Trajectory
Join us for an economist-led session as we take a data-driven look at the forces reshaping the energy handling sector. From inflation and interest rates to labor shortages and supply chain pressures, this session will unpack the macroeconomic trends influencing fuel system construction, equipment distribution and station operators.
Michael Feuz is a key member of ITR Economics’ team of expert economists and consultants. Backed by a decade of experience working for technology start-ups, he contributes to the production of client reports, forecast reviews, economic research, and regular client-facing communications.
Michael majored in business administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville and earned his master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. His accomplishments include building, implementing, and executing multiple go-to-market plans for technology start-ups, advancing as a national finalist in a public speaking competition, and publishing multiple op-eds in major media outlets while working in public relations.
Prior to joining ITR Economics, Michael worked as a technology consultant. He helped manufacturers, construction companies, oil and gas firms, financial institutions, and small businesses enhance their operational efficiencies. He worked with C-suite executives across a wide range of industries to improve intra-company communications, data capture and analysis, sales numbers, and profitability.
The Political Landscape: What’s New, What’s Next, and What You Need to Know
Political strategist Matt Morgan will break down the latest shifts in policy and politics impacting the energy handling industry. Learn what is new, what’s next, and how today’s political climate could affect your business.
Matt Morgan is an earnest problem-solver who is no stranger to high-profile and high-stakes representations. Calm under pressure as a leader of the firm’s political law practice, Matt is relied on by clients to help them develop and implement their governmental and political law strategies.
Matt advises corporations, nonprofit organizations, candidates for public office, donors, and public figures who engage in issue advocacy and political activity. He helps clients navigate and comply with lobbying laws, pay-to-play regulations, ethics rules, and political activity disclosure requirements.
As counsel to both new and established nonprofits and political committees, Matt guides organizations on formation, governance, operations, consultant agreements, and regulatory compliance programs.
Matt has wide-ranging political law experience, including extensive experience with presidential campaigns. He has served as general counsel to a presidential campaign and as counsel to the selection and nomination of a vice presidential candidate. Additionally, Matt has counseled numerous governors and members of Congress on a comprehensive portfolio of election law issues, campaign finance matters, ethics requirements, financial disclosures, ballot access filings, and vetting processes.
He regularly advises newly elected officials and their transition organizations, bringing into play his experience ranging from local mayoral committees to serving on the board of directors of a presidential transition.
Prior to rejoining Barnes & Thornburg, Matt served in the White House as the chief counsel and deputy chief of staff to the Vice President of the United States. In his role as a senior official, he provided legal advice on constitutional questions, congressional and other investigations, and national security affairs. He also served as a designated ethics official and administered the office’s compliance programs.
AI in Action: Practical Departmental Implementation for the Energy Handling Industry
Discover how departments across the energy handling industry are integrating AI to improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making. This session highlights real-world applications, and practical and scalable strategies for implementation.
Birju is a sought after speaker and expert on AI, having invented some of the original foundations of AI and applied AI into various healthcare, agriculture, and consumer use cases that most users can recognize today. His AI products are used by over 1B+ people and now have an attribute market cap of $15B+.
Birju is currently a professor of product management and AI at Kellogg School of Management with a joint position at the McCormick School of Engineering where he teaches a highly rated product management class on AI. He also is the co-creator of one of the most popular executive education AI classes; Generative AI: Unlocking Enterprise Value.
Birju is also currently applying AI in agriculture with his company Loam by leveraging AI to increase the yield of crops globally to help feed a growing population. He is also a board member at three various healthcare organizations, where he is helping lead their transformation on AI as it relates to a better patient and provider experience.
Prior to his current position Birju was the head of Uber AI for 3 years, helping scale Uber’s platform globally across 100+ countries. He was also CPO of Redesign Health, President/COO of Sabanto Autonomous Tractors, and led Uber Health.
He holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Business, where he was a McGovern Scholar and a Legatum Scholar and BSE in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University.
Biofuels: Funding, Compatibility, and Future Trends—A Panel Discussion
From policy and incentives to manufacturing challenges and the retail experience, this panel brings together experts across the industry to share updates and insights on expanding E15. Hear the latest on grant programs, compatibility issues, and how one retailer made the decision to bring E15 to customers.
Jeff Dzierzanowski is the New Business Development Manager for Source North America Corporation. Source is one of the largest fueling equipment distributors in the United States. Jeff is a 40-year fueling equipment veteran. He is a recognized expert on fueling equipment and infrastructure compatibilities with biofuels. Jeff has been involved with the site upgrade and introduction of renewable fuels to many fueling sites. He has sat on various industries work groups and committees. He spent 17 years on the board of directors for the Illinois Fuel Retailers Association, and currently sits of the Board of Advisors for the Transportation Energy Institute. He is the proud Grandpa of 4 and an avid fisherman
Andrew Falco joined the Growth Energy team in 2023 as our Manager of Market Development and Analytics. He is responsible for increasing biofuels sales and supply, grant writing, and market development analytics. Andrew started his career at Casey’s where he held a variety of roles, including as a Fuel Pricing Analyst. Most recently, he worked at Chevron REG as a Financial Analyst before joining our team. Andrew received his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Northern Iowa. After college he moved to Ankeny, Iowa for work and currently lives there with his wife and dog.
