Stinker Stores VP of Operations: ‘People are More Important Than Hardware’

As he steps into a new role, second-generation leader Charley Jones talks legacy, responsibility and lessons learned from his time as a Green Beret.

In late May, the c-store industry learned that Stinker Stores’ President and CEO Nate Brazier was stepping down from his role as “Chief Skunk.” As a result, the chain announced a series of executive-level shakeups in an effort to “strengthen alignment, enhance execution and position the company for continued long-term growth,” the company noted in a statement provided to CStore Decisions.

Now, owner Nancy Jones has taken over as CEO, as second-generation executive Charley Jones steps into a new role as VP of operations.

Charley brings with him a legacy in the c-store space and at Stinker specifically, as he looks to build upon the foundation that both Nancy and his father, the late Charley Jones, Sr., have built over the span of two decades. Charley Jones, Sr., passed away in August 2024 after a battle with cancer.

Stinker Stores was named CStore Decisions’ 2025 Chain of the Year, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors.

CStore Decisions (CSD): As a second-generation member of the family, what does it mean to you personally to step into a leadership role at Stinker?

Charley Jones (CJ): For me, this role is about continuing the work and vision my father dedicated his life to building. After serving in the Army as a Green Beret, I made the decision to return home and invest my energy into supporting our family business, our employees and the communities we serve. While my father’s passing meant I never had the opportunity to work alongside him in this capacity, the values and leadership lessons he instilled in me continue to guide every decision I make.

My mother now leads Stinker as CEO, and the opportunity to return home and work alongside her as she guides the company forward has been a tremendous blessing. I’m honored to help lead Stinker into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

CSD: What aspects of the company’s legacy do you feel most responsible for preserving as you begin your leadership journey?

CJ: An important lesson I carried from my time as a Green Beret is one of the SOF (Special Operations Forces) truths: “People are more important than hardware.” At its core, that principle means that success is driven by people, not systems or equipment. The people at Stinker are among the best in our industry, and our culture has always been our greatest competitive advantage. Preserving that culture while continuing to grow the business is a responsibility I take very seriously.

CJ: I bring a unique combination of perspectives. Having grown up around the business, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges, opportunities and evolution that have shaped Stinker over the years. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from both my father and my mother, whose leadership styles and commitment to the business have provided valuable examples in different ways.

My military experience taught me how to lead through uncertainty, solve complex problems and build high-performing teams. Together, those experiences allow me to respect the foundation that has made Stinker successful while also identifying new opportunities to strengthen and grow the company for the future.

CJ: Long term, I hope to help create opportunities for our people, strengthen the communities we serve and ensure Stinker remains a company that employees are proud to be part of. If I can help develop future leaders, continue building a culture centered on people, and leave the company stronger than I found it, I’ll consider that a success. My goal is to honor the foundation my father built, support the vision my mother is leading today, and help position Stinker for sustained growth for generations to come.

CJ: The future of Stinker has never been brighter. We have an incredible team, a strong foundation, and tremendous opportunities ahead of us. I’m excited to work alongside our employees, partners and communities as we continue building on nearly a century of success.