2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Linda Thompson

Managing partner

Fuel Partners 

How did you get into this business? 

I began my journey in this industry as a teenager, when I started working as a cashier. Just shy of my 20th birthday, I became Shell Canada’s youngest retailer.  My first convenience store was on Fairview Road in Mississauga, Ont. I went on to operate seven gas and convenience stores with Shell Canada over the next 10 years.

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?  

The past year has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve dedicated ourselves to cultivating valuable partnerships, building strong networks, and fostering essential contacts to propel business development opportunities for our clients in Ontario.

What do you like most about your job?

One of the aspects I truly appreciate about my job is the positive influence it has on Canadians.  Not only do we create business opportunities that provide employment for individuals, but we also play a crucial role in fostering economic growth. Our commitment extends to supporting various commercial developments within Ontario communities.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

The most significant challenge of my career was undoubtedly opening Fuel Partners. Shortly after launching the firm, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. Navigating the complexities of building a business, pivoting, and finding our niche during this unprecedented time was no small feat. However, we remained steadfast in our entrepreneurial pursuits, pushing forward, evolving, and striving to achieve our goals. Our mission was clear: to identify, source, and create opportunities for new businesses within the convenience and gas channel. Leveraging years of experience and our vast networks allowed us to weather the storm. Relationships and hard work were our anchors.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

The most valuable advice I’ve received is to actively connect with new people. By ‘meeting new people,’ I mean engaging with them in person. Scheduling lunch meetings, grabbing coffee, attending conferences, and visiting people at their stores. Every individual holds value and deserves our time. You never know when unexpected connections might lead to opportunities, referrals, or personal growth.

What's your career highlight/biggest achievement?  

Reflecting on several decades of professional contributions, it’s challenging to choose just one career highlight. However, I take immense pride in my ability to adapt and drive change. If I had to select one achievement, it would be founding Fuel Partners in my fifties—an accomplishment I consider significant.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

I’m excited to witness how retailers navigate the delicate balance between convenience and innovation. As emerging technologies reshape the landscape and consumer preferences evolve, the competition for customer loyalty intensifies.

What trends or innovations are keeping an eye on right now. Is there anything you think will shape the business in the next 5 years?

I see the highly competitive convenience channel trending toward more robust offerings in store such as hot food programs and beer and wine. I think we will see a strong push toward having the right convenience store rewards program to truly stand out as the preferred convenience store brand.

How do you define yourself as a leader?  

As a leader I would describe myself as transparent, creative, entrepreneurial and action oriented. I believe in open communication and sharing. I strive to find unique solutions and explore new ideas for clients and stakeholders. Finally, I work hard to make sure that we stay on task and get our deals closed.