Nathan Hale, based in Bloomington, Illinois, United States, is currently a Director of Construction and Facilities at Wally’s. Nathan Hale brings experience from previous roles at Vault Construction Company, Mccoy Construction Co., Midwest Construction Rentals and Otto Baum Company, Inc.
Kristy Moore is a leading authority on motor fuel quality, regulatory, safety and environmental aspects, specializing in renewable and alternative fuels. Kristy is well-known and respected throughout the industry for her depth of knowledge and expertise on gasoline and gasoline-ethanol blends. Kristy is developing opportunities for increased renewable fuel and chemical usage in domestic and global markets for Growth Energy, the largest biofuels trade association. She is an active participant in ASTM International by chairing the D02 Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants Subcommittee 93 on International Standards and Related Activities. She is also an integral member of Committee E48 Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass.
Her prior work experience includes both wet and dry milling corn production for Archer Daniels Midland Company. She has extensive knowledge of the Fuel Alcohol industry, as well as the Beverage and Industrial Alcohol industries, using this experience to address technical, regulatory issues for building domestic and global markets. Ms. Moore holds a Chemistry degree from Illinois State University. She resides in Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.A.
Driving Change: The Shifting Landscape of Equipment Distributor Market Consolidation
For years, equipment distributor businesses have been in high demand for acquisitions. While demand remains strong, the rapid pace of consolidation has reduced the number of available targets. Join this session to learn more about ever-changing factors such as private equity, a recent westward shift in M&A activity, and how more emerging trends are causing consolidators to think about what they are looking for in potential companies as we assess where the industry is headed.
Chris Lee is a co-founder and managing partner of Infinity Capital Partners. Lee’s experience is wide-ranging, leading projects in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, industrial services, environmental services, gas stations, franchise-related businesses and others. Outside of client engagements, Lee is also focused on relationship building with strategic partners and business development.
In his previous role as a partner at Giant Capital, Lee provided strategic consulting services for small- and middle-market businesses, advising companies on growth equity financing, capital restructuring and cash flow efficiencies. He has held corporate finance, product development and M&A roles with OGE Energy Corp, where he assisted in the acquisition and divestiture of several midstream oil and gas assets and served as part of the transaction team on the Enable Midstream transaction combining legacy Enogex and Centerpoint Energy’s midstream oil and gas assets.
Lee holds a B.S. in Business Management from Brigham Young University, as well as an M.B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
The Power of Curiosity: Turning Conversations into Clients
Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in building meaningful business relationships. In this session, sales culture expert Todd Cohen will explore how asking the right questions and engaging in authentic conversations can open doors to new opportunities and long-term clients.
Todd is the principal of Sales Leader LLC and author of two books on sales culture, “Everyone’s in Sales” and “Everyone’s In Sales: Stop Apologizing and Start Selling.” He is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and Philadelphia Business Journal, has written for dozens of trade and association magazines and has a monthly newsletter titled, Sales Culture Newsletter.
Why is Our Industry So Busy? Understanding Growth, Demand, and What Comes Next
Teams across the industry are working at full speed—but why? In this panel, John Eichberger (Transportation Energy Institute), Eric Wulf (International Carwash Association), and Jason Blake (PEI) break down what is driving today’s high demand, shifting timelines, and increased workloads. They will also explore how companies can adapt with strategies that turn momentum into long-term progress.
Jason Blake is President of PEI. Before PEI, he was Executive Vice President and the Director of Finance at the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), and was also the Director of Operations for the AED Foundation. He is currently Vice-president of Community High School District 155 in Illinois. Blake has a Master’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago. He is an avid golfer and a 12-time finisher of the Ironman Triathlon.
John Eichberger is Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute. Founded by NACS in 2013 as the Fuels Institute, the Transportation Energy Institute is a non-profit social welfare organization that publishes fact-based research designed to answer relevant market questions, not advocate for any specific outcome. Led by a diverse Board of transportation experts, the Institute is an objective and collaborative research organization that does not advocate. Its peer-reviewed reports are geared toward all industry stakeholders and, because of its non-advocacy approach, it has become the most diverse organization in the transportation sector. Previously, Eichberger served more than 14 years at NACS representing the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With more than 25 years of related experience, Eichberger is a recognized expert on the transportation energy market.
Eric Wulf serves as CEO of the International Carwash Association, a nonprofit trade group supporting the global car wash community. Under his leadership, the organization has focused on helping car wash businesses succeed through research, training, and industry events. Eric works closely with operators, suppliers, and association partners to better understand the market and explore ways to adapt and grow in a changing environment.
PEI Member Management Team: Meet and Mingle with PEI Membership Managers
Grab a cup and connect with PEI Membership Managers. Ask questions, learn more about member offerings, share ideas, and build relationships within the PEI
community.
Alfonso Bovell
Forrest Parker
Christian Walsh
Introduction to the PEI Foundation: Engaging Education and Tackling the Workforce Shortages
Learn how the PEI Foundation is addressing workforce challenges through innovative education and outreach. This session highlights current initiatives aimed at attracting and preparing the next generation of energy professionals. Attendees will discover ways to get involved and support industry-wide talent development.
International Insights: Making the Most of Your Member Benefits
Join our Sr. Director for Latin America, Liliana Cruz, for an open roundtable conversation designed to inform our international members, or those interested, in learning more about PEI’s international reach. You will learn how PEI’s benefits—from training and advocacy to networking and business support—can help you thrive in your region.
